Hello, I’m Di Riddell. As I share my experiences, I urge you to explore yours, and whatever they are; rejoice in the positives that have brought you to this time in your magnificent life. I am sixty years of age and I am not in retirement, I am re-wiring. I am filled with gratitude for the life I am living today. I have moved beyond to a beautiful life filled with awesome women and men.

I would like to share a story about candles - We don’t take much stock of candles in today’s technologically driven world – electricity is our power. What happens when a power failure plunges us into darkness? We grope for the nearest candle. Any one will do no matter how bent or twisted, faded, old, long, short, fat or thin. Any one of them will do!!! We light it to dispel the darkness so we don’t hurt ourselves. By the light of that single candle we can round up all the other candles we have and group them together to create a room as bright as day.

I saw myself as a single lost candle. And from what did I move beyond? Beyond the control of a violent alcoholic father. Beyond being a victim of pack rape as a fifteen year old. Beyond a pregnancy and adoption which was a result of this. Beyond being told that I was ‘beyond redemption, a disgrace to society, no morals, no decent man would ever want me – go nursing where there is some discipline and give back to society’ by the Children’s Service workers of the day. In the early 1960’s society was unforgiving, it was all about secrecy and shame.

I went nursing and became the most efficient and officious nurse ever. Toward the end of my training I went on a blind date with a fabulous man who became my loving partner and friend for 31 years. Life had its challenges. I was twenty four years of age and Les had four children aged ten to sixteen. We then went on to have a son together. I moved straight from the closeted nursing quarters environment to being a corporate sugar industry wife in a small parochial town. To say I was the object of gossip is an understatement. Apart from this we had a wonderful life covering every emotion and experience imaginable.

Les passed away six years ago. As I struggled with my grief, my early life surfaced and grabbed my full attention. I thought I was so strong and independent – however, once alone my life collapsed. I was unable to cope, I drove myself mercilessly until a year later I had lost 12 kgs from an already slim frame and was diagnosed with clinical depression. I was mentally, physically and emotionally bankrupt. At my lowest point I agreed to accept professional help and I started clawing and crawling my way back to a more resourceful state.

I now have the bonus of living a second life. It is my choice and I live it to the fullest as I design my future. I am passionate about everything I do. I am filled with gratitude for the love and support shown to me by family, friends, professionals, women and men from all areas of my life. I enjoy simple things like dining out, reading, travel, sunsets and so much more.

I am involved with Toastmasters and National Speakers. I am a self published author of ‘Beyond Abuse” and I am a Resilience Coach and Wealth Dynamics Master Practitioner for Women. I am also a speaker for the Heart Foundation and connect women through a support group. Part of my passion includes exploring and creating new ways to refine you and your business, discuss what is important to you and whether you are on track – to have awesome discussions with other women. My messages and teachings are communicated from the heart and through personal experience. I am engaged in Social Networking on women’s issues including supporting local women’s refuge and others who are hurting. I have a strong interest in microloans and the huge difference we can make with a small amount of money when it is directed effectively. My dream and vision is to see a Centre for inner magical makeovers for women starting afresh. If you see value I this dream I would love to hear from you. Remember the candles – it does not matter if our light or contribution is small. When we combine we have strength and power, when we don’t share our knowledge with others we diminish ourselves emotionally, physically and spiritually. When we play small and feel we have nothing offer, we stop our flow. As women we can combine our lights and illuminate areas of knowledge and understanding.

What is resilience? In part it is bouncing back, going the extra mile when things get tough. It is not a destination but a journey - where you learn to look for the empowerment in tough times. A couple of simple pointers are realising that fear of failure often prevents us from starting, that failing is the 1st step on your way to success, and that our beliefs affect our potential and our results.

If you are caught in the web of life’s dramas remember, you do have choice. It starts with the heart where there is unlimited space for movement and growth. Whatever your age – you too can re-wire. I urge you to step up to your inspired potential.