Shine Winter 2025 - Purposeful paths - meaningful work giving back and self-care

This issue we look at purposeful paths - how our contributors have forged paths with meaningful work, giving back, support networks, and a healthy dose of self-care. We hear from Rosey, who found ways to get back to doing the things she loves, like cycling, yoga and travelling. “Everyone has helped me adjust to the new me,” she said.   

We also hear from:

• Warren who through meditation, research, curiosity, and strong social support, is soon to submit his PhD thesis on mapping psychological landscapes. “Looking more deeply into the challenges one faces doesn’t heighten them, but lightens them,” he said.
• Adam, an electrical apprentice when he had his accident, who finished his studies, worked and travelled across Australia, changed careers and got married in May this year. “My journey is not over, neither is yours. Life is too good to stay stagnant, even in hard times,” he said.
• Clare, a mother and carer for son Eoin, who found un-tapped strength in sharing and learning from strangers walking a similar path, through the Strength2Strength program. “When everything else has changed, connection is the one thing that steadies you, she said.
• Binod, a participant in the EmployAbility program, discovered just how many options were available to support him in the workplace. “I’d recommend it to anyone living with a disability and unsure about their future,” he said.
• Peter (Spickler), back working in the transport industry, who describes himself as ‘a get outside sort of guy’, shares his love of garden, music and his cockatiel Gizmo.
• Peter (Sheather), a passionate volunteer who “found the new me” in his serving his community, old movies, his hi-fi, and new friends at the Grafton Vintage Motor Vehicle Club. “Do what you can do. Never give up,” he said.

Shining moments in the Winter edition, also see us catching up with Joel who shared his story in the Summer 2020 edition and who now is the proud father of twins; and 2023 contributor Kelly-Anne Kerley, who has just released a book ‘Breaking Up With My Wheelchair’.   

Read the full edition here