Mindful, But Not Sorry – Embracing My True Self

As I head into 2025, reflecting on a year full of ups and downs, I’ve learned some valuable lessons. Yet the most important one is this:

Vulnerability isn’t about winning or losing – it’s about showing up, being authentic, and allowing yourself to truly be seen.

That’s something I’ve come to appreciate, whether I’m volunteering at the local art gallery, giving up my time to help friends, capturing Kangaroo Island through my lens, or being a partner, parent, provider, artist, friend, and business owner.

I’ve realised I’m not here to play it safe or stay invisible.

I want to create art, write articles, make memories, and be part of moments that have my stamp on them. And if someone’s not in the thick of it themselves – facing challenges, taking risks – I’ve got no time for their uninformed, inexperienced critiques.

I also realised we live in a world where it’s all too easy to numb the hard stuff. Yet you can’t just numb the pain and keep the joy – It doesn’t work like that! When you push away grief, fear, or disappointment, you end up dimming happiness, gratitude, and all the good bits too. It’s like trying to dodge a rainy day on Kangaroo Island – it’s part of the deal, and pretending it’s not there only makes you miserable.

The same goes for perfectionism.

I’ve spent enough hours fussing over the tiniest details on my website or second-guessing a photo edit to know it doesn’t lead anywhere good. It’s a trap, especially as a parent.

With both my sons, I’ve learned my job isn’t to make them flawless or ensure they nail everything too soon. My job is to remind them they are brilliant as they are – imperfect, figuring things out, and worthy of love and belonging. If more kids heard that growing up, I reckon we’d solve a lot of today’s problems.

And then there’s this obsession with certainty.

Whether it’s politics or the way people cling to their beliefs, it’s all about being right, no matter the cost. But certainty is a mirage. Life isn’t neat and tidy – it’s messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully human.

I’ve learned from running my own window-cleaning business that being real – showing up and saying, “This is who I am” – takes guts.

Whether I’m on the radio, writing a blog post, or chatting with interesting customers at the Kingscote Art Gallery, I try to be the same bloke in every setting. Sure, I’ll muck up sometimes, but I’d rather be authentic than polished. When I’m standing there talking art or sharing stories about life on the island, it’s not about impressing anyone: It’s about connection – about showing I listen, care and that what you see and here is me, not some fake persona.

And here’s what I keep coming back to: I am enough.

When I believe that, I stop overthinking and start listening – both to you all AND myself. I’m more patient with myself and others. Life feels lighter somehow. When I write or speak, I lean into who I am – a creative dad, an entrepreneur, and a genuine bloke who loves Kangaroo Island.
Whether it’s coding, snapping photos, or chatting with locals at the gallery, I do it my way.

I’ve also realised something about myself – I can’t be anyone but me.

I’m not built for pretending, and changing who I am isn’t just hard; it’s like asking a kangaroo to fly.

Yeah, I get that I need to be mindful of how I come across – maybe soften the edges now and then – but here’s the thing: I’m not about to apologise for someone else’s feelings. If they’re offended, that’s their hill to climb, not mine.

I’m here to be authentic, to show up as the bloke I am, even if that means ruffling a feather or two. I’d rather be real and misunderstood than fake and misinterpreted.

And honestly? I reckon that’s not such a bad way to live.