MILLESIMAL OCTOBER 2023

UNVEILING THE ARTISTRY OF BURLESQUE

Editor’s Note

Our mission is to empower and inspire our readers through thoughtprovoking, informative and engaging content. We strive to create a magazine that celebrates diversity, creativity, and innovation, while encouraging readers to explore new ideas and perspectives. Our goal is to provide a platform for voices and stories that are often overlooked or underrepresented in mainstream media, and to foster a community that values empathy, respect, and inclusivity. By sharing stories of courage, passion, and resilience, we aim to inspire our readers to live their best lives and make a positive impact on the world around them.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers for their continued support and feedback, which helps us to improve and grow as a publication. We are committed to delivering highquality content that reflects the diverse interests and perspectives of our audience. As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with your feedback.

Editor-in-Chief

"Yourwindowto aworldof inspiration."

Introducing the enchanting Evana De Lune, the luminous offspring of the moon. Crafted to captivate and bewitch, Evana De Lune is a magnetic presence, casting a spell of queer allure across Melbourne and beyond. With a background steeped in classical dance, she seamlessly merges her penchant for life's luxuries with the dazzling world of rhinestoned burlesque. Evana, a true connoisseur of desire, has arrived to awaken your deepest yearnings and satiate your cravings. This chameleon of glamour will demonstrate her artistry, gracefully shedding layers as effortlessly as she reveals her innermost self.

Artist of the Month

EVANA DE LUNE

Can you tell us about your journey from being a classically trained dancer to becoming a prominent burlesque performer? What inspired this transition?

I started formally training in dance when I was a little girl. And even though I loved most of the process, after excelling in my final exams, I started feeling trapped with no room for growth. I took a hiatus from the dance world after finishing high school as I wasn't sure what direction to go. Still, I knew I was yearning for more beyond the repetitive cycle of maintaining skills and competing for commercial dance roles.

It wasn't until my early 20's when my then-girlfriend introduced me to a burlesque workshop, that everything clicked. In that dimly lit studio, swaying to the rhythm, I experienced an epiphany. The world of burlesque rekindled my passion for dance and illuminated a career trajectory I hadn't imagined before. In Australia, I was unaware of the thriving burlesque scene and the potential for converting passion and artistic expression into a livelihood. Today, I'm a successful performer, making my entire livelihood through artistic expression. I'm sure my parents would feel relieved that their 15 years of investment in my classical dance training hasn't been in vain but has evolved into a vibrant and fulfilling career.

Maison Burlesque played a pivotal role in your burlesque journey. Could you share some memorable moments or experiences that shaped your path in burlesque while visiting or working there?

Maison Burlesque holds such a special place in my heart. My first visit was with my late mother, on the last Mother's Day we spent together before she passed. She brought me to a vintage makeup lesson at Maison where I met Poppy Cherry, the headmistress of Maison. I have such a vivid memory of her confidently and joyfully showcasing her new custom kitten-patterned garter belt. remember thinking, "Who is this woman? How is she so charismatic and captivating? How can I be like this?".

I eventually returned as an eager student, attending every workshop and group class I could manage. It wasn't long before I was helping host vibrant hen parties and delving into the administrative side behind the scenes. This seamless progression eventually led me to embrace the revered role of an instructor, joining the ranks of Maison's esteemed teaching team. The community that Poppy has nurtured at Maison is unparalleled. Its essence is rooted in fostering a student-centered environment that thrives on empowerment, growth, and unwavering support.

Maison Burlesque holds a profound significance in my life. It is the hallowed ground where my treasured memories with my mother reside, and simultaneously, it is the haven where my newfound family flourishes. In this nurturing space, I've grown as an artist and found a deeper purpose and an enduring kinship.

You're known for being one of Australia's most soughtafter burlesque performers. What do you believe sets your performances apart from others in the industry?

I attribute some of my success to the intimate connections and relationships I foster with my audiences and fans. The small, intimate venues and shows are where the magic truly unfolds. In these settings, I can fully engage, drawing them into the performance and making them a part of it. Feeling the audience's presence, letting them observe the intricacies of my movements, from the sweat on my brow to the rhythm of my breathing, elevates the entire experience. Their inclusion is not just passive; they are an integral part of the art, and I thrive on that dynamic.

