Courage is a word we often hear but rarely pause to define in our own lives. Even I speak about the courage to take a chance on change and step into the unknown. Yet, for many, courage feels like a distant goal rather than an accessible choice.

Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Whether it’s in sport, work, or life, progress comes from stepping into the unknown, facing challenges, and pushing your limits. Challenges test our abilities, expose our weaknesses, and demand that we rise to the occasion.

Adversity, failure, and obstacles are inevitable, but I’ve always believed there’s something positive to uncover, even in the toughest moments.

When I think back to my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis in 1998, I could never have imagined how my life would unfold from 2011 to 2025. What an incredible 14 years it has been!

I believe that too many times in life we are looking for the magic in something special that we do. But I think we need to look at those ordinary moments in our life that already have magic in them!

I have written a lot about this year, 2024, so I won’t bore you with the details again! Suffice to say, it wasn’t the best of years, but it was one that filled me with immense gratitude. As the year draws to a close, I encourage you to take a moment to look around at the people in your life who have given of themselves to you this year. Be grateful for them, because what would life be without the people who love and support us?

The holiday season is here, and with it comes the excitement of children awaiting Santa Claus and parents rushing to finalise shopping and prepare festive meals. Yet, for many, this time of year can be a stark reminder of what they don’t have—financial struggles, or the absence of family, can make the season a difficult one.

Building a life is a lot like constructing a house, brick by brick. Each decision, each challenge, each triumph, is like laying a brick in the foundation of who we are and who we’re becoming. Just like a house, we start with a vision of what we want our life to look like. We lay down solid intentions and goals, pouring a foundation to support the journey ahead.

My life has been a journey filled with twists, challenges, and reinventions. Over my 63 years, I’ve gone from policing to moving across the world, from business to an unexpected diagnosis of MS, and finally to a career in Para Sport. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: it’s never too late to start something new.

There’s something powerful about letting go. It’s not always easy—especially when you’re deeply invested, when you’ve given everything to a journey and built a life around it. But sometimes, letting go is the key to moving forward into something even greater.

We’ve all faced moments when others doubt us, questioning our ability to achieve what we know in our hearts is possible. I remember vividly when I first took up rowing, driven by a newfound passion and a dream to represent Australia at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. After winning my first national competition in the Double Sculls, I felt ready to take it to the next level, so I reached out to Rowing Australia about classification and joining the national team.

Every day, we’re presented with countless opportunities to shape our lives, and it all begins with a simple, yet profound, concept: choice. Your choices—big and small—hold the power to design the life you desire.