I have been a junior primary teacher in the Australian Education system on and off for more years than I care to admit to. Even when I have thought that I might like to try something different, I always returned. I have a humble but probably important profession in that I teach 5 year olds to read and write. And what I do seems to work!! :)

How did you get to where you are now?

I studied at University to gain my teaching qualifications, taught a while, married and had two sons. Then I returned to teaching when the youngest went to school. Ive been there ever since. Ive travelled and hope to travel more. Next stop, USA !! 

How do you see yourself differently now than you did 10 years ago?

I see things differently. Im not as 'nice'. But Im much more able to laugh at life and laugh at my silliness in youth albiet a little more cynically, sadly... but Im working on that one. I have to get to the point where i GIVE UP ON EVER HAVING A BETTER PAST.... and forgive myself for being sooo  immature... One day I hope I can  start being kind to my younger self.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Alive, retired and able to keep myself financially in the manner to which I am now accustomed. I hope I can accept the aging process and all its tricky bits!!

Dear younger self,   Im sorry you had to go through so much pain on your way to maturity. I know you struggled so desperately to accept the broken marriage and the aloneness of the child rearing process. I know you would have given anything for that not to have been the case. I wish I could have been there for you to reassure you and tell you you were doing your best and thats all anyone could ask. hugs x :) You made it!!  and everything's going to be just fine!!

Any woman who has been through what I've been through, managed to retain their dignity and keep their integrity intact. Any woman who continues to have pride in self, who does her best to look and feel as good  as she can. Any woman who is kind, outgoing and there for her  friends and family. Any woman who can accept the aging process graciously.  Any woman who can allow others to be whoever they want to be, without judgement. Any woman who can not just accept difference but can celebrate it. Any woman who can understand that she is equal to all other human beings and not allow anyone to undermine her self esteem. Any woman who is humble enough to undertand that if she can achieve all these things, then she has been blessed with a great gift!!