I know what it feels like to lack confidence and courage, and to spend so much energy hiding who you really are from; yourself, your family and your friends. I hated myself and endured years of anxiety and depression. I was unhealthy! I had high blood pressure and I yo-yo dieted. I put on loads of weight reaching over 110kgs. I was obese!
I hid that I was gay. My lack of self-worth got so low I wanted to end it all. Thankfully I found the courage to get help and I came out at the age of 42. It had a huge impact on my life and family, but I felt I had no choice. I had to take that risk and I was able to turn my life around. I found self-worth, self-respect and I lost 24 kilos.
It can be miserable to reach a point in life where you feel hopeless and lost. Sadly, my journey is not isolated. Beyond Blue reports 1 in 6 people in Australia are currently experience anxiety, depression or both, and if like me, you identify as LGBTIQ+, then you are twice as likely to suffer a mental health disorder than the general population. Your mental wellbeing can also impact other areas of your health too, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ reporting 2 in 3 Australians as being overweight or obese.
It’s not been an easy journey, but I took control and reshaped my life, by dreaming big, activating myself and connecting with the people and organisations, who could help me get there. I am now comfortable in my own skin. I am being true to myself and I’m happy. I can honestly say I could not have done it without the support of my wife and children. I’m now a grandad, and wonderful supportive family, friends and partner surround me.
It’s why I’m passionate about helping others in the community. I’ve drawn on all of my challenges and life experiences to create Manage My Rainbow. Its purpose is to inspire people to find their self-belief and confidence, so they can achieve their goals and dreams too.
We offer free inspirational online resources, self-development workshops and team building sessions in the community. We also act as an online directory connecting people with supportive coaches, advisors, organisations and businesses that share our values and want to help people bring their dreams to life.
Manage My Rainbow is a wonderful resource! It truly is, a directory with a difference that helps make a difference! All my tools to set, track and visualise your goals and dreams are FREE, so start managing your rainbow today, and; DREAM …. ACTIVATE …. CONNECT