Outside of this, there's unmatched strength in consistency. With the myriad of styles and interpretations of Burlesque, it's tempting to dabble in everything. Yet, from a professional standpoint, I've found success in establishing a recognisable theme and style. When someone witnesses my performance or sees my costumes, I want them to identify them as mine. And even as I integrate new concepts or techniques, I always ensure they resonate with the essence of what my regular audience knows and loves about my work.

Your goal for each performance is to remind the audience of their deepest desires and celebrate queerness. How do you strive to achieve this through your art, and what message do you hope your performances convey to your audience?

My performances aim to mirror the heart's yearnings, emphasising the beauty of authenticity and queerness. As a bisexual artist, it's vital for me to be my genuine self on stage. At our core, most of us deeply desire to embrace ourselves confidently. Through my art, I hope to inspire audiences to recognise that it's not only okay but liberating to be queer and to proudly be oneself.

In addition to performing, you also teach and mentor aspiring burlesque artists. What led you to become a burlesque teacher, and what do you enjoy most about mentoring others in this art Form?

I already had a background in dance and dance teaching before beginning my burlesque journey, so translating these skills into the world of burlesque was a natural progression once I had established myself as a successful performer. It was also through my journey that I realised the burlesque world could sometimes seem opaque to newcomers, with seasoned artists occasionally holding their cards close to their chests

I remember the challenges I faced when starting – the hunger for knowledge and the struggle to find allies. This personal experience became my motivation. I strive to offer transparency and share insider insights with those eager to learn, fostering a tight-knit community where women champion and elevate one another. For me, it's a conscious step away from the competitive undertones that can sometimes plague artistic industries. In teaching and mentoring, I find fulfilment in lighting the path for others, ensuring they embark on their burlesque journey equipped, informed, and most importantly, supported.

" I find fulfilment in lighting the path for others, ensuring they embark on their burlesque journey equipped, informed, and most importantly, supported.."

Your burlesque workshops are described as safe and accessible spaces for students to explore their feminine energy and sexuality. Can you elaborate on the importance of creating such spaces, especially for those doing so for the first time?

In my workshops, the primary objective is to embrace and celebrate the individuality of every participant. Understanding that each body is unique, with its own rhythm, strengths, and limitations, I design my choreography with adaptability in mind. It's crucial for me to provide alternative choreographic routes so no one feels left behind or inadequate. Rather than aiming for a carbon-copy replication of the instructor, I emphasise the importance of individual expression and the sheer exhilaration that comes from trying one's best.

Creating this safe and accessible space goes beyond just dance; it's about forging an environment where individuals can delve deep into their own sexuality and feminine energy, aspects often subdued in our daily lives. Society frequently constrains these expressions, urging many to minimise or hide their true selves. Yet, our shared human experience underscores the fact that we're all inherently sexual beings, making it paradoxical to suppress something so fundamentally common.

So, I think creating spaces like these are essential because, for many, this might be their first time genuinely embracing their sexuality without judgement or societal expectations. This journey, from apprehension to self-assurance, is undeniably transformative and needs to be nourished. It's not just about learning a dance routine; it's about reclaiming one's identity, celebrating one's body, and feeling empowered by one's unique essence.

Burlesque often celebrates diversity and queerness. How do you incorporate these themes into your performances, and why do you believe they are essential in the burlesque community?

In burlesque, we're not just dancing; we're telling stories, breaking barriers, and challenging the status quo. The essence of this art form is to embrace and celebrate every identity, every body, every expression. That's the magic of burlesque, and it's why these themes are incorporated and celebrated with passion and pride. As a bisexual performer, my acts transcend visual allure to connect emotionally with all audience members. And my collaborations with gifted performers like Gina Stirling and Juniper Fox have allowed me to weave authentic sapphic narratives and express my whole self.

Could you share a particularly memorable or transformative moment from your career as a burlesque performer or teacher that has stayed with you?

Without a doubt, the most transformative experiences have been borne from the interactions and feedback I've received from both audience members and workshop participants. The word "inspiring" is a recurring sentiment shared with me, affirming my performances and teachings' impact on others. Many express a longing to embrace the confidence and poise they witness on stage, and my consistent message to them is simple: just dive in and try it. The art of burlesque, with all its nuances and expressions, isn't reserved for a select few. It's an avenue for selfexpression and self-love that's accessible to everyone.

I also love witnessing the journey of those who take my words to heart. Seeing them transition from audience members to workshop participants, and then watching their personal evolution, is profoundly fulfilling.

