Coming Home

I think one of the biggest decisions I’ve ever made was leaving Canada to move to Australia. I was walking away from everything I knew and loved—my family, my friends, and my career. Family has always been incredibly important to me, so leaving them was without a doubt the hardest part. I kept telling myself it was just a plane ride away. And thanks to technology, I’ve been able to see them every week virtually, which has helped more than I can say.

But let’s be honest—nothing beats being there in person. Holding those you love in your arms, sharing real-life belly laughs, and giving the kind of hugs that speak louder than words. After three long years, I finally got to do just that—and I’ve soaked up every single second.

There was a moment I wasn’t sure I’d make it, after a bike crash on June 1st. But thankfully, I seem to be a quick healer and I wasn’t about to put this trip off. It was so special to arrive and hug my mum and my sister—on her birthday, no less.

Celebrating my niece Lea’s 30th and reconnecting with my nephew Chris, cousins, and lifelong friends brought back a flood of beautiful memories. At Lea’s party on the 7th, people from every corner of my past turned up—family, high school friends, former colleagues. I couldn’t believe how many people I’ve collected throughout my life, and I’m so grateful for those lasting connections.

Not everyone is lucky enough to have that. Family love is like nothing else. My people—those in Canada and in Australia—have shaped me into who I am.

Leaving is always bittersweet. There are always tears, and the quiet thought that maybe it’s the last time I’ll see some of them. But my home now is in Melbourne, and as I celebrate 31 years here in August—almost half my life—I’m excited to reconnect with my Aussie tribe once again.

"Family is where your soul feels most at peace—no matter how far you travel, their love always finds you."