Mel

• New from Mel

  • Defiance
  • The Ghosts That Haunt Me
  • That Little Drum Beat of Hope
  • That There is Potential in All
  • To Run a Marathon With a Ball and Chain

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  • toni childs on The Ghosts That Haunt Me
  • toni childs on Utter Treachery, in the Disguise of Sweet Seduction
  • Margaret Rose Nelson on Utter Treachery, in the Disguise of Sweet Seduction
  • toni childs on Utter Treachery, in the Disguise of Sweet Seduction

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“Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass, instead it's about learning to dance in the rain”

I am a 21 year-old, born and raised in Queensland, Australia and have spent the majority of my life living on the beautiful Sunshine Coast. Being surrounded by the magnificent beaches and rolling countryside of the hinterland ranges, developed my keen love and admiration for the awesome beauty of the natural world. The majestic splendor of my surroundings has always provided an escape in times of pain and has been a constant source of comfort, strength and encouragement throughout my life's journey. My story is far from remarkable….

A relentless drive for unattainable perfection has always haunted me, shattering my self-esteem from a very young age. This combined with life circumstances, led to the development of anorexia nervosa in my late adolescence. I have battled this illness ever since, with the shadow of anorexia darkening every aspect of my life. It has taken away opportunities, abilities, special moments and even my freedom through hospitalization. That is why the quote “Life's not about waiting for the storm to pass, instead its about learning to dance in the rain” means so much to me and sums up perfectly my experience. Right now I'm trying to learn to dance in the rain, though at times I fall and slip, while other times the rain is like acid searing my skin, but I know rain can also be healing and life giving. Able to restore a barren land, replenishing and relieving through its cleansing drops. My column will offer no special insights or secrets to success in life — simply my thoughts as I attempt to chronicle my journey and, also learn and master my dance steps…

New in the Mel Column

Defiance

Defiance (noun):
1. Open, bold, or hostile refusal to obey or conform
2. A daring or bold resistance to authority or to any opposing force.
3. The act or an example of defying
4. A readiness to contend or resist.
The above are some definitions of the word defiance. I was asked by Toni to focus this column on defiance and the act [...]

The Ghosts That Haunt Me

Another month already. Time flickers past so quickly. What to write? What to say of my experiences this month?
It has been a very challenging few weeks to say the least. I have been forced to face a lot of unpleasant memories that have shattered my fragile state of mind. My confidence and belief in hope [...]

That Little Drum Beat of Hope

Sometimes I stare at a blank page and nothing comes to me. No words, no emotions, absolutely nothing. I am completely numb and completely lost for inspiration. Sometimes this also happens when I think about my life. It is so empty, yet filled with darkness. Light sometimes dances through, weaving streaks of golden threads across [...]

That There is Potential in All

Over the last nine weeks I have finally been able to commence my clinical fieldwork as part of my university degree. In many ways I have felt happier than I have felt for such a long time, despite the immense pressure and internal hardship associated with this time. Attempting to manage the demands of work, [...]

To Run a Marathon With a Ball and Chain

It seems forever since I wrote my first column. I feel everything, yet nothing has really changed. The on-going agony of moving through each day continues, made harder by some changes to my circumstances. Throughout life, my studies and learning have always provided me with an escape. I could run and find comfort in their [...]