I live in Sydney, Australia and grew up as an only child in Adelaide, a city (thankfully) dotted with as many churches as pubs. I’ve had my share of challenges, both financial and emotional, having left home at 17, then struggling to find work when I moved to Sydney in my late 20’s.The biggest hurdle was divorcing in my mid-30’s after a decade of marriage, with 2 year old twins and no family support.The life tonic for me has been a combination of my beautiful children, fitness and health, a low sugar diet, travel, making amazing friendships, renovating houses and living in the moment.

Through reading everyone from Eckhart Tolle to Oprah, Brene Brown, and every other book of inspiration I could get my hands on, I realised we are all forced to confront the meaning of life at some point, and the answer lies within. We are the only ones who can change our lives.

Throughout my career as a journalist, I have been exposed to so many successful, inspirational people from Bono to Kylie, Kate Moss, Elle Macpherson, David Beckham, Richard Branson and Elton John, who have also confronted their demons, and found meaning.Competing for Australia in sprint triathlon in Chicago in my age group last year was a life highlight, as was launching my first website www.bondibeauty.com. But I’ve realised baking the best sugar-free chocolate cake or lying on the grass on a sunny day reading can be just as fulfilling.

I believe life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% what we make of it. No-one can do it for you, not rich parents, a loving sibling, a wealthy husband, or a close friend. We wake up with ourselves, and we are born and die alone.

I’m a journalist by profession, who ordinarily hides behind the people I interview, but we all come to a point in life where it’s time to come clean, take a risk and be honest. I hope here, to give something to others. (Gosh I hope I don’t sound old!).

I’d love to hear from you.

Love,

Renae

With my son at The Peninsula, Beverly Hills where we stayed as guests, and had an incredible once in a lifetime adventure in May 2016.

With my daughter before dinner at The Peninsula, Beverly Hills in May 2016.