Observing their growth, witnessing their burgeoning self-confidence, and knowing that I might have played a role in that transformative journey is an indescribable feeling. Being privy to such intimate journeys, where individuals embrace themselves more fully, is truly the highest honour and privilege I've experienced in my career. It's a poignant reminder of the far-reaching impact of the arts and the profound ways in which they can touch and change lives.

Evana DeLune is an Australian Burlesque performer. You can find out more about her shows and workshops by following her at @evanadelune on Instagram or visit evanadelune.com

E-SPORTS POTENTIALLY SURPASSING TRADITIONAL SPORTS IN POPULARITY.

WRITTENBY:AYMANNAZISH

E-sports have been steadily gaining traction and have a real shot at becoming more popular than traditional sports in the future. Here's why:

Global Appeal

E-sports are accessible to a worldwide audience. Unlike traditional sports, which may have regional popularity, e-sports can be enjoyed by anyone with an internet connection, transcending geographical boundaries.

Digital Natives:

The younger generation, often referred to as digital natives, has a strong affinity for technology and gaming. As they grow older, their interest in e-sports is likely to grow, potentially surpassing their interest in traditional sports.

Inclusivity:

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E-sports offer a level playing field. Players are judged solely on their gaming skills, not physical attributes. This inclusivity attracts a diverse audience, making it appealing to a broader demographic.

Digital Integration

E-sports naturally integrate with digital platforms and streaming services. This makes it incredibly convenient for fans to follow their favorite teams and players, enhancing the overall experience.

To overtake traditional sports leagues in popularity, e-sports leagues should focus on:

Investing in Infrastructure

Building world-class venues and ensuring high-quality broadcasting is essential. This creates a professional image and attracts larger audiences.

Youth Development

Invest in grassroots programs and youth development to nurture talent from an early age. This can create a pipeline of skilled players and a deeper connection with younger audiences.

Marketing and Sponsorships

Collaborate with major brands and sponsors to increase visibility and financial support. Effective marketing strategies can help e-sports gain mainstream recognition.

If you have foul-smelling discharge also present during your periods and just after having sex go and see your gynaecologist.

Regulation and Fair Play:

Establish and enforce clear rules and regulations to maintain integrity and fairness within the e-sports community. This fosters trust and credibility.

While e-sports have the potential to become more popular than traditional sports, it will require continued investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships to reach that level of widespread recognition and viewership. The future looks promising for e-sports, and they are on a trajectory to reshape the landscape of competitive entertainment.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Ayman Nazish is a versatile individual with a strong drive for professional growth and development. Currently working as a Content Writer for Persimmon Design. With dedication and a keen work ethic, Ayman delivers exceptional support. Beyond work, Ayman is passionate about calligraphy and avid reading.

Company Website: https://www.persimmon.design/

LinkedIn Profile:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayman-nazish-

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DISCERNING THE LOVING DISCERNING THE LOVING HEART HEART

Written by: DIANA ARLETT Written by: DIANA ARLETT

How often have you had the experience of connecting with someone, a friend, family member or potential partner who turns out to be an uncaring person? At first you think this is a really good person, and then down the line you discover that the person is self-centered and uncaring. You wonder how you could be so wrong, and what can you do differently next time?

People have different levels of the willingness to feel others feelings. Some people deeply feel others' pain and joy, while other people don’t. Some people can recall caring about others pain and joy from a very young age, while other people remember being concerned mostly with their own feelings and needs.

The people who have chosen the deeper level of compassion are often the ones that become the caretakers, while the less compassionate people become the takers. Caretakers are people who have learned to take responsibility for others feelings and well-being, while takers are people who expect others to take responsibility for their feelings and well-being and often blame others when they don’t take on this responsibility.

Taker’s also have a tendency to refuse to apologise when they have done something abusive or underhanded, spread malicious lies when things don’t go their way and fail to acknowledge their wrong doing in relationships.

If you are a compassionate person who easily feels other’s feelings, you might find yourself drawn to people who are in pain. Your compassionate heart naturally wants to help those people who are in pain, not only out of caring, but also because their pain is painful to you. The problem is that this person might not care about your feelings as much as you care about theirs.

