“Be yourself, but be your best self”. – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Ever gone through the motions with a vague feeling that there has to be something more? Knowing that this, or that, isn’t what you’re supposed to be doing?

Feeling like something is missing, that you aren’t where you’re supposed to be, that you’re waiting for something to complete you but have no idea how to find it?

I have, and it’s a sucky feeling.

My Story //

+ I used to be a lawyer.

And I hated it.

At school, I graduated top of my grade and scored myself a full academic scholarship to study a Bachelor of Laws/Communications. I did well, which led to an articled clerkship at a top tier law firm. On paper, I was successful with a great career ahead of me.

Inside, I was screaming to get out. I didn’t feel fulfilled, but even worse – I had no idea what else it was that I wanted to do.

+ I quit and went travelling.

The day after I finished my articles and was admitted to the Supreme Court as a fully fledged solicitor, I jumped on a plane to South America.

For two years, I trekked Macchu Picchu, partied in hostels across Central America, travelled around Europe in a van, lived the share house life in London and just generally had a bloody good time.

When I arrived home, I still had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life – but I knew it wasn’t law.

+ Finding a passion.

Back on the Gold Coast and living with my parents, I was jobless, broke and completely directionless. I knew I wanted to help people, to have fun, to break out of the cookie cutter legal world and to express myself creatively – but I didn’t know how I could bundle all of that into a career.

I began frantically searching the Internet for inspiration.

One night, I came across a marketing course with a sport and entertainment focus. I’d worked at Red Bull in marketing years earlier and had a vague idea that maybe it was something I’d like to do. Three days later, I was enrolled.

And I LOVED it.

+ Seven years ago, my Dad died suddenly.

I’ll never forget the phone call. Or the policemen walking up the driveway. A grief so debilitating that it bends your knees, over and over. My life was from that point forever split down a line of before and after. I don’t want to be dramatic, but it’s the worst thing that has and will ever happen in my life. Full stop.

And it’s not something you ‘get over’ – not that I would want to.

+ The shift.

Seven long years on, missing my Dad hasn’t gone away – it never will.

What it has done though is motivate me, with a massive, slap in the face, there’s-so-much-at-stake reminder of how short and unpredictable life is. Of how important it is to make the most of this one, precious life now. Of how lucky I am just to be here.

How dare I waste a second longer?

It inspired me. I quit the low paying, high demand job that I hated (albeit on paper it was a cracker).

I started a new one, surrounded by friendly, positive people in a creative, fun environment. I began reading, learning and finding out about what it was that really excited me and made me want to jump out of bed in the morning.

And, I started a blog called Stevie Says Social.

+ Now

Eventually, I decided that cubicle life wasn’t for me.

I wanted to build a BIG biz helping service-based businesses launch and grow using social media.

THIS biz.

Which brings me here – right now. I feel grateful to finally have a handle on my passions, my purpose and the things that will help me get there.

From here? Who knows.

BUT, these are my goals and I hope that they will guide me along the way.

+ To hold myself accountable to doing everything I can to live my best life.

+ To document my journey to becoming the the very best version of myself that I can be, and along the way to inspire you to do the same.

+ To share with you my passion for all things marketing and show you that it doesn’t have to be a dirty word – if you do it honestly, authentically and with heart.

+ To help businesses launch and grow using social media marketing.

+ To ensure that I show up, every single day.

And ultimately, to make myself proud.

To make my Dad proud.