Muhammad Ali - RIP GOAT

Muhammad Ali - RIP GOAT

On touching down in the USA a couple weeks ago, I was greeted with the very sad news of the passing of who many believe, myself included - the Greatest Of all Time (GOAT) American boxing superstar and civil rights hero Muhammad Ali.

In the last week or so, the GOAT was laid to rest in his final resting place. Many hall of fame boxers and Hollywood A listers were in attendance with his Pall bearers man like Mile Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Will Smith - to name a few.

I searched for many days trying to find footage of the eulogy tribute from comedian Billy Crystal. In finding the tribute from Crystal, you felt a sense of gratefulness to have witnessed footage of such a beautiful man in Ali.

In paying tribute to Ali, I think about many great moments in the history of boxing, such as the brutal fights between Ali & Frazier, Ali & Foreman - but also comes to mind a recent conversation I had with my great friend Kevin Hines; who told me a story taught by his father about the infamous tale around Sonny Liston 'laying down' in his bout with Ali.

Mr Hines (Patrick) told his boy Kevin, who was going through some particular hard times in his life at the time, 'when faced with tough times in your life, you can be one of two people - Ali or Sonny Liston - in reference to Ali, was to stand & fight; or lie down and & be defeated - not defeated by Ali, but by his own inner demons; his enemy within. In finishing Mr Hines gave a small statue to his boy & said the words; 'Kevin you are in 2ft of water & you are drowning, all you must do is stand'.

To this day, Kevin still proudly displays the wooden ornament amongst his most prized awards & possessions.

It is quite clear that Ali impacted on Kevin, from a young age until this present day.

The reflection of Kevin's story, took me back immediately to the very reason I love being inside the four walls of a boxing gym. Not only did boxing teach me how to hold my hands up ok, it taught me how to win against the inner demons that plague my mind every single day.

It is within these walls of a boxing gym do I get a sense of strength, which holds me in good stead for the outside world.

In tribute to Ali I acknowledge not only the superior athleticism to most boxers of his age, he was revolutionary in ability to make a man miss the target with his coordination, hand-eye speed & footwork.

It was Ali's well documented deflection from the US military when he refused to go to war & his resilience to remain to his word is one of the main reasons I see this man as a hero - a hero in sports & a hero for humanity.

In refusing to go war, Ali stayed true to his morals by saying - he will not go to war to kill a man, and noted, other people of colour whom he had no disagreements with.

Ali, a humanitarian hero, paved the way for many to stand up and be true to their morals, not just because he was a sporting icon around the world - but because he was just a man who remained strong to his moral belief and not let the rest of society sway his decisions.

Their is something in this for all of us!

Liston decided to lie down in the 3 feet of water and lose his battle; Ali chose to not only stand, but he chose to fight, win & lead many millions of people throughout the world on s path to peace.

Rest Easy - GOAT

Cassius Clay, Muhammad Ali

Anxiety - How to control it..

What if I told you it is possible to rid your anxiety jus let by  training yourself to change your thought patterns.

Many people around the world struggle on a daily basis with anxiety; the mind races, begins to spiral and for many can lead them to a crippling anxiety attack.

For many years, I was one of those people - and through careful management, I have learnt to control my thought process so it doesn't get to the point of spiralling outve control, leaving me breathless and at times unable to function.

Are you one of these people??

What if I shared with you the simplest of tips & with hard work, because it is hard - you could keep your anxiety to a minimal level - you would try it right???

It came with a conversation with my Dad did the penny drop. My father told me, there is no such thing as the future - only the past, and the present. Living in the present is key.

By meaning there is no such thing as the future, he meant that - anything we think about in the future, is only that; a thought!!

Anxiety is heightened by extreme thoughts about the future - think about a time you have had an anxiety attack...

I tend not to call it anxiety - I call it a case of the 'what ifs'. Anxiety spirals when you have severe thoughts about the 'what ifs' - what if this happens, what if that happens, what if I don't get the job, what if my child dies, what if I die.. The 'what ifs' get so severe that you are all but convinced of the negative outcome.

It is when we are in this critical time of thinking are we engulfed by an Anxiety attack.

The truth is - we have no control of the outcomes of the situation in the future, only situations of the present.

The key is to get in control of your present, by doing something physical,  in reality, rather than in your thoughts or your mind. Mindfulness tips such as rubbing your thumb and index finger together, fast or slow, hard or soft - thins physical action enables your mind to think present and concentrate on the task at hand. Feel the grooves in your fingerprint, the heat it is generating by the constant friction of rubbing together.