So, how do you discern who has a loving, caring and compassionate heart? The first step is to focus on developing as much compassion for your own feelings as you have for others. Often, very caring people leave themselves out, caring about others far more than they care about themselves. This leaves them vulnerable to becoming the caretaker for someone who just wants someone else to take care of them, and then gets angry when you don’t do it right. If you develop compassion for yourself, you will start to feel much more quickly when someone is not really caring about you. If you are just focused on another’s feelings, you won't notice what you feel, and it is your own feelings that allow you to discern caring from a lack of caring

The next step is to understand and accept that, no matter how caring you are to others, you have no control over how caring others are with you. You can't make someone care, and the more you take care of another’s feelings and well-being while ignoring your own, the less caring the other will be.

The other person becomes a mirror for your lack of caring about yourself. Personally, I wasted years of my life trying to repair relationships with family members and friends who were abusive because I held the view that blood should be thicker than water and problems should be viewed as an opportunity to build more intimacy in relationships. No matter what I did, the emotional abuse continued alongside fraud, theft, and defamation. It is important to understand that not all relationships should be healed and, in some circumstances, relationships will indeed teach you the importance of standing alone.

The more you learn to take full, 100% responsibility for your own feelings, the more another’s lack of caring will be intolerable to you. The more you can stay tuned into yourself and trust your own perceptions, the quicker you will discern a lack of caring in others. The more you accept your lack of control over getting others to be caring, the quicker you will let go of people who are intent on getting caring but not much concerned with giving it.

It really doesn’t take long to discern the loving heart once you have compassion for yourself, trust your perceptions, and accept your lack of control over others. People betray their intention to either give love or to get it, or to give to get, with everything they say and do. With practice, you can learn to discern the loving heart very early in a relationship. If you want to stop recreating the same relationships over and over, then develop your power of discernment. Don’t let the behaviour of others reduce your capacity to love or harden your heart. Accept the relationships that are abusive or should not be fixed for what they are and refuse to let the pain they have caused you impact your ability to build meaningful and loving connections. Hurt people hurt people, healed people light the way for others. Be the latter, not the former.

RECLAIMING MY FEMININITY: EMPOWERMENT THROUGH EROTIC FICTION

BY AUTHOR : JADE MAY

In a world that often diminishes the allure of women's bodies, especially those grappling with chronic illness, I found an unexpected source of empowerment –the pages of romance and erotic fiction. Living with a condition illness like Crohn's Disease had cast a shadow over my sensuality. It infiltrated every aspect of my life, from social interactions to personal relationships, leaving little room for feeling attractive or sensual. Between the abdominal pain, gas, bloating, and urgent bathroom visits, I began to ask myself the question: can my chronic illness and sexual intimacy co-exist at all?

In today's society, where body positivity and self-love are gaining traction, navigating self-acceptance with chronic illness can seem contradictory. The journey often feels like a path strewn with the remnants of a former self, a body that once moved through life with ease. Yet, it was amidst these adversities that I found a deeper connection with my own self, one that needed to be reimagined but all the more rewarding.

As humans, we crave connection – both emotional and physical. It is an intuitive need that transcends our health status..

Navigating intimacy and trying to have a fulfilling sex life while living with chronic illness is fraught with complexity and is anything but straightforward. But there are some things I have learnt along the way that have enhanced the experience for me and my partner. Firstly, effective communication is imperative and a willingness to accept and embrace my body’s capabilities in a given moment and explore alternative ways to be intimate with each other.

Regrettably, society often pigeonholes individuals with disabilities or chronic illnesses as 'asexual.' This misguided perception pushes our sexual feelings and desires into the background, dismissing their validity and further isolating us. These antiquated and misguided beliefs aren't limited solely to those with evident or hidden health conditions; they echo the transformation that transpires when a woman steps into motherhood – her identity suddenly confined to caregiving duties, frequently neglecting her own sensuality. My teenage years were centred around hospital visits after being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the tender age of 13. This reality forced me to find ways to embrace my newfound sexuality during moments of respite.

At first I gravitated towards adventure and fantasy novels, but as I grew older, the allure of erotic romance novels drew me in, providing a safe space to explore my burgeoning curiosity about sex within the pages of a book.

The pages of these stories offered a safe haven where I could explore my desires and sexuality through the eyes of the heroines. Learning about fetishes, BDSM and more, I discovered the power of reading as a tool for self-discovery and acceptance.

Erotic fantasies, vividly illustrated on the pages, allowed me to rediscover my femininity, granting me the courage to embrace my newfound desires, so much so that it inspired me to become a romance author myself. My hope is that through the pages of my debut novel, Tempted by Eden, others could also explore their passions within the confines of a safe narrative.

