How often do we forget that we actually have a choice? That we have the power to shape our lives, our direction, our story. It’s easy to blame circumstances or other people when things don’t go the way we hoped. But at the end of the day, no one else is responsible for our path — we are.

How many times have you been offered an opportunity and instinctively said no? What if saying yes could open the door to a new passion, a new path, or even a whole new chapter in your life?

On April 24th, Carol version 6 truly came to life. I was heading to Belgium, just like most years around this time, for a Para Cycling World Cup. But this year was different—I wasn’t there as a cyclist but as the Team Manager.

How many of us are truly living our purpose? Have you ever paused to ask yourself—what is my WHY?

I don’t believe that grit is just about being dedicated to a goal. It’s deeper than that. Grit is about loving what you’re doing—feeling that fire in your belly even when things get tough.

After winning gold at the Rio Paralympics, I was invited to Monash University for filming. But first, I had training. I parked outside the Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS), tucked my bag—with my medals inside—into the footwell, and covered it with my jacket. A local thief saw me.

Have you ever noticed how one person’s drive, success, or effort can inspire others to step up? It happens in sports, workplaces, and even in everyday life.

Success looks different for everyone. For some, it’s a promotion, a better job, or a bigger bank balance. But what if we stripped success back to its core? What if success wasn’t measured by external achievements but by something much simpler—being just a little better than you were yesterday?

I used to think setbacks were roadblocks—barriers keeping me from where I wanted to go. But over time, I realised something powerful: adversity wasn’t stopping me; it was shaping me.

Have you ever really thought about who you need in your world? It’s often said that the people we surround ourselves with shape who we become. Their energy, mindset, and habits influence us more than we realise.

How often do we catch ourselves wishing for more? A bigger house, a new car, a fatter bank account, or a better job? It’s human nature to want more, to strive for the next big thing.

I was once told by a friend that life is like a train ride.

We get on, we ride, and we get off. We get back on and ride some more. There are accidents and there are delays. At certain stops there are surprises and some of these will translate into great moments of joy, some will result in profound sorrow.