I would like to acknowledge my elders who have gone before me to clear the path i walk today, I am who I am because of you.

Being a woman, and an Aboriginal Australian one at that has its challenges. Â Our country has the worst statistics when it comes to health, housing, education and economic development for Aboriginal people, considering we are a developed country. Â But our people have overcome adversity many times and from those who have gone before us, we gain strength, knowledge and power. Â

It is sometimes very scary to step out from the crowd and follow your passion. Â To embark on a journey that no one else has taken and risk not only fear of failure but also fear of looking silly can leave us paralyzed. Â It takes great courage and strength to overcome this and move forward. Â I know because I speak from experience.

My goal is to empower 1 million women to believe in themselves. In Australia, we have no Aboriginal motivational speakers or empowerment coaches, besides me. Â I am the first. Â I walk this journey with lot of love and support but also I walk it alone. Â

I want to be the light at the end of the dark tunnel for my people, not the freight train that will run them over. Â Building trust and credibility takes time and energy. Â There are no short cuts. Â There are no quick fixes or magic wands. Â I lay a foundation of integrity and build on it with trust and values.

What new project or business are you embarking on where you feel as though you are going it alone? Â What have you done to build trust and integrity so that people know you are true to your word? Â As I have said, there are no short cuts. Â You must be willing to put in the hard yards. Â However, the rewards are so wonderful. Â

Having the courage to step out and clear a path for others who may wish to follow, laid down by someone who has integrity, honesty and a caring spirit, really is a risk that is worth taking. Â Although you may face setbacks and criticism from others who do not share you values or passion does not mean it is wrong, or that you are at fault. Â It simply means that they are not meant to follow you and that you are meant to become stronger. Â And we as women are so fabulous at finding our strength when it is needed most.

Be fearless in your approach, your courage may just be what someone else needs to help them step out of their fear and move forward.