Wisdom & Philosophy

For me, the philosophy of life isn’t a big, complex tapestry. It’s more like a well-worn sweater that fits just right. It’s about holding on to who I am, even when the world insists on throwing its flashy trends and convoluted rules in my face. Principles and values are not just ideas, they’re the bones of Integrity. Without them? You’re a kite flapping aimlessly, tethered to nothing. And let’s be honest, who wants that?

Motto: my motto is a bit quirky, “Be careful of the damage!” Sounds like something scrawled on a danger sign, doesn’t it? But it’s my compass. Every decision I make, whether it’s about work love or just choosing what to have for tea, is filtered through this lens. It’s not about fear, but about mindfulness. Damage isn’t always visible. A careless word can shatter someone’s confidence just as easily as a misstep on a wet footpath can twist your ankle.

I have my parents to thank for shaping my outlook. Dad (God bless him), hammered Integrity into me like a carpenter hammers nails. (He wasn’t a carpenter [though a plumber], but you get the metaphor). Mum? She had this magical way of making me believe that pursuing passions wasn’t just okay, it was essential. She’d say, “Don’t let the world dull your sparkle, darling. Not everyone likes glitter, but that’s their loss.”

Somewhere along the way, Hope snuck in, uninvited but most welcome. Hope and its companions: Faith and Passion, they’ve been the fuel for all my trials and triumphs. Not to get sentimental, but they’re like that trio in The Lord of the Rings – determined, scrappy and always pulling you back from the brink.

But listen life is not all triumph and inspiration. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes, like:

• spilling coffee on important papers,
• trusting the wrong people and
• being held back by fear.

The thing is that growth doesn’t come in a bow. It’s messy, uncomfortable and sometimes downright painful. And yet it’s worth it. Always!

If you’re after advice, here’s mine (take it or leave it): don’t overcomplicate things. Keep it simple and grounded. Like making a good pavlova, you don’t need ten toppings, just the basics. And don’t forget to have fun even when the world feels like a storm. Dance in the rain, metaphorically or literally and remember: life isn’t a polished Instagram feed. It’s raw. Unpredictable and, if you let it be gloriously imperfect.

So if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed or just plain lost, join us. I’ve been through a lot, scrapes, stumbles and surprising victories. Maybe, just maybe, I’ve got a nugget of wisdom that can help you create a life that feels like yours.

Isn’t that what we’re all after?

A life we love, scratches, dents and all.