The past few years I have been setting myself goals and when you set goals, you find yourself stepping out of your comfort zone.

I don’t know about you but stepping out of your comfort zone takes courage, it takes a yes moment and you may be doing it with some nervous energy.

You maybe doing it with quite a lot of nervous energy.

It is saying yes to new things when you really just want to stay home and hide under the covers.

I think that growth happens in the moment of the inbetween, that decision of the goal and then reaching the goal.

I describe myself like a duck on the outside, people will see me gliding across the water without making a ripple, but don’t let that fool you, I am paddling for my life underneath.

Goals are scary because it is places we have never experienced before and stepping into those places is where you learn so much about who you are.

It is stepping into the unknown.

How do we do this without shrinking back and not believing in what we are capable of?

To be honest, it begins with a yes.

Yes, I will commit to this goal, yes I wll talk to others that can support and encourage me in working towards the goal.

Shrinking back and playing small is what I have done for most of my life, especially being a people pleaser (I am still working on this).

We all have a dream, a goal, a desire in our hearts.

It may be buried at the moment, but the joy is in discovering the hidden dream.

Take that dance class you have been thinking about doing, go to an art class, try something just for fun.

You never know what will happen.

This week, decide on one thing that you would like to do that you have been thinking about.  Then say yes and see what happens.

I am cheering you on and you have got this.

I will share more soon.

Today is the first weekend in about 4 weeks that I have nothing planned.

It has been a very productive last 4 weeks, and I am very grateful for every opportunity.

I have entered a bodybuilding comp and am now working on growth phase, so I am still working out Monday to Friday, cardio three times a week, steps to get in and practising posing.

I also was interviewed on the couch about my song Rise, which was a great experience. You can watch that on YouTube or Foxtel.

Last weekend was one of my niece’s 21^st birthday and then Mother’s Day.

I also had a session with my music mentor and am working on one of my songs, Another Summer and Butterflies. We are getting this ready to record.

Also, I am working in my role as a primary school Chaplain five days a week, which I love.

Today is a day of rest, one where I am staying home for the whole day. There is still meal prepping to organise, steps to get in and things to do around the house. Working on my website as well.

Recovery is important, rest days are important and slowing down is important.

What do you do to relax and look after yourself?

What is one thing that you could plan today, even for 30 minutes?

Take the time to rest, take the time to recharge and take the time to look after yourself.

I would love to hear from you about how you rest.

The Couch Episode 835

Last weekend I had another new adventure, where I had an interview on The Couch.

I have been stepping out of my comfort zone lately.

I was interviewed about my song Rise and then I got to sing my song.

I loved the experience and the opporunity.

Please enjoy.

Saturday, 25 of April, I competed in my first bodybuilding competition in Perth, WA.

I have been training since I committed to my gym journey on May 11 2023.

I said to my coach I need a new goal, and I decided to compete.

It has been an interesting journey, and I have learned so much along the way.

I have an amazing coach who supports me and listens to my many, many questions.

It has been a journey of early mornings and following my training and meal plans.

I loved the whole process of this journey. Except for my little moment on registration day when I got my outfit. I was in the moment of. I don’t think I can do this. I am so not ready for this. I was already so invested for me there was no turning back, and I had already paid for everything.

What have I learnt along the way-

 Trust your coach

 Follow your meal plan

 Get organised

 Meal prep

 Ask questions

Trust the process

Show up everyday for your gym sessions

It is cold in the mornings in winter (but it is okay)

 Believe in yourself

 and

 You can do it.

Peak week I found so strange, I am so used to singing and speaking on stage, but this was so different. This was a different level. I know for me there were so many new and unknown experiences.

There were so many new experiences, 3 layers of tan, finding the venue, seeing the stage for the first time, just finding my way around,

Did I like it? Yes. Would I do it again? Of course.

We are looking at April 2027.

Now the new goal is to build more muscle, eat more, yeah!

The journey continues.

I am so glad you are here, you are worthy, valued and loved