A few weeks ago, I received a call to tell me that I had been nominated for the Pride of Australia Medal.
My first reaction was to politely tell the caller that they had the wrong number, and to wish them all the best in tracking down the other Julie Rainbow!
When it finally registered that it was me who they wanted, I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry…and ended up in a fit of confused hiccups (graceful, as always).
There’s no other way to put it: I have been totally overwhelmed by the messages of support that I have received since then. So many people have connected with my story…so many people are walking a similar road right now.
I wanted to write this simple message…because I’m sure that there is someone out there who needs to hear it.
Nothing in life can define you.
Not your past, not your job, not the role you play in your family.
There’s no doubt that being a parent will influence your maturity; that your work will give you a sense of purpose. But at the end of the day, there is something beyond all this that makes you who you are.
Know that you are more than the sum of your parts.
Know that you can make your own mark on the world.
Know that you have the power to overcome whatever obstacles appear on your path.
There is always more to your story – you just have to find the strength to turn over a new page.
I am truly thankful to everyone who has contacted me over the past few weeks.
Now, I want to return the favour.
If your heart is crying out for guidance or direction, reach out.