While romance novels often find themselves at the centre of debates surrounding feminism, the stories, overwhelmingly consumed by women, have been unfairly dismissed as less intellectually substantial. No-one can underestimate their impact with the UK alone seeing sales of romance novels at their highest since 2012, when Fifty Shades of Grey hit the charts. Similarly, a 2018 study found that romance as a genre generates $1.3 billion dollars in the United States and accounts for 25% of all books sold and 50% of mass-market books sold. This makes it the most popular genre of book with those sales figures continuing to grow steadily since 2020.

Through the pages of the ‘spicy’ romance novels I relished, I found the means to reclaim my womanhood, not in spite of my chronic illness, but because of it. It's a journey of selfdiscovery, one that is deeply personal, ongoing and uniquely empowering.

In a world that often tries to subjugate women and strip them of their autonomy and sexual prowess, romance fiction offers a space where they can explore their desires without judgement or censorship. My personal journey, influenced by my chronic illness and my immersion in the world of erotic literature, serves as a testament to the transformative power of embracing one's sexuality in the face of adversity. My experiences, like those of countless other women, demonstrate that, regardless of the challenges life throws at us, we have the capacity to reclaim our desires and find empowerment in unexpected places. For me, becoming a romance author has allowed me to revel in my own sexuality and offer women like me the opportunity to do the same.

Jade May is an Australian romance author and chronic disease advocate. Her debut novel 'Tempted by Eden' will be released on October 10 and is available online. You can follow her on Instagram

@authorjademay

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WRITTEN BY: DR RANDY OVERBECK.

Bestselling mystery author, S. J. Rozan, shared these words at a writing conference a few years ago, and this insight struck me. As an author, I’d argue one important purpose of memorable fiction is to share truths about life, love and sometimes even death.

I’m not naïve. I realize readers don’t choose a mystery or a thriller or even a romance because they’re searching for insight or revelation. James Patterson is not a bestselling author because of his philosophical outlook on life. Fiction lovers are not browsing book shelves in bookstores—okay, checking out Amazon or BookBub listings because they are searching for the meaning of life. They want to be entertained, to be scared to death, to be drawn in and forget their world, or maybe to fall in love inside the pages of their newest discovery. But I wanted more.

“NONFICTION IS ABOUT REALITY; FICTION IS ABOUT TRUTH.”

All my life I have been committed to making a difference, first as an educator in the lives of children I served, and later as an author, connecting with readers around the world. As a teacher and school leader, I witnessed a great many children struggling to deal with the harsh realities of their lives. As an educator, my responsibility was to provide them with the knowledge, the skills and, if possible, the will to deal with the inevitable challenges of life. After thirty-plus years and state and national awards, I’d like to think I had some success in that arena. When I turned my attention to writing, I’ve worked to release into the world stories which were captivating and thrilling but which could also make a difference in readers’ understandings and outlooks. Crafting each story, I took great pains to research the issue thoroughly so my story could be poignant as well as entertaining. In my novels, I place the fictional murder to be solved at the nexus of a major social issue, a greater truth, if you will. In Blood on the Chesapeake, my protagonist—a high school teacher named Darrell, by the way—unravels a decades-old mystery of a high school student’s “suicide,” which turns out to have been a lynching covered up by the town. (Yes, it was a common tactic for a town to “bury” the memory of a lynching and replace with a common community story of a suicide or accidental death.) In Crimson at Cape May Darrell must solve the murder of a young woman killed on her

In my newest work, Cruel Lessons—with another educator as the hero--I tackle one of the greatest challenges of today, drug addiction, especially among the youth. (Even though I set my story almost thirty years earlier, the struggle with drugs, drug addiction and drug dealing today is frighteningly similar to the time of my narrative.)

Because each of my protagonists, my heroes, are educators, they see the world through the lens of what’s best for children and that crystalizes their priorities. It clarifies rights and wrongs. I believe, this allows me to spin a good yarn set in the world of school and give my readers something to think about long after they finish the last page.

That is not to say readers find my work didactic. Hardly. Although I’m sharing critical truths about society, about our culture, about life and death, these truths are cloaked in thrilling mysteries, intricate plots and spinetingling suspense. Readers and reviewers have been generous with their praise.

“One

“Anyone

—Nana’s Reviews

—N N Light BookHeaven

—An Amazon reader

“Left me with my jaw hanging open and in tears.”

—The Avid Reader

“The plot is so engrossing it had me hooked from the first page.”

of the best thrillers I’ve ever read.”

searching for a book filled with thrills, this will not disappoint. I’m still trying to catch my breath.”

