Have you ever heard of “The Butterfly Effect”? It has captured my imagination this week. “It used to be thought that the events that changed the world were things like big bombs, maniac politicians, huge earthquakes, or vast population movements, but it has now been realized that this is a very old-fashioned view held by…
Category: Therapy

Poppy: Week 6
This week Poppy and I joined Daniel and Charnell, for a long walk on the beach. It was our weekly training session but as it turns out, it was an exercise in love and remembering my heart. I always knew deeply that Poppy would love the beach, but to see her exhilaration and freedom was…

Poppy: Week 5
It is official – I am the proud owner of a dog with a 10-minute attention span. If any of you have a toddler, you will understand! It makes me laugh out loud. The biggest difference however between Poppy and a 1-year old child, is that mine has teeth that love to chew! And anything…

Poppy: Week 4
I know that I sound like a stuck record but honestly time truly does fly past. A whole month since my life was invaded by an energetic fur ball. In many ways it feels like a lifetime too. Because I really can’t imagine my life without Poppy now. Her latest game in the garden is…

Poppy: Week 3
My dog steals socks and poops Rainbows It’s a true story. I hope this makes you laugh as much as my heart laughed! On cue, in the midst of Charnell and I, working through some real rawness and tears this week, Poppy entered my little house carrying a stolen sock. Very proud of her accomplishments. …

Poppy: Week 2
It’s strange to sit and reflect now on the last two weeks. What do you mean that Poppy and I have only had two weeks together? In so many ways, she has fitted into my life so beautifully that our friendship feels older. Much older. A type of home brewed strong tea friendship, where both…

My Survival Story
I’ve written and rewritten this speech so many times I’ve lost count. There is so much to say but I also know I’m held tonight in a space which honours survivors, so just know that my heart wants to thank each and every one of you beyond this. And also know that any tears tonight…

From Poppys Perspective. Week 1
No Wait… where are you going… Tina… please don’t leave me here… I’m scared and all alone… everything is so new and different! Please take me with you! Please…. Oh… thank goodness you’re back… I was so scared, and I tried to jump over the gate to be with you, but I just couldn’t get…

Poppy: Week 1
Calm down. That’s what the note says in my bathroom. I wrote it down and I stuck it to my mirror a week ago when I officially adopted Poppy. Sometimes I forget, but it serves to remind me every day that she needs me to be calm. At 6 months old, any parent of a…

Poppy the Protege!
Recently I connected with a beautiful soul looking for something very specific. As perfect as the solution she was seeking for her problem was – it was also unique for our country. 5 years ago Tina experienced and survived one of the most brutal attacks a woman can experience – she was gang raped as…