I journey in the world as an eclectic mix of boho hippie, spirited rebel and regular Kiwi gal with a 'can-do’ attitude...
A life-changing catalyst arrived unannounced and unwelcome at the young age of 29, when I was diagnosed with Premature Ovarian Failure (Premature Menopause). This diagnosis set me on my journey, delving deep into the mental and emotional, the physical and the spiritual. Finding meaning became my mission - Why? Why had this happened? And the even bigger question - why was I here?
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The consequence of that diagnosis at such a young age was also going to impact my long-term health. Looking after my heart and bones became paramount if I wanted to live a long, healthy life. This guided me to become interested in natural health and well being.
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As the twists and turns of life and synchronistic meetings came along I found myself being attuned to Reiki and then a few years down the track was introduced to Bowen therapy, where I then spent 12 months in training to become a qualified practitioner (at the same time still holding down my full time office admin/finance job).
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Bowen then led to massage training, that then led to holistic pulsing, reflexology, Hawaiian hot stone massage and a few years ago, Bodhypnosis. I’ve been blessed to have had the top tutors in their field while attending training's in New Zealand, Australia and Bali. Whew, what a journey!
A curious seeker, wanderluster and creative, I am passionate about travel and making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. I co-sponsored a brother and sister in Bali for over a decade, helping change the cycle of poverty within their family. Never thinking I would be a mother in this lifetime, these two young adults are now very much part of my inner maternal landscape and deeply embedded in my heart, along with their beautiful Island of the Gods which is my soul home.
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My first memoir Silent Warrior - Transformation, self-published in May 2023 tells the story of all the above. I'm currently working on the sequel - Silent Warrior - Legacy.
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With travel and adventure making my spirit sing, in 2013 I set out to create a lifestyle that meant my earning ability was not location dependent. Now a digital nomad with an online business I can do from anywhere, I'm an intuitive-creative, designing bespoke websites under my brand – Wanderlust Design based in beautiful Tauranga, New Zealand.
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Sun, sea and sand are my happy place. I don't live a 'traditional' lifestyle in that I don't have a home of my own - I house sit other people's and look after their feline babies (yes, crazy cat lady!). I have come to be comfortable with the 'unknown'. Each day is different, each week is different. I like it.
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​​​​​​Always learning and growing, I have reinvented myself many times over the years, and know only too well that successful change is an inside job.
Wanderlust: A strong desire or impulse to travel & explore the world
I was 31 before I left my home shores of New Zealand on my first experience of overseas travel. Travelling alone, I did three Contiki tours, encompassing 5 weeks around Europe, 10 days in Britain and Southern Ireland, a week in Egypt and 3 days in Canada. This was more than enough to have the travel bug burrow its way deep into my soul.
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There was a large gap of 15-odd years in which I only managed to get to nearby Australia for a couple of holiday's. Then things got really interesting when I had the opportunity to accompany a friend to Vietnam, Cambodia and Bali on a 7 week whirlwind trip.
Needless to say those 7 weeks opened my eyes, my heart and my soul to even greater depths of experience which changed my life forever which you can read about in my memoir Silent Warrior - Transformation.
wanderlust
Travel feeds my soul like nothing else. To experience that gorgeous feeling of waking up somewhere new and unknown; exploring new cultures and landscapes; developing wonderful connections and lasting friendships with people from all walks of life; for me, this is one of life's greatest treasures.
Welcome to my world. I thank you for sharing this wonderful adventure with me. Wishing you strength, courage, wisdom and fulfillment.
Want to write your own book but don't know where to start?
After navigating her own journey, Paula can now help you. Check out her Ink & Inspiration Bali Writing Retreat in 2026
