Featuring the Women of Middlemount, Central Queensland.

This project aims to help us see our own beauty, our achievements and strengths. We celebrate our personal journey, value and appreciate the many roles we play in our family and within our community, this is the 'Way of Me'.


Welcome to the Way of Me Project - a place to connect and learn something from each other, through our strengths, differences and the paths we follow, there is beauty and admiration for every woman. I hope you find inspiration within these words and images.


Mel is a close friend of mine, she always keeps me smiling! She is a beautiful soul inside and out, is always encouraging and someone you can sit down with and have an in depth and joyful conversation with. She has just released her very own gratitude journals, a beautiful and mindful way to bring more wellness into your life, you can find out more, and check them out via this link: MB Journals

Mel is a mother who loves her sons fiercely, a wife, a friend, an all round amazing human, and an advocate for living an adventurous and fulfilling life. She is one of those people that you just feel better by being around. Thank you for opening up and joining in on the project Mel, you are one in a million!


Don't forget to take care of yourself too. Each step is a step forward, no matter how small.

Melissa B.

Melissa, Questions and Answers:


How would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you and cant see you? I am a 37 years old mum of 2 amazing boys, originally from France and now calling Australia home. I love spending time with my family and going on adventures.


How do you find balance? To maintain balance, I prioritise spending quality time with my sons by handling household tasks and work while they're asleep or at school. This approach allows me to meet their emotional needs while also tending to my own.


My job title officially is... but really my job involves... My job title officially is a stay at home mum but really my job is a cook, a cleaner, a carer, a wife, a teacher, an administration contractor, a journal creator on a mission to help other navigate mental health challenges.


What motivates you? I'm typically most motivated when faced with challenges, as they push me to find solutions and achieve my goals. In my daily routine, I draw motivation from activities like listening to music, reading, and spending time outdoors.


A moment in your life that has helped defined you... A pivotal moment in my life was at 20 when lacking confidence, I faced hardship but chose to trust myself. Leaving France for Ireland, despite limited English, I resolved to learn. This experience taught me self-belief and initiative, leading me to travel solo worldwide and ultimately meet my wonderful husband in Australia.


A quote that resonates or I keep coming back to... "We only live once" This quote perfectly reflects my perspective on life. I firmly believe that memories endure while material possessions fade. It's crucial to live according to our dreams, prioritising what truly matters—family, quality time, and meaningful experiences—above all else.


I'm grateful for... I am thankful for my incredible husband, my perfect partner. I am grateful for my two wonderful sons, the brightest lights in my life. I appreciate my supportive family spread across France and Australia, despite the distance. I am grateful for my friends and the wonderful community we belong to. Lastly, I am grateful for the challenges I've faced, as they have shaped me into the person I am today, leading me to this very moment.


My best features are... I think my best features would include resilience, compassion, adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace new experiences. I am always open to growth and discovery.


I love my... I love my determination to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals with unwavering persistence. Being a devoted mother and wife brings me immense joy and fulfillment. My knack for organization helps me manage life's complexities with ease. Crafting a journal aimed at helping others fullfills a long-held aspiration of mine, reflecting my desire to make a meaningful impact through writing.


I'm working on... I'm currently focusing on cultivating patience, recognising it as an area for growth in my life. Engaging in mindfulness practices is helping me quiet my often restless mind and find inner calm. Additionally, I'm dedicated to refining my journal, aiming to enhance its impact and usefulness for others.


My days usually look like this... My typical day begins with my eldest son joining me for morning cuddles before the alarm sounds. After getting ready and enjoying breakfast, we either bike or walk to school. Then, I engage in various activities with my toddler, such as swim lessons, library visits, or playgroups, before his midday nap. During this time, I tackle household chores, cook dinner, and work on my project. In the afternoon, we pick up my eldest from school and engage in homework, sports, or playtime, sometimes taking a bike ride or a walk. Evening routines include dinner, showers, reading bedtime stories, and tucking the kids in. Once they're asleep, I devote time to my project until I'm ready for bed myself.


I dream of... I aspire to create a stable income that would afford my husband the opportunity to take a well-deserved break from work, allowing us to cherish quality time together as a family. My dream involves homeschooling our children while embarking on adventures around the globe, eventually splitting our time between France and Australia, soaking in the best of both worlds throughout the year.


My worst habits are... Not always being a friend to myself, being impulsive and impatient.


I feel balanced when... I achieve balance when I prioritise quality time with my family, immerse myself in outdoor activities, and actively contribute to the household finances.


How do you measure success, wins, fulfilling times? For me, success is measured by the fulfilment I derive from achieving my goals and the meaningful experiences I accumulate along the way. It's about celebrating victories, both big and small, and finding joy in the journey towards personal growth and fulfilment.


To my younger self, I'd say: "You possess more strength than you realise. Keep your expectations in check to avoid disappointment, and remember to prioritise self-love."


What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to be an archaeologist or a cabin crew member for a private jet company


If you had to choose one fictional character from a book/show/movie to represent you, who would it be? Mulan from Disney's. To me she symbolises courage, selflessness, and the willingness to defy societal expectations to protect her family and country. Mulan's journey of self-discovery and empowerment is incredibly inspiring.


High repeat things: Lemon juice 1st thing in the morning. Music all day long, different styles depending on my mood. Home made pizzas and pancake Sundays. Cuddles with my sons


Bucket list top 5? Witness the midnight sun in the Arctic - Skydiving - Road trip on the 66 Highway in the USA - Go to Bora- Bora - Go on a cruise to Antarctica


If money was no object where would you live and what would you do? As I mentioned before, if money wasn't an issue, I would love to have a house in the French Alps and one by the beach in Australia. I would love yo travel the world with my family and homeschool my boys.


A book or movie that every woman should read/watch is... A TV show I highly recommend for every woman is "Big Little Lies." This captivating series follows the lives of five women from diverse backgrounds who navigate friendships, conflicts, and the complexities of domestic life. Through tragedy and experiences with domestic violence, they come together to support and empower each other, showcasing the importance of female solidarity and the strength found in unity. "Big Little Lies" beautifully illustrates that every woman has her own unique story and that by lifting each other up, we can overcome any challenge that comes our way. It's a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, support, and sisterhood in our lives.


I'm proud of these achievements... Mastering a second language to fluency. Embarking on solo travels, exploring the world independently. Navigating the challenges and joys of motherhood, from pregnancy to postpartum to the daily adventure of raising boys. Launching the journal I've been working on, aiming to make a positive impact on others' lives.


Someone local you admire? I admire Angela Hite, who owns two thriving businesses. Her strength, independence, and unwavering determination are truly inspiring. Despite her busy career, Angela remains deeply committed to her family, successfully raising four children. Her ability to balance professional success with a strong family bond is admirable, and her impact on both her business ventures and her family is truly commendable.


A message to other women... You're stronger than you think! Whether you're tackling new challenges, venturing out on your own, navigating the rollercoaster of motherhood, or building your empire, know that you've got this. Embrace your journey, empower yourself and those around you, and show the world what we're made of.


A message to myself... Don't forget to take care of yourself too. Each step is a step forward, no matter how small.