Cultures of Change: Healing Our Identity

Kia ora, and welcome to this episode of the "Healing Our Identity" podcast. We are one year old. It is something I am so very grateful for. And in this episode, we'retalking about leadership. So it's a timely conversation reflecting on the past 12 months. We're looking at the whakatauki, he aha te kai o te rangatira?He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero. What is the food of a leader? It's knowledge and it's conversation. Two things that I love. This is about knowledge of self and conversations we have in this podcast through storytelling. So what does leadership mean to you, and how do you see yourself as a leader?

In this episode of the "Healing Our Identity" podcast, we are following on from part one of the question that we ask to all of our guests, which is, what does healing our identity mean to you? We're hearing the answers from Gambirra, GLVES, Sandra Morales, Peho Howden, and even myself. And this is a beautiful compilation of all of these answers coming together, showing the different perspectives of how we all view our own healing and how we all view our own identity.

Kia ora, and welcome to this episode of the "Healing Our Identity" podcast. We are taking a look back at the first five amazing women that shared their stories on series two of the podcast. I ask every single guest, what does healing our identity mean to you? And this episode is a compilation of what each of these women shared.  Every single answer is completely unique to them, to their experiences, to their stories, to their wisdom and what they choose to share. We're gonna be hearing the words again of Whaia Sonic Weaver, Amelia Butler from Learn Maori Abroad, Michelle Hoffa from PNG, Chenoa Demal, a professional actor, and Sarahlee Bragg, a Kaiako Matua.

Kia Ora and welcome to this episode of the Healing Our Identity podcast. I'm joined by Peho Howden, a Māori woman who has spent the last 17 years in Australia, Gold Coast. Peho is the founder and creator behind Healing Winds. She's a natural born seer, traditionally known as a Matakite. She was initiated into her work by her Ancestors through ancient shamanic tikanga. Although she does not boast about this as she understands full and well, the responsibilities that come with her practice and her gifts."So, a lot of the time when I'm working with people, especially when it comes to identity, I am standing up as the conduit, not as the healer, I stand up as the pipeline, the instrument, the vessel, literally so, you may have heard it, you may have heard people say those words, when I am literally that, when people come into this space."You can connect directly with Peho and her work at Healing Winds on her website: https://www.healingwinds.com.auOr Instagram and Facebook @healingwindsgc Please like, share and subscribe to the podcast! Thanks for listening and supporting.Erica x 

In this episode of the Healing Our Identity podcast, we are carrying on from the legacy of Gigari and unpacking what she regularly said, which was what matters most, is whose hands are on the steering wheel.I am talking about this, in the context of all areas of my life, how it now rolls out into my work and as a mentor, and I'm asking you to inquire for yourself, what it means to have your own hands on the steering wheel, that is your life.

Kia ora and welcome to this very special episode of the Healing Our Identity podcast. This episode is in honor of the legacy of Gigari George. An opportunity to share with you all some of her wisdom and leadership within the indigenous land and sea management sector,  an area that she dedicated her life to, an area that she was well respected in,  where her impact was far reaching and continues to be today. I'm sharing with you the Mabo lecture that Gigari gave at the national native title conference in 2016, arguably, all that she talks about is still relevant today as she refers back some 20 years. This is definitely a history lesson for some, and a deeper insight into the woman and leader that she was in this space, and the legacy she left behind that continues to have impact today.

In this episode I'm joined by Sandra Morales from Heartdancers.Sandra was born in Colombia  “mestiza” (mixed race) woman. She had the blessing to be born in a land were Indigenous, Spanish and African arts and cultures blended. For many years she resented the history of violence that made this to happen.  Now, Sandra uses her mestiza “identity” as a gift and through her work in preserving indigenous arts and culture, ‘I have realised that beyond our identity in form we are the Great Spirit free from time and space', says Sandra. Sandra leads Heartdancers Charity, in which everyone is welcomed to walk with us on an uplifting and exciting journey of personal and collective healing through cross-cultural dialogue, education and empowerment through the arts.You can connect directly with Sandra on Facebook and Instagram @heartdancers_inc Or visit their website https://heartdancers.org.au/Please like, subscribe and share this episode with a friend you know will enjoy it!For more on doing this deep work for yourself, I have recorded a masterclass for you called ‘Reclaim Your Identity'. It's free and you can access it at www.womenreconnecting.comThank you for supporting this kaupapa. 

