What is it that I love to do, that makes time disappear? How did I find and harness my passion? What creative ways can I think of to monetise it online? I made a long list of all the activities that I love to do. Then I explored each one. People engage in diverse hobbies and interests. It could literally be starring me in the face and I wouldn't even know it! I needed to find that niche.

Taking the time to clarify what you want to achieve imprints positive imagery into your subconscious in order to kick some serious butt and make it happen. Here's some of the things I've identified that I love to do.

• Write high quality content and design crisp clean images for social media accounts, blogs and websites, maintaining a consistent element focus across all touch points. Do not deviate from your business focus, no matter how tempting.
• Encourage community input to reap the benefits of including everyone in the process.
• Instil pride and encouragement into the team I work with.
• Help businesses strategize marketing plans and assist in their implementation.
• Develop good data collection processes and provide useful data cleansing services.
• Implement database marketing methods and use them effectively to engage authentically with each audience member.
• Work with other business service providers to form a collective alliance, collaborate for the benefit of everyone.
• Make myself available, feel useful and appreciated,
• Develop multiple lines of income via retail, tourism and industry.

My story is complex and like a roller coaster ride, with many ups and downs, emotions and experiences. As a teenager, I knew everything...of course. I was a nerdy student who took 3 units of economics and worked in a family business in her spare time. By the time I was in Business School at University I had developed a computerised inventory system using a database program. This might not sound like much, but we're back in 1984 remember.

After University, I took a trip overseas to Canada and lived and worked in Whistler. This was the best time of my life. I was free in an atmosphere of vibrance, freshness and vigour. I felt alive and in awe of the beauty of the mountains. Forever wishing I'd never left.

By 31, I was a married mother of 3 girls and running a successful 3rd generation family business, awarded for excellent customer service and record sales within the industry. I endured nine store relocations and futile negotiation drama with large corporations, and whilst I am proud of my achievements and efforts, it was all in vain. There are many lessons I have learned, and things I would do differently had I the opportunity.

Personal assets and material things came and went. I suffered depression, melanoma and breast cancer in the years to follow. Some of which I still manage today. In my down time, I read, read, read. I take in over thirty business books each year and enrol in courses, attend workshops and have always been learning, knowing one day I would find my passion.

I choose not to look back, only forward. Looking back only does my head in! I promise authenticity always, and make no apologies for my weaknesses, as they are what makes me stronger in the end. Did I also mention I'm deaf? Yes, I struggle everyday to maintain a level of concentration most people don't need to attain. That's probably why I prefer to communicate online or with the written word, I have much more confidence and control over those situations.

I started an Instagram page early in 2016, and made a decision to change my life. I need to be surrounded by my tribe. Those of us who find great strength in being in the mountains, facing life everyday with gusto and determination, happiness and purpose. My page has expanded to other social platforms now, and it makes me happy. My decision to live and breathe mountain air has changed my life.