11/11/2024
Reflections on an Incredible Weekend in Brisbane 🌟
This past weekend was filled with connection, celebration, and learning, but also with deep reflection and gratitude. I had the privilege of attending the Australian Traditional Medicine Society's (ATMS) Awards Night in Brisbane, where I was honoured to be a finalist for Practitioner of the Year. While I didn’t take home the award, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Cath Minter, who truly deserves this recognition for her dedication and outstanding contributions to the industry. I also want to congratulate Samantha Bake, another fellow finalist who inspires with her work, and it was truly an honour to be alongside such exceptional practitioners.
A very special congratulations to Lis Conlon, who won Lecturer of the Year. Lis is someone I have had the privilege of learning from as a student, and I can wholeheartedly say that her teaching and mentorship have been transformative. Her deep commitment to educating and empowering future practitioners is evident in everything she does, and it was wonderful to see her so deserving of this recognition.
A huge congratulations as well to all the other winners and finalists – each of you is making a significant difference in the lives of others, helping people find their way to better health and wellbeing. You are all empowering your clients to take charge of their own wellness journeys, and that is something truly special.
I’d like to extend my deepest thanks to my work colleagues, peers, and clients who nominated me for this award. Your belief in me, your support, and your trust in my work mean more to me than words can express. A very special thank you to Jaime, who gave me the incredible opportunity to make a real difference by employing me at City Cave Bella Vista. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and for the space it has given me to grow and contribute to the health and wellbeing of the people I work with.
I also want to take a moment to thank the ATMS for such a lovely and welcoming Awards Night. The atmosphere was warm, inviting, and genuinely celebratory – it was clear that this is an organisation that values and appreciates the impact we all make in the world of natural medicine. I felt truly honoured to be a part of it.
A heartfelt thank you to my wonderful husband Pablo, who was by my side throughout the evening. Your unwavering support means the world to me, and I am so grateful to have you with me on this journey.
While this weekend was filled with joy and celebration, my heart was also with the family of Jesica Varela, who sadly passed away in the past few days. Jesica was not only a mentor to me, but also a beloved flamenco teacher to my daughter Isabella for over a decade. Jesica’s passion for flamenco, her grace, and her dedication to teaching have left an indelible mark on Isabella’s life. Beyond being a teacher, Jesica was a deeply selfless person who gave so much of herself to everyone around her. She dedicated herself to her community, always looking for ways to support and uplift others. Her generosity, kindness, and the love she shared were a gift to all who knew her, and she leaves behind a beautiful legacy of compassion and care. Jesica and her family were in my thoughts throughout the weekend, and I want to extend my deepest sympathy to them during this incredibly difficult time.
The following day, I had the pleasure of attending the Powering a Growth Mindset seminar and the ATMS AGM. It was a fantastic day of learning, filled with so many insightful moments. I am incredibly grateful to have heard from such brilliant speakers, including Angela Carroll, Heather Porter, and Annie Gibbons. Each of them brought unique perspectives and expert insights that left me feeling inspired and motivated to continue growing, both personally and professionally.
I’m so thankful for the opportunity to connect with like-minded practitioners and to be surrounded by people who share a passion for empowering others. It’s a reminder of why I’m so committed to this beautiful industry and the work we do together to make a positive difference in people’s lives.
Here’s to continuing to grow, support one another, and always strive for better wellbeing in everything we do. 🌿✨