Another is sit or stand in quiet and be mindful of your body parts on yr body; your feet touching the souls of your shoe, you feet covered in the warmth of your socks, if you are seated, what part of your body is touching the chair, all while slowing your breathing, to the point you can actually hear your self breathe. A good one to use with breathe work is a technique my good friend Kevin Hines taught me; 4-7-8 inhale 4 seconds hold 7 seconds & exhale 8 seconds - this enables  the body to relax, lower your heart rate &

blood pressure; or you can combine two techniques, physical mindfulness and the counting of breathing.

The mindfulness and breathing brings you back to paying attention to how your body is feeling, your breathing & it brings you back to present.

By learning to live present will enable you to build on your mental strength and not get lost in the 'what ifs'

Another thing is - anxiety is majority heightened by negative thoughts, which leads to the spiral. Learn to back your negative up with a positive action. How you do that is through gratefulness. Whenever you have a negative thought - I get engulfed by them every day; constant negative & suicidal ideation - but I learn to listen to my breath, by listening to my breath gives me a Sense of gratitude to be alive and share my message everyday.

The keys are living present & acknowledging you have no control over the future, only what you are doing in this exact present moment

JW

Why Is Mental Illness Seen As Negative

Why is it that when we hear of a violent crime - people think the perpetrators have Mental illness?

When our sports stars commit a crime or a negative behaviour - we blame mental illness

When we see or hear of mental health facility we think - the people inside are 'locked away' & are insane, nuts, crazy

Many people often hide Mental health & substance abuse problems - substance use disorder problems, because having these illnesses - we are blamed for..

Media can have a hugely positive effect on public perception when it comes to mental illness, We hear many media reports; in particular negative stories around mental health.

I am an individual who battles day in & day out with depression, constant negative & suicidal thoughts on a daily basis & have been quite open about my struggles with Mental Illness - I am someone who lives and breathes a positive lifestyle, helps many people in times of crisis and often described as someone who is inspirational to certain people in times of need. One would say I am a positive person...

Yet a person who struggles with a mental illness is often described, judged & talked about in a negative manner.

We hear words such as STIGMA used when the topic of mental illness comes up, we also should use the word DISCRIMINATION. Not in the terms of race or skin colour, but many brothers & sisters who live and battle their inner demon are discriminated against because of an illness they suffer from. We don't see people discriminated against when they have heart disease, or cancer - because they are physical illnesses, yet we put down, talk negatively & often discriminate against who have mental illness.

In my work in the USA, I have learnt more about the term substance use disorder; or in layman's terms, alcoholic or drug addict.

We discriminate against those who have substance use disorder, or a person who drinks too much or takes drugs - we also lock them up, often with little to no rehabilitation...

Would we ignore, a physical illness, or lock someone away for liver, heart or lung disease??? Definitely not in my experience, so why do we often hide, lie or mislead when it comes to mental illness???

I believe we need to look at how we perceive people with mental illness in the media and as individuals, look at the language we use when talking about or describing mental illness.

I am an individual who is lucky to have caught my addiction and alcohol abuse problems at an earlier than average age, and learnt to keep my mental health demons at bay but I ask you this...

If you answered the door to me asking for help as I wasn't feeling mentally well, and you answer the door to a homeless, alcoholic, drug addict in a bout of depression asking the same problem;

Would you treat us both with the same amount of content, safety & care & what is the difference between the two individuals???

The answer should be is YES you should treat us both the same, the only difference is - I have a home to live in & I know how to manage my mental health, the other doesn't...

The negative perception and care, is the very reason there is STIGMA & DISCRIMINATION attached to living with mental illness.

World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference - Roturua, New Zealand - #WISPC

World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference - Roturua, New Zealand - #WISPC

​connection - is the single most significant word that could sum up my time at the #WISPC2016.

​A cultural gathering from First Nation, Indigenous peoples from across the globe. I feel extremely honoured to partake in such an important event, as right across the world map, it is our First Nations Indigenous peoples all face high suicide rates with our peoples.

The conference bought together both youth and adults under the one venue roof but in separate sections, in order to open separate conversations as to why our rates are so high & what preventative measures we can collectively put in place to help heal our communities from the hurt n loss of a loved one who has died by way of suicide.

​I have always known how musically talented NZ Maori are, but to hear over 500 Individuals sing with the beautiful harmonies was truly spine tingling. A beautiful sight and amazing sound.

​The conference speakers bought together a range of statistic based data and lived experience through attempts to bereavement - a massive range of experience.