In this Episode I'm joined by special guest GLVES.GLVES (pronounced “gloves”) is a proud Kaurareg Aboriginal, Fijian and Polynesian woman. She is a Lutruwita (Tasmania) born, Kaurna (Adelaide) raised, and now Meanjin (Brisbane) based First Nations singer-songwriter. Raised in a fear-driven doomsday cult isolated from society, her culture and extended family, her music tells the story of her survival and self-sovereignty. Driven by a deep appreciation of her heritage, and a heartfelt longing to further connect with her cultures, GLVES' music and storytelling reflects an exploration of her emotional landscape to find self-love and healing;  harmoniously weaving electronic elements, soothing vocal loops and percussive instruments to create an earnest representation of her inner-most thoughts. In March her 'Heal Me' music video was Highly Commended in the 2021 Queensland Music Awards and she is also a Finalist in the Australian Women in Music Awards Emerging Artist category.You can connect with GLVES on instagram, twitter, facebook @glvesmusic and you listen to her music streams on all music platforms.For more on doing this deep work for yourself, I have recorded a masterclass for you called ‘Reclaim Your Identity'. It's free and you can access it at www.womenreconnecting.comPlease like, subscribe and share this episode with a friend you know will enjoy it!Thank you for supporting Erica x

In this episode, we're talking to an amazing woman Gambirra aka Mama G. Your woman from the Gumatj clan of Northeast Arnhem Land currently residing in Worimi country. Gambirra uses art as her tool to unite and heal people. She is an eclectic artist using song, dance and painting as a natural process for her. She values multiculturalism, human rights and the environment. She has a passion for nurturing and strengthening identity. "It's about connecting to country. Cause you'd go, how do we do that? So connection to country is a big one because it allows us to connect to our internal system. You know, that's activating our DNA. That's activating our nervous system. Being barefoot on the land and in the water. I think this is where we begin to heal."You can connect with Gambirra on Instagram @gambirra @gambirra_mob @theillumegirlsPlease like, subscribe and share this episode with a friend you know will enjoy it! Follow us on Instagram @healingouridentity.For more on doing this deep work for yourself, I have recorded a masterclass for you called ‘Reclaim Your Identity'. It's free and you can access it at www.womenreconnecting.com More About Gambirra Gambirra uses the Arts as her tool to unite and heal people. Over two decades of practice as a professional performer;  musician, singer songwriter, producer, exhibiting visual artist, workshop facilitator, cultural arts educator and a clinical mental health & well-being coach.   Gambirra values multiculturalism, human rights and the environment. She has a passion for nurturing and strengthening identity and connecting with disadvantaged individuals and/or communities who have suffered intergenerational trauma.  Song, dance and painting has always been a natural process for Gambirra. Her source of inspiration draws from a long lineage of ceremonial painters, healers and the natural world. Creating and sharing through the arts is a spiritual and philosophical process for her.  A member of the Sydney World Music Chamber Orchestra. She is a key Ceremonial vocalist and Ensemble Leader of Dream Drone. A member of The ILLUME Girls,  Leader of the ‘GAMBIRRA MOB' - bringing together a dynamic & diverse multicultural family in song, expanding up to a 12-piece band, gracing world stages such as Woodford Folk festival and Splendour in the Grass.  As an eclectic artist, Gambirra has composed and produced musical pieces for projects such as Catapult Dance Company, NAISDA Dance Company and Legal Aid NSW.  Throughout her practice, her message is powerful and simple; "our spirituality is inseparably linked to the land, we all vibrate with the planet. We are one blood". 

Tena koutou, nau mai, haere mai ki tenei waahanga o te korero 'whakaaora i to tatou tuakiri' pepetema te marama Reo Māori. Welcome everybody to this episode of the Healing Our Identity podcast, because September is Māori language month, I am sharing with you my Te Reo Māori what it means to me to speak my language and to speak although I am not fluent. This is about speaking, because I can, because I choose too and because I don't need to wait until it feels perfect for me to do so, I invite you to join me in this special episode. As I dive into Te Reo Māori what it means to me and how it connects with my cultural identity.For more on doing this deep work for yourself, I have recorded a masterclass for you called ‘Reclaim Your Identity'. It's free and you can access it at www.womenreconnecting.com Please like, subscribe and share this episode with a friend you know will enjoy it!