My efforts to combine mystery and meaning are hardly new and, in fact, follow a fine tradition. The best fiction I’ve read and remembered long after I closed the book taught me something, something about the era, something about human nature, some truth about us, our history and our culture. These books opened my eyes to truths I did not see.

I can think of scores of examples. Reading Ken Follett’s remarkable historical series starting with Pillars of the Earth conveyed truths about the lives about our forebears I never learned in any classroom. William Kent Kreuger’s Cork O’Connor series interweaves, within his suspenseful mysteries, sensitive revelations about treatment of and prejudice toward Native Americans in the North Country—truths that are applicable to many parts of the nation. Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is far more than the story of a runaway young man on the Mississippi. Even back then, Twain had wrapped his truths about society, prejudice and class within his tale of adventure, and made good money doing it.

If Ms. Rosan is correct and fiction is about truth—and I believe she is—I want to make sure my fiction delivers to readers truths that are significant and though-provoking. I hope my writing rises to this aspiration.

HOW TO START A BUSINESS AS A TEENAGER

WRITTEN BY: SOPHIE HART

Hi! My name is Sophie and I started up my own photography business at 17 years old. At the time I was still studying in high school and just wanted to make some extra cash on the side. I initially started with many free shoots while building up my skills. I’m now 20 years old and work full-time as a family photographer. I’m so glad I started building this up at such a young age and I’d love to teach others how to do the same. SEPTEMBER 2023

sophiehartphotography.com

business, there is always more to learn. Although I was taking beautiful photos, I wasn’t profitable in my business until I learned from an expert. It will save you so much time and money in the long run if you start your business by learning from the best. After I started learning from a mentor and implementing her methods I tripled my income! I’d recommend finding education that is subscription-based with on-demand videos rather than one-on-one video calls if your budget is lower.

JUMP RIGHT IN

Everything is completely unknown and new at the start of a business. For my first ever photoshoot I posted on a Facebook group at 12pm asking if anyone would like free photos. By 4pm I had found a client, chosen a location, and started my first ever photoshoot. I had no idea what to expect, I wasn’t 100% ready or prepared. The photoshoot went really well despite how nervous I was! By just jumping in straight away I didn’t let nerves get the better of me. I know if I had delayed that first photoshoot until I felt completely ready it would have taken months if not years to get started.

DON’T LET THE CRITICISM GET TO YOU

Starting a business as a young person is incredibly hard for many reasons. A huge one is that teenagers will face doubts and criticism from most people. Whilst building up my business I was constantly told to get a ‘real job’ and asked how my hobby was going. A big reason for this is that a lot of people just aren’t used to the idea of young people working for themselves. I’ve been called lazy and not as hard-working as everyone else. For small business owners that is far from the truth. Although I’m working for myself and often from home, I am working constantly to make my dreams come true! It’s so important to learn to tune out these harsh words and focus on what you want to achieve.

REMEMBER YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO TO UNIVERSITY

After I graduated I went to university for 6 weeks. Whenever I was there or studying all I could think about was all the time wasted when I could have been working on my business. I even had some photography classes but they just weren’t helping me grow in the way I needed to. I made the incredibly difficult decision to drop out of uni and pursue my business full-time. It was absolutely terrifying but it was definitely the right decision for me. University is not the only pathway especially now in 2023. There are so many ways to have a thriving career which doesn’t involve sitting in a lecture theatre. Don’t let the fear of not going to university stop you from unlocking your full potential.

DON’T FORGET YOUR FLOORING

When you work for yourself you have a lot of freedom but also a lot of responsibility. If you take time off work there’s no one there to pick up the slack. You can never really come home from work or switch off when there’s always more that can be done. Most of your time will be spent working initially whilst you build the business up. In saying that it’s absolutely worth it! There is the added perk of choosing your own holidays and leave time!

LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Running your own business can be isolating and demanding. It’s so easy to become burn out. It’s really important to remember to take breaks and remain social. Reach out to support when you need it. Also, find time to switch off from your business, and have times when you aren’t always able to be reached by clients.

