A series of 26 books is in development, designed to teach coping mechanisms for building emotional intelligence and mental toughness. The goal of these books is to empower readers and foster a stronger sense of self. 

Every year, parents enroll their little ones in swimming lessons. They carefully plan nutritious meals for their children’s physical development, but navigating the complexities of shaping a child’s mind often feels like a maze. Driven by the desire to instill a sense of right and wrong, they question whether their efforts are sufficient. I’m sharing this without judgment, simply to provide context for my perspective. 

My life before 20 was a whirlwind of adventure, discipline, dreams, and hard work. I spent three successful years playing for New South Wales State Softball team, winning three Australian National Titles. I also cheered for the Parramatta Eels, a National Rugby League team, for three years. The excitement and wonder of it all was exhilarating. After a trip to Bali in 1989, and after chatting with some Aussies working in bars there, I pursued a bar course in Parramatta, Sydney — the Alex Beaumont Bar Course.

In 1990, I left behind Sydney, Australia; my boyfriend; my best friend; Sportsgirl; and my family. Not that I was running *from* them; I just needed something more. I wanted to discover who I was, beyond being a softball player or a cheerleader. I craved more experiences, more learning, and above all, more than what I had already achieved in my teenage years.

After a stint at the Sheraton Mirage in Port Douglas in 1990, I worked for the Canadian Keg restaurant chain before heading back north to live and work on Great Keppel Island for two years and Daydream Island-Airlie Beach.