Meet Lain Montgomerie who is part of the 2015 Tunarama Ambassador Quest, thanks to the sponsorship of GLO – Good Living Organics. Her aim is to raise needed funds to support West Coast Youth & Community Support, and to also assist in breaking the stigma shadowing mental illness, and to promote healthy bodies and healthy minds, as well as helping to make a difference in the lives of our youth, who are the future of our incredible community. Read more about her inspirational journey:-

  

What does “healthy” or “health” mean to you?

I think that being healthy means having the ability to achieve daily tasks, as well as fulfilling aspirations. Having the ability to do these things revolves around having an able mind and body.

Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I grew up on a farm near Streaky Bay. After completing Year 12 I moved to Adelaide to study a Bachelor of Visual Arts & Applied Design. I worked full time for 4 years before doing a Masters of Teaching. In 2010 I moved to Cowell where I taught for 3 years. I moved to Port Lincoln in July 2013 and am now teaching at St Joseph’s School.

 

Why choose to be a part of the Tunarama Ambassador Quest?

I noticed the toll that ill mental health was taking on people around me. Although it was clear they were struggling, there was lots of denial, little conversation to relieve pressure, as well as lack of support.

I felt that I wanted to turn this around by assisting in breaking the stigma surrounding mental illness and support a local service with funding, which I know is scarce.

How are you helping other people in their journey to improve their quality of life & why is helping people so important to you?

I am lucky that I am in a position to be able to help people; at this stage of my life I am generally healthy and able. I have been lucky to receive lots of support through family and friends all my life, and I know that not everyone has this simple, yet crucial element in their life. I hope I am helping people by encouraging them to consider being active, whether it is joining a gym, creating art, or going for a morning walk. I also know that by raising funds for WCYCS I am able to assist with offering professional support for those that need it.

What have you learned from this Quest?

I have found that we live in such a generous society. The Eyre Peninsula communities are always willing to assist others, which makes our region a very special one to be a part of. I have met many fantastic new people and have also found that I have gained confidence in myself.

Have you used hypnotherapy before?

Before my sessions with Indigo Phoenix Hypnotherapy earlier this year, I had never used hypnotherapy before so I was both excited and nervous to try it as I wanted the outcome to be successful, but I didn’t know what the experience would be like!

How did hypnotherapy assist you, and how do you think hypnotherapy could tie in with your Quest?

I have found that it has assisted in my confidence. I used to suffer anxiety, especially when I knew that I was not in control of a situation. Through hypnotherapy and the techniques I was taught, I now feel a lot more mature and confident that I am, and will be, ok!! I am able to calm myself down (if needed) and approach tasks happily, which is a very empowering feeling.

If anyone is feeling that their mind (whether it be addiction, low self-esteem, anxiety, etc) is taking control of their daily lifestyles, or forcing them to opt out of situations, then I would highly recommend trying hypnotherapy. The worst thing that could happen is that it doesn’t change your mindset. However based on my own experience of hypnotherapy and many others as well, I believe that there will be an element of success.

What advice do you have for anyone wanting to make changes in their lives?

I always remind people that ‘Nothing changes if nothing changes’.

What is one very valuable lesson you have learned on your own personal journey that you can share?

That we can create our own happiness. If something isn’t right then we have the opportunity to make changes. Happiness can involve risks, but they’re worth it.

What are some of your greatest personal achievements?

Receiving the Caltex All-Rounder Award and Dux award in Year 12, completing a Bachelor Degree and Masters, receiving the Cowell Netball and Football club award and, of course, entering the 2015 Tunarama Ambassador Quest in the hope that I make a difference in at least one person’s life.

Who (if any) are your inspirations?

I am inspired by so many factors in life. My friends and family inspire me, my students, my surroundings, and music, in particular the song ‘I was here’ by Beyoncé!

Thank you Lain for choosing to share with our readers your inspirational Quest. Mental health is very close to my heart, as I experienced the low-lows of depression in my earlier years (read more HERE) and I am an absolute advocate of what you wish to achieve – to take the stigma away – to let people know that it happens to almost everyone, at some degree, and that there is support and talking about it is okay… they are definitely not alone, and to seek help! Wishing you every success in the 2015 Miss Tunarama Quest Lain, you thoroughly deserve it!

Wishing you all an abundance of health, healing & love

Xx Chantelle Xx