I really like the stories of the underdog – the person who succeeds against all the odds, and has such an inbuilt desire to achieve, that it’s almost inevitable they realise their dreams.

What lots of these people have in common is that they have started from a long-way behind the eight ball, and often they have had less than ideal upbringings.

None of this is their fault of course, but it’s just the hand they have been dealt.

I see multiple examples of this when I hear the stories of some of the Operation Flinders participants.

I have heard some horrific stories about the childhood some of the kids have had. It’s actually quite heartbreaking.

We normally see a lot of growth in the eight days the participants are on exercise. A big part of this is the environment they are in, and the encouragement and validation they receive during the week.

The issue for the participants is that nothing has changed for them when they get home. The same people are still there, whether they be family or friends. In lots of cases they don’t want the young person to thrive and improve, and will try to keep them exactly the same way as they were previously.

There are multiple stories within the Op Flinders cohort where the young person has taken a definitive decision to change their life for the better. This takes enormous courage, as it means they need to let go of people in their lives. 

I find young people that make this choice to be truly amazing. They are having a big impact on not only themselves, but others around them that may wish to follow in their footsteps.

A good friend of mine also has what I think is an amazing life story, and has made a deliberate choice to live her life differently, and make a difference to her, and those around her. She will quite openly say that her upbringing was less than ideal. This led to some poor life choices as she got into her adult life.

This was mainly an unhealthy relationship with alcohol, which she let dominate her life for many years. I found it truly harrowing when she told me that there were some days that she didn’t care whether she woke up or not. A really dark place.

Like some of the Op Flinders participants, she made the decision that enough was enough, and took steps to make some significant changes in her life. As with all change, it was difficult and challenging, and there were times of what seemed one step backwards, and two steps forward. The main thing was that she was on a path to living her best life possible, and that was the underlying motivation.

Alcohol is no longer part of her life, and she is also producing a sleepwear range called “sleep fearlessly” made from organic cotton that has positive messages printed on them.

I can only stand back and applaud anyone who comes from adversity, and makes deliberate choices to do things differently.

Very inspiring!