Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements can be a form of medicine. I’m sharing a raw, emotional thank you to the people who quietly sit behind the scenes of my work: the husband who asks the questions no one else dares to ask, the mentors who taught me how to think, and the patients who made me the practitioner I am after decades in clinical practice.

We talk about what it really takes to turn lived experience into words on a page. That includes the unglamorous parts of writing a book, the long nights, the missed social time, the support of an editor who helps bring a manuscript to life, and the practical care that keeps a body functioning when the workload is heavy. If you’re interested in women’s health, integrative and functional approaches, or simply how people sustain meaningful careers without losing themselves, you’ll hear the values underneath the work: curiosity, humility, truth-telling, and community.

The story widens to family of origin, forgiveness, and the deep “why” of motherhood, including the reality of being a single mum for many years and still choosing to show up as your best self. I also acknowledge the friends and groups of women whose wisdom, sharing, and power make the journey lighter, and I end with an invitation to connect, celebrate, and fight for vitality while chasing joy.

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Transcript

Jan And Breaking Down Walls

SPEAKER_00 0:00

Acknowledgments I have to start with the love of my life, my husband Jan. This beautiful East German man who grew up behind the wall, and the irony is not lost on me, has been the only person able to break mine down. He's reached my heart, my soul, and my words like no other. No one has ever asked me the questions Jan has. Questions that have helped me break open who I am and what I do the way I do it. I've now been in clinical practice for twenty six years and with Jun for the past six. Before him, no one had really asked me how I do, what I do, or what happened inside the walls of my clinic. It was only my patients and I who understood what went on. It was Jun who encouraged me to write it all down and share with the world what it is that I do and how I do it. I

Teachers Who Shaped My Thinking

SPEAKER_00 0:58

know I'm standing on the shoulders of giants. People like Professor Pryor and Dr. Lara Bryden, all the incredible teachers I had at the various universities I attended in Australia and China, and all my university friends I learned with and from. I want to acknowledge a very special teacher, Dr. Nicole Bausma, from the Australian College of Environmental Studies. She has been absolutely instrumental in the way I think, question, and learn. Other practitioners brave enough to speak their truth, like Dr. Sarah Zoll and Dr. Ellen Voira, give women like me, coming from the background I come from, the courage to speak my truth and find my voice. Jan really encouraged me to find my voice, and then a very special woman who helped me edit this book, Meredith, brought it to life.

The Book And The Cost Of Writing

SPEAKER_00 1:50

I couldn't have done it without you, Meredith. I'm emotional reading this. I've missed out on countless dinners and social engagements. My family has literally seen my head over the top of two computer screens for the longest time. Scotty and Lulu, my two miniature schnauzers, have sat by my side as I've written. Thank God for them, otherwise loneliness may have gotten the better of me.

Patients And Colleagues Who Built Me

SPEAKER_00 2:16

Every single one of my professional colleagues has taught me something, and every single patient I have ever come into contact with has made me who I am today. I want to thank the women who trusted me, who believed in me, who knew I could supervise their N of one experiment. I want to thank my kinesiologists, Lani and Norita. I wouldn't have been able to do this without you. My beautiful massage therapist Martin, thank you for making sure my body didn't turn into the Tin Man. And to our incredible friends, Dr. Chris and Debs. He honestly wants the best for everyone he meets. It's thanks to him that my beautiful love and I now have lovers' retreats booked in, as a ritual, every six weeks, if not once a month. Dr. Chris, you're an incredible human being, and these retreats have become one of the most precious gifts in our lives.

Family History And Forgiveness

SPEAKER_00 3:12

I want to thank my family of origin, my mother, my father, and my ancestors. Without my experiences, I would never have become the woman I am today. I would never have the skills that I do, and I would never have found the peace that I have. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I forgive you, I hope you can forgive me, and I love you.

My Son As My Why

SPEAKER_00 3:38

My son, you are my son, my moon, and my stars. Being a single mum for twenty years was not easy, but being a mother to you is such a blessing and such a gift every single day. I promised you when you were a little boy that I would present to you the very best version of myself that I could, and I've absolutely tried to do that every day. Thank you for being my why.

Friends Who Kept Me Sane

SPEAKER_00 4:05

To my beautiful friends, Bella and Tim and Hannah, for supporting me, for weaving baskets with me, and for keeping me sane alongside writing this book. To my gorgeous friend Emma and Joe, who just loves to find an excuse to pour me that margarita. Tracy, Liz, Suze, Fleur, Diana, you are all a delight and always in my heart. To a very special group of women I am part of. Thank you so much for teaching me through all of your experiences, wisdom, secrets, sharing, knowledge, and power. You've shown me and taught me so much, and for that I will always be grateful.

Connect Celebrate And Chase Joy

SPEAKER_00 4:49

My beautiful friend Kemi taught me about her book writing process. The first part, the second part, and then the final part where you get to connect, share, and celebrate. I'm ready to do this now with you. Thank you to absolutely everybody in my world and all the beautiful women I am yet to meet. Let's connect, let's celebrate, and let's fight for our vitality and chase the joy together.