No matter if the person next to us were a stranger, we would reach out and cuddle an upset person as I mentioned before, a connection that is hard to understand or document as its a feeling rather than an action.

​Day 1 - delivered to the youth section, there were a number of students and young ppl. I spoke of many topics, mostly my resilience to stay in the grind when my mind would tell me otherwise. Many students remained bedind to have a chat because of the nature of the speech, especially around this topic of suicide.

​There was a fair contingent of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mob attending so it was great to see and know some familiar faces.

​Having touched on the word connection earlier, I found it profound just how spiritually connected our first peoples from around the world are. Having met some of the people for the first time, after a short conversation, you could feel how close, emotionally & spiritually connected we are. Many connections, from our rituals & smoking ceremonies, our belief systems, song & dance ceremonies & connection to the land, our Mother Earth.

The major connection & the main reason we were all bought together was the impact suicides were having on our communities.

​The same issues of racism, generational trauma, among many other issues. A common thread was not diagnosed mental illness, but generational oppression from all cultures having our land and culture stolen away and continuous disempowerment by the national governments

​In sharing our stories - between our group of First Nation Australians & many peoples from across the globe, they could not believe the treatment that still goes on with many of our communities, & the sad thing is, many non Indigenous Australians have no idea as its not printed in mainstream media or television news outlets - and we are often seen as whinging or crying poor.

We shared how it is our brothers & sisters in Northern Territory are living in a modern apartheid - where blacks are forced to live off basics cards for food and groceries, forced to wait outside licensed establishments not allowed to be served due to colour of skin or because they have met their 'quota' for the day. Our brothers & sisters from across the seas, could not believe our incarceration rates - many locked up for petty crimes on their 1st offence. We even received comment of 'we thought we had it tough, it's disgusting and disrespectful how your people are treated'

​Our replies to many empathetic comments was that 'we will continue our fight' as our old people have done for 228 years - one day at a time, we will continue to our fight path back to cultural recognition and representation in communities throughout our country, because it 'Always was; always was - Aboriginal land'

​I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to deliver a 1 hour keynote on the main stage about my story of life, family, sport, our culture & my story of suicide. I was so honoured and grateful to be able to share struggles with people from around the world and being able to light the candle of hope for each and every one of those in the room - & fortunate enough to share my story for many who had no idea of who I am, my background or my story. My keynote was also live streamed and many family & friends were able to view live as many of them have not seen me deliver my messages live to an audience - the feed thus far has had 30 shares & reached over 11,000 people.

Stream can be seen here

https://www.facebook.com/TheEnemyWithinJoeWilliams/videos/918526781590616/

As I write this on the plane on my way home to Australia, I get a sense of determination to stay in the fight for our survival every single day, survival of culture and of self - in outing racism, oppression and of course, help to end the pain and sadness of suicide across our communities. One thing that rang loud and clear with me in a conversation with one of the Maori aunties - 'you have to stay at it, stay in that fight for your people today, the youth & elders & most importantly your ancestors who have passed before you - we here (in New Zealand) were in the same position as you guys about 50 years ago, the Pahkia (white man) will soon realise how beautiful your true culture is & your people are, & we will walk as one throughout the world.

​The conference was a loving & spiritually powerful few days - I am so grateful to be alive to share my story and as I reflect on my way home, tomorrow I continue my journey of helping others who battle mental illness & the pain of suicide & suicidal ideation across the globe.

​Tomorrow I join my close friend Lauren Breen Tolkin (www.laurenbreen.com.au) as we jet off to USA to our join our US family Kevin Hines (www.kevinhinesstory.com) & his very cool wife Margaret on yet another month long speaking tour - bringing people hope; because HopeHelpsHeal!!! #HopeHelpsHealTour

Stay Well

JW

My Culture Keeps Me Alive & Well In My Battle With Mental Health

As I sit & ponder the 'what could have beens' in life I am so very thankful for every single knock, put down, set back, break up I've ever had - as silly as it sounds, even the day I had my suicide attempt - for they have all played part in exactly where I am today.

This coming week, I am very excited and extremely thankful to be heading across to New Zealand, to deliver a keynote address at the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Conference and also the World Indigenous Suicide Prevention Youth Summit - both to be held simultaneously in Roturua, New Zealand.

It is approximately 4 years ago when I believed with all my being that I didn't deserve to be alive any longer - I was fighting an attack on my brain, called mental illness; Bi Polar Disorder & Severe Depression with at times Anxiety also.

I remember the day like it were yesterday, the most vivid flashbacks of the day I attempted to end my life.