In this episode I am joined Sarahlee Bragg, she is joining us from the Deep South of Aotearoa from the fishing village known as Bluff. Sarahlee is a Kaiako Matua, a head teacher, at the Bluff Kindergarten, as well as a Cultural and Spiritual Advisor for Southcoast Psychology in Invercargill. Supporting people to know who they come with and to connect with their ecological identity. 'Ko Takitimu te MaungaNō Motupohue ahauKei Murihiku tōku kāinga ināianeiKo Te ara a kiwa te MoanaKo Te Rau Aroha te Marae Ko Ngai Tahu, Whakatohea, Ngati Ruanui nga iwiKo Sarahlee Bragg tōku ingoa''...When you talk to me about the importance of identity, it's like for me knowing my whenua (land) and knowing my to tupuna (ancestors) and knowing who I come from and the bones of my ancestors is paramount into how I walk and breathe and behave in the world as this human Sarahlee Bragg. It's like I don't know any other way to move through the world than knowing who I come with. It is such a blessing to do this sacred work within my own community.'  Sarahlee is also humbled and blessed to also co-facilitate the Divine Spark Tarot and Astrology NZ community, alongside Founder Kym McDonald,    teaching courses on the depth and wisdom of the Tarot.You can connect with Sarahlee directly on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/sezbluffie or Instagram @sezbluffie.Follow along with the podcast @healingouridentity on Instagram. For more on doing this deep work for yourself, I have recorded a masterclass for you called ‘Reclaim Your Identity'. It's free and you can access it at www.womenreconnecting.com Please like, subscribe and share this episode with a friend you know will enjoy it! Nga mihi,Erica

In this episode, I'm joined by Chenoa Deemal. She is a professional actor and has been in many productions, including The 7 Stages of Grieving, The Longest Minute, which she received a Matilda Award nomination for best actress, and, most recently, in the production, Cursed, writen by Kodie Bedford who is an incredible Indigenous writer for screen and stage.Chenoa is a Thiithaarr Warra woman from the Guugu Yimithirr Nation. Chenoa is passionate about her work and the roles that she takes on."The more exposure Indigenous kids and children of color, I mean, you know, refugee kids, the more that they see themselves and their stories represented, the more they feel like they're important and that they matter and their stories matter. Yeah, that's important to me, that they're valuable."In 2020 Chenoa appeared in the world premier of Ensemble Theatre's Black Cockatoo and in the award-winning Australian play Holy Day by Andrew Bovell in New York, in March 2019. With production partners United Stages and Grin and Tonic, Chenoa had a month-long season of The 7 Stages of Grieving by Wesley Enoch and Deborah Mailman at Starlight Theatre, Los Angeles.  In 2018 she played the lead in Queensland Theatre's The Longest Minute which received a Matilda Award Nomination for Chenoa - Best Actress in a Leading Role.  She also appeared in David Williamson's Sorting Out Rachel at Sydney's Ensemble Theatre in 2018.  Her performance in the Queensland Theatre/Grin & Tonic co-production The Seven Stages of Grieving garnered huge critical acclaim; the production also went to London for the 2017 Border Crossings' Origins Festival.  Other theatre credits include: Rainbow's End (Riverside Theatres), An Octoroon, St Mary's in Exile, Mother Courage and Her Children(Queensland Theatre), The Voice in the Walls (Imaginary Theatre), Mr Takahashi & Other Falling Secrets (Corrugated Iron) and A Man with Five Children (Darlinghurst Theatre).  Splatalot!(YTVcanada/CBBC/ABC3) & short film Love Song Dedication. Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting) QUT; Advanced diploma of the Performing Arts:ACPA (Aboriginal Centre of the Performing Arts).You can connect with Chenoa on Instagram @chenoadeemalFollow along with the podcast @healingouridentity on Instagram. I have recorded a masterclass for you as well called ‘Reclaim Your Identity'. It's free and you can access it at www.womenreconnecting.com Please like, subscribe and share this episode with a friend you know will enjoy it! 

