A Mid-Year Reflection on Life, Creativity and Business
When July doesn’t go as planned.
It’s nearing the end of August 2025, I had so many things I wanted done by this time of the year, and only a few have been done. (Sigh).
But also, if I’m really honest and being kind to myself, I’ve actually done a couple of things that were not on my list to do, but I did and it was a BIG DEAL.
Welcome to Damper & Fetū
If you’re new here, welcome! This is going to be a fun, cathartic, quick, sometimes long (but mostly short and impactful) and most of all, helpful space. Imagine we’re meeting over a cuppa or a yummy meal, weaving together and helping each other navigate this big, wonderful, scary thing called LIFE.
If you’re not new and you’ve seen me change my Instagram handle a few random times and have different websites popping up all over the shop, TĀLOFA! It’s so nice to be in touch again.
So, this is Damper & Fetū, our new, joint website for my life partner, Mark Yettica-Paulson and me. Since we’re being honest and transparent—I’m kinda excited!
Staying the Course in Business and Creativity
I heard this phrase last week, from one of my mentors, that staying the course, however windy and looooong it seems, is crucial because eventually, you will “pop” through the other end. Things get clearer, you land, and you make the breakthrough you desperately need.
I think it’s also about the little (teeny tiny but significant) bits of growth and learning weaving themselves into one big cape. You put it on and say, “Ok, it’s time. Let’s do another scary thing and see what happens.”
The Ongoing Battle With Self-Talk
Slight changes in my self-talk, my self-perception, my worthiness, my fearlessness, my choices—all the things I thought I had nailed—are constantly at risk of slipping. But when they’re vibrating high, I feel unstoppable, like I can fully embody the version of myself I know is here.
Travel, Work and Family Conversations
After months of feeling discombobulated, things are starting to make more sense. I feel direction, acceptance, and a path forward.
I think it’s the travel with Mark, the new part-time job in Tourism and Events with an amazing team, more deep conversations with our adult children about family trips, adventures, fears, and of course—new vegan places to eat (more on that later!).
Midlife Perspective: Menopause, Mortality and Meaning
It could also be age, and being post-menopausal, and just not sweating the small stuff. Being conscious that time is finite and that we are mortal. And that anytime is the right time to start and be brave.
All this hyping up gets tiring though. I’m learning to moderate my emotions and energy so I can endure. What a journey it is, getting to know yourself.
Embracing the Multi-Passionate Life
So, without further ado, if you are multi-passionate like me, I encourage you to embrace it. Keep doing it like nobody is watching, without caring what others may think—because most of the time, nobody really cares. Everyone is trying to survive and thrive themselves.
And if they do care, they’re probably admiring you from afar—or the opposite. Either way, it’s not worth your energy.
Highs, Lows and Adjusting Priorities
Enjoy the positive emotions that come with new ideas and projects, let yourself be swept up in the moment. Because the downtime will come, where you’ll question yourself and need to pull your big girl pants up, adjust, prioritise, edit ideas, and get back to bigger priorities.
My Biggest Block: Facing Myself
My biggest block and fear has always been myself. Even during the highs, like the success of the One Million Stars to End Violence project and being part of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, there was still anxiety and self-doubt.
Weaving Big Things Takes Time
I have so many ideas I want to see come to life—creatively, financially, and holistically. And I’m okay that they’re BIG things, because I’m a weaver. It’s in my nature to weave many threads together into something bigger, more natural, and more meaningful.
Instead of trying to change that, I’m finally getting the support, guidance and tough love I need. I’m learning that weaving big things takes time and skill—but it is possible.
Just Doing: Small Actions, Big Momentum
Instead of fighting my nature, I’m returning to the simple action of “just doing.” Creating momentum—anywhere, anytime, any platform, any story. Just doing it authentically, with as little resistance as possible, and as much peace and joy as I can.
Visioning the Future: Family, Garden and Legacy
I can see the long-term vision with myself, Mark, our babies, grandbabies, siblings, parents, and the whole mob. I can see my sisters cheering me on, my personal cheer squad.
I can see us in 10 years, sitting on our porch, overlooking a productive garden, fruit trees, dogs in the shade, and our grannies playing basketball with their dad. I can feel the sun on my toes as we sip tea after work, excited to cook a new plant-based lasagne with salad fresh from the garden.
Believing in the “Pop” Moment
I can see all this because I believed in my projects and passions. I stuck at it until that magical “pop,” where I embraced how I work as a small business owner and a weaver of big things.
No matter what, it will all work out. And I will be successful—because I believe.
Keep going. You got this. Cheering for you!
x Maryann