TRUE – TRUː/ = REAL; GENUINE; AUTHENTIC:
BELIEVER – BꞮˈLIːVƏ/ = TO HAVE CONFIDENCE IN; TO HAVE FAITH IN; TO HAVE A STRONG BELIEF:
TRUE BELIEVER = A PERSON WHO PROFESSES ABSOLUTE BELIEF IN SOMETHING
Lia was like most of us, working hard and living life ‘as normal’ when she was dealt an unexpected blow. Both of her parents passed away within a short period of time and Lia was struck with overwhelming grief.
If that wasn’t tough enough, 6 months after returning home from a deployment with the Royal Australian Airforce, Lia received the call that no-one wants to get… she had been diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
Rather than letting this news defeat her, Lia saw her diagnosis as a wake up call – that life is for living and she needed to fight. She kicked the self-destructive behaviours that she had turned to for comfort to the curb and started to prioritising her health and mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.
Lia turned her life around and kept fighting through all of her treatments and surgeries. By changing her lifestyle, she challenged and changed her mindset to believe, value and love herself. And she hasn’t looked back.
Meet Lia Halsall, Lorna Jane True Believer…
Lia Halsall – True Believer
Describe yourself in 5 words:
Resilient, determined, loyal, honest and caring.
Who inspires you and why?
It’s not who inspires me exactly, it’s what. People who overcome adversity and live a better life because of it is what inspires me. I respect that more having been there myself.
What drives you every day to strive for your goals?
Not giving up on myself, it’s not an option. I want to feel that sense of accomplishment and pride that comes with achieving your goals. There’s nothing else like it in the world.
How do you maintain self-belief through challenging times?
At one stage in my life I didn’t have self-belief. Having lost both parents months apart then surviving breast cancer, it taught me some of the biggest life lessons there are.
Thankfully my amazing husband stepped up and believed for me until I was mentally strong enough to believe in myself again. It’s not about maintenance, it’s knowing I have someone there to help me help myself in times of great need.
Quick fire Favourites:
Book: Braving the Wilderness by Brenè Brown
Place: New York City
Food: Vietnamese Pho
Drink: Remedy Ginger + Lemon Kombucha
Tunes: Porcelain by Moby
Quote: “Fall down seven times, stand up eight” – Japanese Proverb
Sound: My husband’s voice melts my heart
Instagram Account: Loving @brookeence
How do you Move?
In 2018, I’ve committed to learning something new by taking up CrossFit & ROMWOD (Range of Movement Workout of the Day). I like to challenge myself and this will definitely do that for me physically.
How do you Nourish?
I prefer organic seasonal whole foods I can source locally that nourish my body and make me mentally and physically feel good about myself. It’s all about worshiping our bodies and treating them like the temples they are.
How do you Believe?
I believe anything’s possible if you work hard enough for it because if you do you’ll definitely achieve it. Just remember to be patient and enjoy the journey.
If you could share one piece of advice, what would it be?
You can find hope in health, whether it’s your physical, mental or spiritual health.
How important is self-belief to you?
I was deployed to OP SLIPPER in the Middle East from July 2011 – April 2012 as a member of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). Six months after returning home I was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Following the surgery and treatment process, I endured the mandatory five-year-long process before being deemed in cancer remission. Thankfully my breast cancer never returned, and I’m happy and healthy again.
During those five years I had one dream, and one dream only. To fully recover from breast cancer and serve my country again. It was the one thing I truly believed in, even though I didn’t know if it would ever become a reality.
In 2017, five years later I was medically upgraded, and cleared for deployment. I remember the day as if it were yesterday, and the tears of joy that rolled down my face.
Within just a few short months I was identified for my next deployment. I achieved my dream, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself.
So here I am typing my story about a girl who simply believed in herself, and was successful in turning her dream into a reality. I’m now back in the Middle East serving my country again only this time on OP ACCORDION. I couldn’t be a prouder Airwoman!
Who inspires you through their incredible drive and self belief?