In this episode, we are having a conversation about the multiple layers of identity. We are reflecting on the conversations we've been hearing in the first few episodes of this series, and I'm sharing my own reflections that have come up for me from listening and receiving these stories.A beautiful Maori whakatauki that is weaved throughout this episode and speaks volumes in this conversation, and to me, the power of self-belief.  “He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata.” "What is the most important thing in the world? It's the people, it's the people, it's the people."It is people who create momentum, and it is momentum that creates change. This whakatauki brings up some of the insights that I've been receiving from these conversations.

Welcome to this episode of the Healing Our Identity podcast. We are joined from PNG by Michelle Hau'ofa. She has a strong sense of social justice. And has made it her life mission to help people in whatever capacity she can to live the world a better place.Michelle has a firm belief that women must have a presence in PNG Parliament. If there is to be sustainable and positive impact on social and economic indicators."I think it starts from a belief that men and women are equal. That's the fundamental belief. Men and women are equal. And we have gifts to bring to our families, our societies, our communities, our country, that are just as important as each other. And without that balance, you don't have a balanced anything." - Michelle HauofaPlease like, share and subscribe to our podcast to be notified when a new episode is out. You can follow us on instagram @healingouridentity or on facebook at 'Cultures of Change - Healing Our Identity'.You can connect with Michelle on Facebook @michelle.hauofa.9 You can support and follow Kokoda 4 KidneysYou can support and follow the Roger Hau'ofa Kidney FoundationThanks for listening and supporting. 

Kia ora and welcome to Episode 2, Series 2!I'm joined by special guest, Amelia Butler, the founder of Learn Maori Abroad. She is talking to us about growing up in Tamaki Makaurau, Auckland, NZ, and moving to Los Angeles in 2009. In 2017, Amelia started an LA-based kapa haka group, and in 2018, she started Learn Maori Abroad. This is now her life's work, and it revolves around sharing Maori culture and Te Reo Maori to learners living all around the world. "Our ancestors have spoken these words, and so I think that's just so, so special that we are activating our whakapapa connection in the present moment, that does mean our ancestors are right with us, because we're speaking the same words that they spoke. We are singing the same waiata that they sung." - Amelia ButlerThe intake of Learn Maori Abroad is happening now and starts on August 7th, 2021.You can connect with Amelia and find out all about the Learn Māori Abroad Program on Facebook at ‘Learn Māori Abroad' and on Instagram @learnmaoriabroad or email info@learnmaoriabroad.com.Please like, share and subscribe to our podcast to be notified when a new episode is out. You can follow us on instagram @healingouridentity or on facebook at 'Cultures of Change - Healing Our Identity'.Thanks for listening and supporting.   

Welcome to series 2 of the Healing Our Identity Podcast, where we are diving deep into the stories of Indigenous women from around the world. It's an honor and privilege to bring you the story of Whaia Sonic Weaver. She is a Ngāti Kahungunu woman who was raised in Outback Desert, Western Australia. Her story is very much shaped by her experiences, how she grew up. She is a renowned Vocalist, Multi-instrumentalist, Designer, Cultural Producer and Facilitator. Whaia is one powerhouse mama! Walking with Taonga Puoro/Traditional First Nations Instruments including one very rare Whale Tooth Flute and Crystal Singing Bowls she weaves her own unique cradle of embedded healing phonics. Join us for a conversation with Whaia as she shares a piece of her life story, and some of the wisdom and knowledge she has learned along the way. You can connect and follow along with Whaia Sonic Weaver on Facebook or Instagram @whaia_creation or visit her website www.whaiacreation.com. You can catch her this weekend at the Hervey Bay Whale Festival 29th July 2021. 

In episode 21, we're talking about the fact that we don't need to force what has been for us. And we're going into a conversation about when we are working in a team environment and we're working with other people.How important it can be to allow everybody to express themselves freely in the space. Allow them the room to contribute and to collaborate to the task at hand. And if we are in a space of trying to force an outcome, it spills over into trying to force other people to act and be in a certain way. It also goes for situations as well. When we're forcing something, we're starting to focus our energy into a tense, restricted space.We put our head down, we put our blinkers on, we try and block out the reality of the changes and the challenges that come up when we are implementing something, when we are creating something. Nothing ever translates from plan to reality perfectly. And if we're in a spaceof forcing an outcome that we've locked our mind onto creating, then we start to create from a place of stress and restriction and we don't invite new ideas or new opportunities to then flowing.

