1. A messy bedroom I distract myself from cleaning
2. A marathoner with an ankle bruise
3. A compulsive liar
4. Exposed brick.
5. The scent of cinnamon.
6. Maggie Rogers' album, Heard it in a Past Life.
7. A coffee shop which only opens on Easter weekend.
8. A department store with 16 different aisles, open 24/7.
9. The smile I make after blowing out birthday candles.
10. A glass of wine I pretend to like.

"Oh, you're like – the career woman type," a friend says.

Her eyes light up in amusement — like she's got me all figured out.

I laughed, "Really?"

"Yeah! You know, the type that's like, independent??" she continues.

If I had a dollar every time I hear this, at least I'd also be the rich type.

Here in Australia, there's this thing called R U OK? Day. It's where we all raise awareness about stress, suicide prevention, and mental health, and encourage one another to show support by asking the genuine question, Are you okay? 

This September also marks a year since I started attending counseling. Nearly every month, for the past year, I have somehow conquered that barrier of breaking my ego down to sit and talk vulnerably about my struggles to a trusted professional.

I didn't expect it to, but it truly changed my life.

Celebrating Father's Day in Australia. Extending the warm greeting to all fathers out there, I'd like to say a Happy Father's Day...

To fathers who have lost children.

Children who have lost fathers.

Those who have strenuous relationships with fathers.

Those who live a distance from their fathers.

Father figures – stepfathers, godfathers, adoptive or foster fathers.

Those who never knew their fathers.

Those whose fathers weren't present.

Those abandoned by their fathers.

Those who have been hurt by their fathers.

Those yearning to be fathers.

Fathers with chronic or mental illnesses,

fathers with disabilities.

Fathers with financial struggles.

Stay-at-home or single fathers.

Fathers who served and never made it home.

Those separated from their fathers,

or fathers separated from their families and children as a refugee/asylum-seeker.

I'd like to address this and many more – you are heard, you are seen, and you are not alone. We stand with you, we hold your hand, if this day, for any reason, feels tough for you.

We send you love, warmth, and comfort, whatever your story may be. Our arms (or at least, my own) are outstretched to hug you in solidarity.

This wasn't a poem. Just a short little note I felt was important to put out there.

From Melbourne, Australia, I send you a Happy Father's Day,

wheverer you are, whatever you've been through,

however way this day may affect you.