I uncovered a photo of me from 20 years ago. What was a thinking ? Eye brow ring, dyed hair and that necklace. I must have been trying out for a punk rock band š
Everyday I get my coffee from these local legends (Skinny Boy Jimās Aspendale). Not only do they make the best coffeeās and egg and bacon rolls but they always put a smile on my face with their amazing customer service. I canāt wait until we can go back to eating in.
Isolation has forced me to stop and reflect on what an amazing life I have. I am so grateful to have such an amazing network of people in my life. This post is dedicated to my second family, my brothers and sisters that play such an amazing part of my life. When I joined the fire brigade in 1997, I was just a baby and I had no idea what I was really getting myself into. 20 something years on and experiencing first hand on so many occasions how precious life is and what we take for granted every single day. Its not just the major fires like Black Saturday that have the greatest impact, itās every time you jump on the truck you are reminded of all the things you can never truely un-see. I am so blessed to have met so many amazing people through the brigade and this last year especially I have been shown so much love from this amazing crew! Words canāt even begin to describe how much you mean to me . To all of my fire brigade family and especially those ( and they know who they are) that have shown much love and respect I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.
My journey from 96kg to 66kg .
At 22 years old I weighed the heaviest I have ever been, a massive 96kg. I hated looking at myself in the mirror and I hated photos . This is a photo of my today, and although I still have a dad bod, I am happy and I feel good! I wonāt lie and pretend that I donāt suck my guts in when I have to take my top off, and at times I feel really shit about the way that I look. I do however try to send a positive message to my kids that it is more Important how you feel in your own skin and bodies and not to focus on how others view you. I am slowly starting to realise that I should not pay so much attention to the way other people view me in physical appearance as its only one small part of who I am as a person.
A little over a year ago I gave up social media and deleted most of my accounts. This is not entirely a bad thing as my crazy sense of humour does get me in allot of trouble. I have recently had this epiphany and hence I want to explain why I am back. I gave up socials to be present in the moment and at the time I was finding it really hard to swallow the views, opinions and content that others posted. It was great to focus on the things in my life that were important but I have realised that without this necessary evil how do I leave behind my memories and legacy. This time round I am doing it for my kids. They are not going to look back in 20 years time and say ā dad that Parma you took a photo of looked amazingā nor do I want to have a million sunset photos. Each photo will serve a purpose. I do this not to brag about my amazing life but to give thanks and remember the amazing opportunities I have created. These 3 amazing peanuts in this photo are the very reason I push myself so hard. So when you think to judge me or make a negative comment about me please just remember, I am my own worst critic. We only have one short life and I want to share how I am living the best version I can .