In episode 19, I'm talking about being present and really consciously identifying where you might be skipping ahead to the future, a place where your dreams lie. And by doing that, we take our focus out of the present moment, which is where we take the steps to reach our dreams.This episode is quite a raw share for me on my own journey over the past 12 months, and the completion of this stage as we pack up, ready to move on to a new beginning. Within the last 12 months, I'm reflecting on all that has happened, the grief and sadness that has been present as I honor my granddad's one year anniversary of passing. A lot has been coming up for me in the past few weeks as we close this chapter and move on to the next one. And I'm really talking about how being present for myself is really supporting me to continue to heal and to release and welcoming the new moments ahead.

In episode 18, we're talking about leveling up. We're talking about what that means and we're talking about it in the context of stepping out of your comfort zone, as you move towards your goal. We're talking about working really hard for something and pushing through all the barriers and challenges to reach the goal that you are wanting to create for yourself. But when it comes to getting to that place that you've been working towards, there can be a moment of deep doubt that, once again, questions whether or not this is something that you really want and therefore everything's about to change. So that thing that we've worked towards has had us level up, has had us up skill, and we get to that place where we realise that we have now outgrown our current reality, and so doubt kicks in, for the last time, to just double check this is exactly what we want, and it is out inner courage that is going to carry us through that last barrier to successfully level up permanently.

In episode 17, to receive praise or encouragement from another person. We're talking about these patterns of behaviors that have kept us moving on quickly when someone might wantto pause for a moment and really acknowledge us or something that we've done or how we've impacted them. And although we can receive it in the moment, we in our minds can quickly gloss over it and keep moving forward.We're talking about if this is something that you're doing then where else are you blocking yourself off from gratitude or love to come your way. I'm acknowledging this as a habit that I have done for a very long time.And I'm now consciously really acknowledging the two way exchange that happens when you are open to receiving praise from another and receiving support from another, you're actually giving it back to them tenfold.

In episode 16, we're talking about choices, we're talking about the ability to choose at any given moment.We are reflecting on how we make decisions and the fact that decisions are made in the circumstances and with the information available to us at that time, which means that when new information becomes available or circumstances change, we get to change our mind and make a new decision based on the current situation.We're talking about the role our ego play, in propelling us forward with the decisions that we've made, allowing us to action what we choose and then in a not so positive way, our ego can keep us in circumstances or situations, relationships that no longer serve us because we are afraid of what others may think.

In episode 15, we're talking about the power of vulnerability. It's hard to put into words, the power that comes through when you can see that somebody is sharing from a place of raw authenticity; when they're sharing passionately about something that they want to take a stand on, and that they may feel quite uncomfortable standing up and doing that, but they do it anyway. We're talking about the inner power that propels someone to share something they might feel quite vulnerable about, but know that it's important for them to do so. That power that's propelling them is something that shines out when they speak in a space of authentic vulnerability.So if vulnerability is powerful, then it's certainly not a weakness.

In episode 14, I am very excited to bring you the stories of the indigenous women who answered the call of the Voicing Our Visibility campaign.I put out a call four weeks ago for indigenous women to come forward and share their thoughts and their stories on what it is they choose to challenge in regards to International Women's Day 2021.The stories I have to share with you today are inspirational, courageous, raw, personal, and they certainly provide us with a different perspective on how to view the world, what challenges that these women see, and I really encourage you to listen to this episode with the intent to really hear and feel the stories that these women have chosen to share and the perspectives of what it is they choose to challenge.I'm really excited to bring you this episode and the many stories within it.

In episode 13, we're talking about expectations, and the pressure we can place on other people, whether we realize it or not.We're talking about affording people the ability to change their minds, to acknowledge that life changes, and can throw up unexpected circumstances that impact on past decisions made.It can be hard enough to cancel or pull out of something that you were once able to commit to.So it's important to think about the impact our responses or reactions can have on somebody already feeling like they've let you down.We don't have to be emotionally attached to the outcomes, we get to choose.