It is hard to believe that 4 years on from what was the most difficult day & time in my life, has bought me to today, where I learn to live with & manage my mental illness and I am heading home on a plane to back to Wiradjuri country where I will pack my bags and firstly fly out to New Zealand to the Indigenous (First Nations People's) conference and then on to America for a month long speaking tour (#HopeHelpsHealTour) which includes stops in Washington DC, Nashville, New Orleans & Atlanta just to name a few.

In the days leading up to my suicide attempt, I was hoping so much that someone, anyone would understand and help me to find light - so I wouldn't be thinking and stepping into the dark places I were headed.

Now, today I am that beacon of light & hope for others in the same position. I get to travel Australia & throughout the world, interacting, educating & sharing my experience and helping others. Talking from a vivid lived experience of constant suicidal ideation, suicidal thoughts so deafening and real that they sound like voices talking to me - I get to tell people, 'they are going to be ok, it will pass' because I know from experience they do.

A huge part & I believe the most significant part in my recovery, has been the reconnection & reawakening in my self journey of my Aboriginal culture.

Connecting to culture has been the most significant benefit in my mental health journey

In New Zealand this week, part of my delivery will concentrate on the importance of how culture has helped in my recovery.

Part of my keynote I will launch a short clip showing the power of connection to culture through dance - a film I will showcase after the conference to the general public.

For 60,000 years our 1st Nations people did not battle with Mental Illness, Alcohol & Drug addictions. Our people respected, lived, loved, cared for each other & the land. In my reconnection I have found a comfort & clear head that allows my spirit to be free.

Like the boxing ring, dance & culture are the only things that enable my mind to be free

Through our song lines, dance, connection to self, ancestors, others, land, spirit and our ancient Lore I am in a much more settled and safe self.

I believe there is something in this for all of us, no matter race or religion.

I am so lucky I survived, I am so lucky I am still around - I have my second chance at life, helping people and spreading a message of hope and management of mental illness.

The past 15 years of professional sport have been fantastic but I truly believe the next 15 will be revealed as my purpose in life.

Addiction is a mental illness - so why is it we don't treat alcohol, drugs & gambling addictions as illness

There is a fine line between, selling a story in the media & being detrimental to someone's mental health and wellbeing.

I woke up to the media once again selling papers on the back of some negative press around the NRL.

Kieran Foran has been public about the struggles with mental health that he is enduring this season - the latest headlines have centred around a gambling addiction.

When will people begin to realise that addiction, be it alcohol, gambling or drugs - is a form of mental illness. This man, Kieran Foran is struggling with issues that are an attack on his brain - why do we find it newsworthy or even possible to almost ridicule a human being who is struggling with such an illness.

If a player is diagnosed with cancer we come out as a community and within the media to support, love, care and show empathy towards the player, yet when it's mental illness we still continue the same conversations that had lead mental illness to be stigmatised for so long..

With cancer, or any type of physical illness - we medically treat it, show love and empathy toward the player and the family; when are we going to start treating these illnesses instead of splashing it on newspapers and making mockery out of what the individual is experiencing..

Drug addiction, alcohol addiction & gambling addictions are all forms of mental illness - let's open the conversation to support  & treat the people in need!!

Jw

Today proved this illness I carry is alive and kicking..

​Today proved this illness I carry is alive and kicking..

I set off on the road at 6am from Dubbo after spending a positive night before playing music at a local establishment. I had planned this trip to deliver a workshop on resilience and leadership.

Despite taking over 5hrs in the car down, I am usually bright, positive and enthused to deliver each session - today felt a little different.

Today the negative drone of thoughts, seem to overpower every point of my day - once again, the constant chatter of negative thoughts seemed so loud that it began to affect my physical appearance. I was shaking, rocking back and forth, arguing with my own self...

I was due to deliver my session on resilience in front of a packed room, when I had the thought - how on earth can I share my strengths and journey in resilience when I couldn't bare to stand in front of anyone and share anything???

I said to myself - Joe, this illness is real, and it can effect you at any stage of the day - today was evidence of this - don't pretend or put on a poker face, I encourage people to talk when they aren't well - now is my time to live that message!!!

I had to...

I got up and delivered a heartfelt message of not only who I am and my story - but also how I was feeling, how I didn't want to be there, how I almost walked away to my car 3 times to drive 5hrs home and how the negative I've been overwhelmed with all day - almost stopped me from speaking and sharing my story!!