TIME TO GET YOUR BUSINESS S

I started writing because I was interested in exploring ideas in story form. Although I'd written other stories beforehand, the first one which really enabled me to take my story writing to the next level was one I wrote while still in high school. It was about a detective who finds an intelligence raising program and has to work through it. In that short story, I cheated; I didn't say what they needed to do in order to raise their intelligence, just that the officer worked through it. That idea of an actual program to raise someone's intelligence stuck with me. I showed the short story to my English teacher, and he encouraged me to submit it to a magazine for publication. And that was how I got my first rejection letter. Nevertheless, I wound up redrafting the story and submitting it to a competition when I started university. It won the competition, and I won a couple of hundred dollars for my little story. That could have been the end of it, but I tend to overthink things. And I kept thinking about this story and about the idea of how you could raise someone's intelligence. Eventually, I started teaching psychology - teaching concepts around memory around how to learn and started picking up little ideas that could become steps in such a program. Eventually this became the basis for a story, which was my first fully-fledged novel, Incite Insight.

The novel features a detective who starts as a fish out of water in a big city. By working through the program, which the reader of the book also gets to experience, by the end of the story, he's become a better detective and a better thinker. I didn’t cheat this time.

There's no magic pill, no drug which unleashes more of the brain or anything like that. It's an actual program to improve thought. This idea of exploring science and philosophy through fiction is one that has stayed with me and has become the basis of my writing.

I've now written three novels, four short story collections, and three children's books. Some people are surprised when I say it's the children's books I'm most proud of. The reason is not that they each have a lesson in them, it is because I wrote the books with my children. The first book was co-authored by my son and it tells the tale of and echidna who is embarrassed about his long tongue. He digs up a treasure chest that none of his friends from the Australian bush can open. Eventually, the echidna able to use his long, flexible tongue to open the chest and his friends are jealous. The book ends on an ambiguous note as to what the treasure inside the chest is. But the more astute reader will realize that, in fact, the tongue can also be seen as the ‘treasure’.

The second children’s book was written with my daughter. She wanted to include all sorts of animals, some real and some mythical in the story. So, we have unicorns, dragons, tigers, monkeys, and so on. The story is called Unicorn’s Egyptian Rescue. At the end we have a page where we talk about which characters in the story come from mythology and which are based on the real world.

My daughter really liked that. And that's the page she wound up wanting to show off to people. For our second book, which is about to be released. We told the story of a man who is “Lost in the World of Dragons” and in it he learns that he's been prejudiced towards the dragons, and that his fear of them was not based on anything real. The reader is left with advice on how to reduce prejudice, both in themselves and between groups. There's an additional lesson about indigenous culture where the main character has been able to learn from the wisdom of ancient culture. My daughter and I were able to gain some understanding of indigenous use of the land by attending an event with an indigenous leader where he talked us through traditional land use while walking through bushland. It was fascinating and we wanted to share it in our story.

I like to think that people learn something from reading my books as well as be entertained by them.

I am occasionally amused when a friend or family member says, “listen to this, this is interesting… ” and then tells me something that they've read in one of my stories. They don’t remember where they know it from but thought it was cool. As such, I view storytelling as having a purpose beyond just entertainment. I like that it can teach as well and in a small way improve the lives of others.

My most recent novel might not fulfill this last criterion! It's a satirical thriller about an assassin who gets her own reality TV show. But along the way, I explore quite a bit of moral philosophy, martial arts lore, and reflect crazy events which have occurred over the last five or six years. The protagonist of the story is a millennial, named Niobe. She's just turning 25 and becomes queen of the (fictional) country of Tantalia.

Niobe has trained for years with the goal of assassinating the person responsible for her parents’ untimely deaths. She has grown up in the public eye and has a large online profile. Part of the story is how she learns to cope with such attention - particularly when she's trying to conceal darker parts of her personality. Niobe is a fierce, independent, modern woman who is sometimes not aware of how she comes across to people. She sometimes acts impulsively despite having insight beyond her years. I think people who read the story gain will gain an improved understanding of their own moral code from the book. So, I do believe that literature can help people which is my ultimate goal for my writing.

JENNY CHOPRA: FROM MODEST BEGINNINGS TO UNCHARTED SUCCESS

MY MULTIFACETED JOURNEY

Allow me to take you on a journey that began in 2017, a journey that started with modest beginnings but gradually blossomed into a multifaceted success story. The road wasn't always smooth, but it was during the lockdown that I made a pivotal decision to give my passions my undivided attention, and it's this decision that has brought me to where I am today. ��

Self-care became an integral part of this transformation. Realizing that nurturing myself was fundamental to nurturing my creativity, I began to prioritize self-care. It became a nonnegotiable routine, sustaining the energy and enthusiasm I needed to excel in my endeavors.