In episode 12, we're talking about learning to trust in our own vision, and trusting our ability to commit to something that we are passionate about. Trust even though you can't see the whole path ahead of you because one step at a time is all that is called for in this present moment. We're talking about the fact that the step that you take today helps to build your path towards your vision, and when we are building our path, we don't necessarily know every step along the way, and that's okay. I'm using the example of creating and putting out the call of the Voicing Our Visibility campaign, and the fact that I don't know what that full path looks like, because I'm inviting indigenous women who feel called to be a part of this, to participate. So they are each bringing their own individual energy, perspective, into what it is they feel called to. And I can't know in this moment what the outcome of that is going to look like. So this particular example is a real ability for me to grow and to detach from the outcome and instead allow the potential of something much greater than I set out to achieve.

In episode 11, we are continuing the call for our Voicing Our Visibility campaign, calling out to indigenous women around the world who want to participate and voice what it is that they choose to challenge, in light of the theme for this year's International Women's Day.I'm also acknowledging and honoring the women who have already said yes, and I'm speaking in to the women who have reached out that have doubts and fears as to whether or no they've got something valuable to contribute, and more to the point, the fact that they're not feeling indigenous enough to be part of it. If you're feeling the call, but you've got doubts and fears coming up for you, and you're not feeling enough, I invite you to listento this conversation and really feel into whether or not this is for you.

 In episode 10, I'm putting the call out to indigenous women that want to be part of the Healing Our Identity: Voice Our Visibility campaign.This campaign is being put together in light of International Women's Day. This year's theme is choose to challenge. The question here is what is it that you choose to challenge? And the idea is to get as many voices and stories from indigenous women from around the globe voicing what it is they choose to change. I choose to challenge the lack of visibility and platforms available to indigenous women, telling their stories of healing and sharing their wisdom.

In episode nine, we are joined by special guest Thalea Tane. Thalea is a Te Roroa Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi woman. She is an indigenous consultant, a Kaitiaki, an International Ambassador for the Global Ecovillage Network Oceania and Asia, mentoring and building capacity in self-sustainability, aspirations in Aoteaora, Australia, and also Ethnic Minority Communities in Southeast Asia.Living in Thailand for four years, Thalea worked alongside the hill tribe nations and shares with us a life-changing experience where she was invited to attend a mass meditation to see how they create change within their communities as individuals and collectively. She also talks to us about working with the United Nations, working alongside communities and ecovillages aligned to Sustainable Development Goals. Thalea now finds herself back home in the Hokianga, where she has some big dreams and aspirations to bring all that she's learnt home with her."There are so many different strategies that we can utilize. Not only in times of adversity, but during our times of reflection and healing. How do we move through those traumas to get to a stage where we are healing from those traumas and also seen them as part of our resiliency? They can be utilized, as they said, as a gift, a gift of how we, one can become resilient by gathering together and strengthening the community together." - Thalea Tane

In episode eight, we're talking about showing up. We're having a conversation about when showing up is something you choose to do something that aligns with your goals and aspirations and when it doesn't - when you show up because you're expected to, or you find it hard to say no.When we show up, we're choosing what we give our time and energy to. If you're not used to prioritizing yourself, and instead, you're doing what you think you should, then you're most likely not working towards your own goals, or you're at least putting them on hold. And if that's the case, whose future are you prioritizing by choosing what you're showing up for?The point here is to get an understanding of what it's like to show up for yourself. You can't achieve this when you're compromising your own goals and dreams or compromising your own health and well-being by giving up your time and energy because you feel expected to do so.

In episode seven, we're talking about how our sense of self changes over time. I'm sharing with you an introduction I wrote recently about myself that completely took me by surprise. It didn't start with the usual qualifications and skillsets that I'm used to putting up front, and instead, I wrote about what is that I'm truly committed to and it starts with my own growth and healing.By dropping all the labels and layers of expectation that I'm used to wearing, I just wrote from my heart what I truly wanted to share. And my first reaction when I read over it was to delete it and to rewrite it and to go back to the old ways of defining myself. But I didn't, and I'm sharing it here with you now.We're having a conversation about different parts and some of the conscious thinking behind it and I'm inviting you to do the same for yourself. If you were to drop the labels and the expectations that you've always worn and that may define you, how would you introduce yourself?