As much as everyone needed to hear my story today and the positive work I do, it was even more important to share that I carry this illness everyday is alive and if not careful at can get you at any vulnerability.

The reason I encourage people to talk about their problems, is because it helps. Today, second by second and minute by minute during my presentation the negative thoughts began to weaken, the sweat on my brow dried up and I was sharing with the confidence and positivity I deliver in every session.

Today was a lesson that, my illness is alive within me and no matter how hard my day may seem I can recite my favourite quote...

It May Battle Me; But It Won't Beat Me

Huge thanks to my great friends Ali Taylor (TopTenNight) Sam Webb (LIVIN) Greg Van Borsum (GVB-MindWarrior) for their awesome support for me today!! 

JW

Helping others keeps me well

The Enemy Within

So many people comment how busy I am, I'm always on the go & to be careful I don't burn out - to be honest, keeping busy keeps me alive and well.

For those who don't know my story, here is the story in short form.

I am a Wiradjuri 1st Nations man born in Cowra and raised in Wagga. I was like many other Aboriginal boys from the country, dreams of playing in the National Rugby League (NRL) I signed my 1st scholarship contract at the age of 13 to the Sydney Roosters. I had a fantastic relationship with the great Arthur Beetson whom my parents lived with when my old man was playing for easts in 1985.

I was thrust into adulthood at a relatively young age, and was plying regular 1st grade bush footy at the age of 14.

I moved to Sydney to finish school having just turned 17, I was in the big smoke and I loved the atmosphere.

Even in my youth I was battling a tortuous mind of self doubt and continual noise of worthlessness running between my ears.

Joe the Rugby League player

Although having made it successfully into playing top grade NRL, I began to self medicate with alcohol and prescription and social drugs - copious amounts of drugs & alcohol were the only thing that could quieten down the noise that screamed between my ears.

After a few years of abuse on my body, I decided to give away all substance abuse. This coming December I will be 11 years clean and sober from alcohol and drugs. Give away alcohol, give away drugs - the one thing that carries burden on my life constant hi & low periods of a mental health.

Having being diagnosed with Bi Polar/ Manic Depression in late 2008 I was medicated (& still am) and after a marriage breakdown, then a breakdown of another relationship - all of a sudden I went from having great pride in being a father, nor not living with 3 of my kids - things begin to really get on top of me and I decided that the world would be better off without me. On a day where the battle inside my head increased beyond imagination, I sat and wrote letters to my children saying if they ever needed me, jus talk and talk - I will never be far away, I'm proud of you, I love you, but sorry I can't be there for you anymore.

I then attempted to take my life...

Very fortunate I woke the following day, with a foggy head of confusion!!

I was later admitted to a mental health facility and told I was lucky to have survived. I knew that I had been given a second chance; in that moment I made a promise to myself, that everyday I get to open my eyes I am going to make positive impact on somebody's life. From that day forth I set out on helping people who struggle with similar illness I have (Bi Polar) and anyone who is not having a great time in their current circumstances & mental illness.

It was a couple of years after, in 2014 I decided to make my battles public. The release of short film The Enemy Within detailed my struggles. The amount of people that came forward, telling me of their struggle & how me opening up had given them hope to lead a more positive life.

Since my attempt, I have helped countless people across the globe through my awareness and education programs with my charity The Enemy Within.

Joe the boxer

My sporting life has had its ups and downs, just as my life has also, but I have lived as a professional athlete for approximately 15 years - playing in the NRL with South Sydney, Penrith Panthers & Canterbury Bulldogs. I finished playing rugby league and started professional boxing having 16 fights with 12 wins 3 losses 1 draw. I won the WBF world title twice, WBF International & Continental also the WBC Asia Continental title. Approaching the end of my boxing career, boxing has taught me how to remain mentally strong in tough situations that life throws at us.

Living now with 4 children, I am grateful everyday I get to open my eyes.

I am lucky enough to travel across Australia and throughout USA delivering my wellness programs and have daily contact with individuals experiencing mentally tough times.

When peole tell me to look after myself, it is the business of helping others that keeps me well & alive. I have always been raised to put others before myself - but it is in helping those, I find compassion & gratefulness for the life I have been blessed to live.

I am still living my 2nd chance at life with that same promise to myself - making positive impact on people every single day that I can, and whilst ever I am alive to do so - I will continue that journey.

Every day I still live with those negative & suicidal thoughts I spoke earlier of, but it is a constant reminder that everyday is a battle...