My ideas are the heartbeat of my creative journey. They burst forth spontaneously, like colorful fireworks, at any given moment. These ideas are my raw material for self-expression, the means through which I channel my innermost thoughts and emotions. They breathe life into my work and infuse it with authenticity.

Creating content that is not only relevant but also trendy has always been a goal. I'm an ardent believer in staying in sync with the latest trends, and this commitment has kept my work fresh and appealing. The thrill of being a trendsetter while staying true to my creative vision is a challenge I eagerly embrace.

Surprisingly, I'm not limited to a single pursuit. In addition to my creative ventures, I'm also an actress. Managing two demanding careers might seem daunting, but my passion for both roles fuels my determination to excel in each. This dual identity adds layers to my journey, making it all the more enriching.

Throughout this journey, the one constant has been my unyielding commitment to never give up. I've encountered obstacles, faced setbacks, and weathered doubts, but my mantra has remained steadfast: never give up, keep trying, keep pushing. It's this persistence that has propelled me forward, propelling me to continually explore new horizons and embrace every learning opportunity.

As I reflect on this intricate tapestry of experiences, I'm grateful for the twists and turns that have molded me into who I am today. This journey has taught me that success is not just about reaching a destination; it's about the continuous evolution of self. I hope my story serves as a reminder that dreams are worth chasing, creativity is worth nurturing, and the pursuit of excellence is a journey that never truly ends.

From Thai Boxing Pro to Fitness Guru – Unveiling the Secrets of Individualized Wellness"

Can you share your sports journey from starting young to becoming a professional in Thai boxing in Russia and transitioning to the fitness industry in India? What motivated these career changes?

My journey into sports began at an early age. From the age of 4 I started doing different sports, but most of my life I was engaged in choreography, but then I switched to martial arts and professionally engaged in Thai boxing in Russia for 10 years. Then I began to combine professional sport with work in the fitness industry, I trained women and children Thai boxing and cross-fit. Now I live in India, I continue to play sports and combine it with nutrition and fitness modeling. time to been an actress

Could you explain some rules you follow for maintaining a healthy balance in diet, exercise, and mental health?

In order to maintain a healthy balance, I constantly work on self-control and discipline both in diet and in sports and in taking care of my mental health. To do this, I follow a series of rules that become a pleasure over time because they benefit the body, e.g. feeling better, getting leaner, gaining muscle mass and increasing energy levels

How can individuals better understand their internal mechanisms and hormones for personalized fitness and nutrition?

The most common misconception in fitness and nutrition is following general guidelines. It is necessary to realize that each person is individual and each person needs an individual approach. Everyone should be aware that everything is - poison and everything ismedicine, it is important to understand only the measure in everything. And for this you need to understand how your internal mechanism works, how your hormones function, listen to your body and a professional who can guide you in achieving your goal. But before that you need to clearly understand what you want to achieve from fitness and nutrition.

How does strong motivation and a supportive community help in sticking to fitness and nutrition goals?

First of all, you need to understand why you are doing this and why you need a healthy lifestyle. If you have a good motivation and understanding of the benefits, then it will be easier to follow certain rules in both fitness and nutrition. It will also significantly improve

the quality of life being if you are surrounded with a healthy society, if you have associates in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, if you read specialized literature and consume useful information, then a healthy lifestyle becomes a pleasant process.

What specific techniques or practices have helped you maintain good mental health through fitness and nutrition?

Of course, mental health is the foundation of a healthy and happy existence. It is obvious that if a person is in depression and panic attacks, then it becomes practically impossible to keep his body and diet under control. You must always monitor your emotional states, you need to understand what is happening with your thoughts and what they are filled with and involve sports and diet in your life. After all, during sports there is a certain release of a hormonal cocktail that is able to pull a person out of the depression, also with food, if you consume food consciously and follow the regimen, then mental health becomes stronger and more adapted to stress. But it is always necessary to ascertain with an endocrinologist and other specialists in order to exclude physiological problems.

Any practical advice on assessing your body's needs and adjusting your lifestyle and diet accordingly?

Starting your development in fitness and nutrition, first of all, you need to understand the true desires and needs of your body and, based on this, adjust your lifestyle, build a balanced diet based on your health status and genetic predispositions, be always active and be able to relax, visit specialists to keep under control of the physical and psychological state and exclude from your life destructive emotions and environment that affect your motivation and desire to be healthy, strong and beautiful.

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