In episode six, we are welcoming in the new year of 2021. We are reflecting on the lessons we may have received in 2020 and looking forward to what we choose to create for ourselves as we enter a brand new year.We're talking about setting goals, calling our visions into reality, and not just in the form of New Year's resolutions, but for each and every day. We reflect on the wisdom shared by guests in previous episodes such as reflecting on 2020 as if it were a seed. And if that was the case, then what does that mean for you? And maybe sometimes, we over plan and we actually just need to take the leap and do it now.When we plan, we must then take action. This is how we commit to ourselves. I've got some questions for you to consider and to workshop and to identify how they relate to you and bringing your dreams into reality.

In episode five, it's an honor and privilege to bring you the interview with Michelle Deshong. Michelle is a North Queensland woman drawing her cultural connections from Kuku Yalanji clan. She grew up in Townsville and talks a little bit about what it was like to grow up in North Queensland in the '70s, the challenges that motivated her to be where she is today.Michelle has extensive experience in areas of leadership, governance, and politics, and she has a strong commitment to human rights, and has also been a representative on many occasions at the United Nations. Michelle is passionate about ensuring that Aboriginal women have a voice in both political and public life."I could see very clearly that it was easy to make me invisible, and so I guess really if I had to say, it's about making sure that we are visible. And then as I got more involved in the political spaces, not only visible, but we are recognized, respected, and have fair and equitable access to things." - Michelle Deshong

In episode four, I'm excited to introduce to you, and bring you, the story and wisdom of Jackie Harvey. She is a Romiromi practitioner, traditional Maori healer, and she's sharing with us the path that she's taken to be in the place where she is today as a teacher and a healer, sharing her wisdom with people all over the world.Jackie talks to us about using different ways in which we can support ourselves, including through poetry, connecting into our own inner guidance and wisdom, honoring our ancestors, and the knowledge that flows through us from them, and the fact that we are all unique, we are all special, and we all have the abilities within us to heal ourselves."For each of us, it's in our DNA, that we have all the resources in our DNA to be able to heal our lives, this resilience that we have to overcome trauma, because we have these incredible hearts and incredible DNA." - Jackie Harvey 

In episode three, we're talking about doubt. And we're talking about the fact that doubt is always going to be there. So whatever it is that you're choosing for yourself, whatever it is that you're reaching for, the goals that you're setting, the visions that you have, doubt, and its friend fear, is gonna come along for the ride. I'm telling a story about launching this podcast and the doubt and fear that kicked in, leading up to launch day. Overthinking kicked in, and doubt and fear really took up residence in my mind about whether or not this was the right thing to do. We're talking about acknowledging that doubt and fear are most likely always going to be there, especially when we are growing, and we're making choices to change. We're talking about consciously acknowledging when doubt and fear kick in, and when it is because you're wanting to step outside of your comfort zone. When it is when you're wanting to change something for yourself and having the courage to take that step. Having the courage to take the leap, and do it anyway.

In this episode we are carrying on the conversation about choosing for ourselves. Choosing how we see ourselves, who we are, what we do, and how we feel in our own skin. When we choose to be our own validation, we realise we are no longer looking or waiting for someone else to approve of us or to validate our self worth. But it take a bit to get to that place where we do back ourselves, where we stop second guessing ourselves and it starts with truly listening to what it is you want, and not ignoring it, not downplaying it, not dismissing it, and not telling yourself that want you actually want is not important enough.

Welcome to Cultures of Change the Podcast where we are having conversations about Healing Our Identity. We bring you the strategies and conscious thinking for you to grow your confidence and understand your abilities to create the future that you choose.For much of my life I carried the feeling that I wasn't Maori enough, growing up in Australia disconnected from my country and being immersed in my culture… that was until I realised everything I was yearning for was within me. My mana is my own and I am enough.I'm Erica McCreedy of proud Maori woman living on Yugambeh land. I'm a cross cultural communication specialist and have worked with hundreds of First Nations people globally. I'm the co-founder of Cultures of Change and I'm passionate about supporting Indigenous women to find their inner wisdom.These conversations draw on the power and knowledge of the strong women who have walked before us.