It may battle me; it won't beat me

Jw

#ATSIPEP

It May Battle Me It Won't Beat Me

In all the conferences, speaking engagements I have attended - this Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention Conference (#ATSISPEP) has been by far the most spiritually moving and uplifting conference I have ever been to - laughs, tears and most of all a beautiful safe place for people to share experience.

With Uncle Tom Calma

The conference was well put together by a a range of people from the suicide prevention space & overseen by the brilliant Aunty Pat Dudgeon & Uncle Tom Calma.

People from across the country, majority Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander mob to hear and learn about problems in our communities with suicide. Suicide among our 1st Nations communities and although making up less than 5% of Australia's population, our suicide rates are among the highest in the world - with men 6x more likely to die by suicide than Non Indigenous men & women 7x more likely.

Smoking ceremony at the foot of the caterpillar mountains which are part of the story of Alice Springs & Arrente people  

We were all bought together on the opening day with a beautiful smoking ceremony, asking us to rid the negative of suicide in our community as we collaborate to find more ways to help empower our people - with the backdrop the beautiful ranges that make up the local caterpillar stories

There was a range of topics covered from prevention programs to spiritual enlightenment & statistics.

The one session I gained valuable insight into was the LGBTQI session. I thank brother Dameyon Bonson for sharing the perspective our brothers & sisters from the LGBTQI community go through. I also had great discussions with a couple of sister girls who educated me on particular discrimination they are faced with, in top just being of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander background.

Uncle from Nkunkari mob

Throughout the conference there was a beautiful buzz if conversation throughout regarding the beautiful Nkunkari healers. I was fortunate enough to sit & yarn with one of the uncles and weaved his healing magic on me - a beautiful experience and something I am very thankful for.

Speaking on the panel

The end of day one I was part of a panel to speak to the entire conference. I got to share my experience with suicide and my mental illness journey with a room of many people from all across the country, many different tribal groups - ball all with the common thread of helping keep our mob alive.

I was humbled when many of the conference delegates approached me asking for insight on how I've lived for so long with the resilience to fight this evil illness daily. Many with similar stories of losing multiple family members, many of them younger and in their late teens & through to older uncles and aunties - all with the commonality of not having strength to see through the tough times.. I know that feeling as I re live it in my head every single day.

I may not have the individual answers but I sure as hell extend my hand to help our people find that strength needed to get through the tough times.

The conference showed me many things, but the one most powerful thing we all shared was the love and understanding that heading back into our community to help our people find culture!!

I believe culture is the most powerful tool we can use to empower our people once again. In traditional times, there were minimal problems as their was a system set in place to enable people to work through tough times. Now we are stuck in a world built on materialistic values and not traditional pathways our youth can learn from - I urge all to delve deeper into our traditional culture to re spark our young people onto a path of wisdom and humility.

With cousin Stan Grant

The conference key notes were delivered by two powerful and inspirational people - Aunty Rosalie Kunuth Monk & my cousin Stan Grant. Both inspiring insights and  stories both with again a common theme of empowerment of our people.

Highlight for me was dancing with the Nkunkari healing group, the man dance, with stories of being proud and being a leader in our community on our return home - I will take these lessons, build more on being the best leader I possibly can be in every community I step foot in.

Finally I suggest this - at the airport I spoke to a Non Indigenous woman about how spiritually beautiful and uplifting the week was - my comment to her was;

 'I don't know why many Non Indigenous people are put off, intimidated and don't interact with our communities - they truly don't know what they're missing out on; our culture is soft, warm & spiritually beautiful, one of humility, caring & sharing...

Do me a favour, in yr community seek out an elder or knowledgeable community member and delve into it - doesn't know matter what colour race of creed you may be, once to experience it you will truly see.

With many beautiful connections made and friendships developed - I hope I come across many in the future.

Be safe & take care...

JW

Not just another conference - this one is special..

Another airport, another plane & more time away from home - however this one is  trip is a little more special to me.

I am 'on the road' heading the the nations red centre - Alice Springs, for the national Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander suicide prevention conference.

As an Aboriginal man, not only is my life expectancy approximately 15 years less than a non Indigenous male, but I am also six times more likely to die by suicide than a non Indigenous man - it is even worse for a female at seven times.

This week many like minded people from across the nation will gather in Alice Springs for a conference to discuss ways to combat suicide, also share programs that have been working in communities and also share factors that we see directly impact on those rates.

I am looking forward to learning, listening and interacting with some beautiful people  with the same interest as myself, and that is helping to keep our people alive.

In 2012 I was almost one of those statistics - this week I get to help have my say on how we can reduce those statistics.

Stay tuned...