I was born into a ‘normal’ family in Australia, without any knowledge of special gifts like seeing dead relatives, talking to fairies or imaginary friends as children sometimes do. Therefore, growing up I chose a ‘normal’ career path, working in the corporate world of Finance. Even though it represented ‘normality’ I had a yearning to seek, explore and discover the world around us. So I packed up and headed to London in 1998 to continue to work in finance but with a focus on travel.

Over 5 years I dedicated my life to working and travelling around the world, exploring cultures, traditions, landscapes, world wonders and meeting amazing people. I also happened to find myself at many sacred sites, unbeknown to me that they would have a much deeper meaning in times to come. In addition, I had a healthy spiritual curiousity with reading spiritual books, owned crystals, Buddhas, Angels and would often silently pray to whoever was listening – especially on those hair-raising bus rides in India or Vietnam where I did wonder if my time on earth was up!

During my travels I gained an understanding of the unbalance within the world and it was especially apparent as I sat in my office on the Trading Floor of a well known European Investment Bank when the 9/11 tragedy struck. Live news on TV screens adorned the walls and we gathered around them after the first plane hit. I watched live as the second plane hit the building and felt disbelief of what was unfolding.
 
A flurry of activity erupted around me and realised that there was a panic of buying and selling stocks by the Traders! Already the rumours were rife of a terrorist attack which would have a massive affect on the markets (which consequently happened) so the need to minimize financial damage and conversely, capitalise on financial gains was a priority. Stocks in oil and American construction companies were at the forefront.

I watched transfixed as the events unfolded on TV and the horror of people jumping to their death as it was a ‘better’ option and I sat in an office in London surrounded by people selling and buying shares because of it. It was quite a moment, I tell you! I was left dumbfounded, how did I end up living in such a world where making money was a priority over life? Ok granted, there was nothing I or my colleagues could physically do to change the outcome – but it was one massive wake up call for me and how I contribute to the people and this planet.

I would like to add here, that I hold no judgement over anyone who acted in accordance to their understanding and beliefs. I understand we live in this paradigm where money and financial wealth is a desirable thing; I am not immune to it. I have great friends who work and live with such beliefs and understandings and I love them no less. But, it is my choice, decision and my truth that is important to me. No truer words have been spoken by Mahatma Ghandi "Be the change you want to see in the world". So I enrolled in a Development Diploma at Birkbeck University – I was going to help heal the world by working for charities in third world countries!

During this time I learnt more about life, met amazing people from all around the world (as is the melting pot of London) and graduated with my Diploma. I continued to work within Finance, it’s what I knew and gave me financial freedom. However, I was still seeking. I wanted to put my corporate experience to use, so I enrolled in a Masters Degree in Corporate Social Responsibility. Knowing that most of the world’s wealth is held by the multinational corporations and perceive that poorer nations readily give up their resources for a minimal price than what is gained on the market – this was the way I was going to readdress the unbalances I had experienced. Or so I thought.

I worked 50 hours a week for an Investment company in plush offices next to the noble Ritz Hotel of London and was begrudged by colleagues when I had to leave ‘early’ (on time) two evenings a week to attend uni lectures.

This was living! I had a good job, earning great money, studying at University (finally gaining academic kudos), renting a small but cosy one bedroom apartment in a good part of town on my own (no mean feat in London) and my social diary was overflowing. I utilised every minute of every day and even organised dates over breakfast before work – well they do it in New York!

I am sure by now you are wondering how I ever ended up on this ‘Spiritual’ path? Trust me, I wonder too! By all accounts to the outside world, I was successful. Travelling around the world, working overseas, great career, financially secure, great social life, studying to further my passion to make a difference in the world – what else does a girl want? So why did I still feel lost, confused and angry? Wasn't I doing everything RIGHT?

For four months I had no energy, feeling nauseas, body and headaches, deep fatigue, dizziness to name a few symptoms. I stopped studying, stopped socialising and the only thing I was capable of doing is going to work and coming home to bed. I went to several doctors, they told me I was stressed and maybe suffering from post viral syndrome as I had a succession of illnesses of flu, tummy bug etc that I never took time off work for, just kept on going – as was expected of course. It was a frustrating time. One that brought many lessons. I lost so called friends as I couldn’t go to their parties anymore, I pulled out of the Masters degree and had to bear a lot of judgement and lack of understanding because I just was feeling ‘sick’.

Finally I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue with strict instructions from the Doctor to take three months off work. My workplace had other ideas and cut dead wood from the ship – I was given my marching orders with a candy apple handshake. I was devastated. I just needed a few weeks off to get better! Also I was about to buy my first apartment picking up the keys in a weeks time as well as a decent mortgage. How was I supposed to get better knowing I had no job and no income?

I researched the hows, whats and whys of Chronic Fatigue, finding out that there is no medical cure and some Doctors even question its validity. If I'm honest, I feel that I was actually suffering a sickness of the soul. A soul that was not heard, seen or acknowledged. AND, what better way for the Universe to assist me in my awakening then to slow down and stop. Time to listen. Physically I had no choice but to stop however, it took an emotional and mental toll on my wellbeing also.  It is also worth noting that many healers have a similar experience where they encounter a 'healing crisis' as a vehicle for great change and shift of awareness.

I was not going to let this illness dampen my passion as an adventurer and seeker and knew it was just another opportunity to learn, grow and experience the journey of life – challenging as it was. As an actor in the play of life – the show must go on!

Diet, meditation and exercise was advised and I found myself attending a 7 day juice detox and cleanse retreat. I came out of there a new vibrant and lightened person. Out with the old, in with the new as I started honouring my body, mind and spirit.

I decided to aspire to deeper nurturing and support so headed back to my homeland and my family. Also the wonderful bountiful nurturing environment of sunshine, blue skies, fresh air, green trees, sparkling waters and open spaces of Australia.

During this period I dedicated all my time to nurture myself. Reading, writing, listening to music, walking in rainforests and beaches, meditating and practising all healing tools I had learnt. Lying with crystals adorned over my body, invoking healing Angels, writing Reiki symbols over my chakras and in reality, just played!

Gaining confidence, I then started recruiting family and friends to practise healing on. I had great confirmations as I picked up ailments, aches and illness on my willing subjects – maybe there was something to this healing energy lark! And from there the story continues.........