Them You & Me

26/01/2025

🖤💛❤️

I live on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People. I call Australia home. This home is made of so many people, faces and stories, past and present.

Living in and loving this country means to acknowledge that
“True love for this country means embracing its full history.”


Today is a day of reflection - a day to think deeper and do better.

D and I stand with all First Nations People of this country, today and every day.

Uluru was one of the first places we visited when we moved to Australia. We wanted to listen and learn.
There is so much to learn still.

I am holding close to my heart everyone in this country, even more so today when it brings much pain to many.

I believe in celebrating unity, culture and together embrace the diversity of this country.

With so much happening to divide us, I will always believe there is so much more to unite us…one person at a time…like my grand-mother would say…one step closer to each other today and every other day.

Being curious, recognizing that we may not always know and respecting each other when we don’t always understand.

Today I am working but I am making time to educate myself, read about and listen to Aboriginal voices, have respectful and meaningful conversations with everyone who welcomes them with an open mind and kind heart.

I want my home to truly love and respect, uplift and value everyone as we come together and take concrete actions that include everyone.

“We are all visitors to this time, this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow, to love and then we return home.“ ~ Australian Aboriginal saying

🖤💛❤️

22/01/2025

08/12/2024

I am a co-author 💛
It wouldn’t have been possible without and her inspiring journey, passion and dedication as she brings out to the world editions 3 and 4 of ⚡️55 FACES⚡️

The Aspire Series is a Global Platform For Women Leading Social Change and Impact.

This is more than a book—it’s a celebration of 110 women across 38 countries. It’s a celebration of their resilience, courage, and unique voices.

So much magic to witness as we learn more about the stories of all these incredible women…🫶🏼

I am beyond emotional to be part of this journey. A heartfelt thank you Michelle, Agnes and your wonderful team…❤️

In your own words:”See, 55 isn’t really about a book […], it is about who we become THROUGH and BECAUSE of this journey. And what becomes possible, what is opened up and transpires between us when we open ourselves up to the magic of serving a higher purpose in the world.”

⭐️JOIN US ONLINE⭐️ for the 55 FACES Global & Africa book Launch Party this Thursday 12th December.

The launch will take place at two times: 9 AM GMT and 8 PM GMT.

You can register here: https://form.jotform.com/243348517445259
[link in bio]

Hope to see you online on Thursday!

With kindness,
Marie
💛

20/09/2024

What does it mean to hold space for someone?

Do we do it focusing on ourselves - the way we would have experienced it and focus on what we know and how we react - or do we really “disappear”, truly listen and ask what the other person needs at that moment?

Holding space means to make it about the other person, allowing them to be really present, and share openly what they feel without intervening even. It requires much patience, silence and listening - what is said and often what is not even expressed out loud.

It is about respecting their feelings, validating their emotions, not looking at it our way but making it about them in all acceptance - even when, and if we don’t understand.

Because really we can never understand what another person is going through. 💛 The same even could be perceived in a different way by 2 people.

I recently had a conversation with a friend about expectations, how we make claim on others even if it isn’t intentional. We often think someone else may react like us. More often than not, people don’t. 🤗

It is a lesson we often learn the hard way but a deeper awareness can change relationships for the better. So much can expand if we put our own reality on the side and are curious about another way of being and doing.

Knowing how to hold the space may come with a lot of trials and errors. We may mean well but this may not always be the right thing to say or do.

Holding ourselves accountable, feeling vulnerable, not assuming, and asking the other person what they need can make all the difference. And if the other person does the same, imagine what is possible!

🔅What are you reading at the moment? 🔅

13/06/2024

Diwakar & I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed towards our fundraising for La Roue de Secours, supporting children’s education in Agra, back in 2020. 🤗

With your generous donation, we raised more than AUD 10,000. 🙏🏾

If it weren’t for your compassion, caring for strangers and kindness, some of these 196 children wouldn’t have been able to go to school. You gave them hope and a chance for a brighter future.

This January, during our trip to India, D and I got the chance to meet Annie, the Founder of the Association, for the first time - and visit the facilities and coaching center in Agra. We were overjoyed to meet the children face-to-face, especially Vansh, whose education we had been sponsoring for years. They welcomed us with cheerful greetings as we distributed chocolates and cookies. It was humbling…🫶🏼

I know that in their hearts, each child is grateful for your thoughtful and generous gesture. Their smiles this January said a lot! From afar you touched their lives and showed them that we don’t need to know someone to care for and support them. We are beyond grateful we could make it to Agra to meet them all in person.

We are all we have. We can all do so much with so little. There is no act of generosity or caring too small to impact people’s lives.
We sometimes underestimate what we can accomplish as individuals, but there is always something we can do. Like the hummingbird, we must not allow ourselves to become overwhelmed, and we must not rest. As the hummingbird, I will do what I can. 
Now you can put a face to the impact you have made! Enjoy the pictures and the smiles! 🤗

If you would like to make an impact and are looking for a place you can trust, you can use this link: https://www.mycause.com.au/p/332459/dayaluta-kindness

You can email or call me to know where your donation will go and the difference it will make.

A huge thank you again.
Diwakar & Marie 💛

*Kindly note that we asked Annie, the teachers and the children for their permission before taking their pictures.

05/06/2024

“I had the pleasure of working with Marie and I can say with certainty that she is one of the most impactful and genuine people I have ever met. Her warmth and open demeanor immediately put me at ease, allowing me to delve deep into self-discovery and introspection. What sets her apart is her ability to challenge me in a gentle and supportive way. With her guidance, I was able to gain a greater understanding of myself, and she provided me with the space and insight to make meaningful change in my life. I am grateful for her unwavering support and encouragement, and I truly believe that anyone who has the opportunity to work with her will come out on the other side a more confident and self-aware person. Thank you Marie, for your dedication to helping others reach their full potential. Your passion for your work and your genuine care for your clients are what make you truly exceptional.” ~ AP

I can never take my role as a life coach for granted. This is a privilege for me to hold a kind and nurturing space. It means a lot that my clients trust me and find it safe for them to share what’s on their mind and what they feel in their body. Often what they tell me hasn’t been shared with someone else. It takes much courage to welcome our emotions and name out loud what triggers us and what is important for us. I love what I do and I am so grateful to be able to make others feel seen, heard, suported and encouraged.

I kindly invite you to reach out via DM or via email at [email protected] if you’re curious about coaching and you’re ready to answer my question ‘what’s here now?’

💛All questions are welcome and everyone is welcome! 💛 Kindly note that I’m the only one to access this email to respect your sharing and privacy.

With kindness,
Marie

20/05/2024

“Every child has the right to grow up in a safe and inclusive environment. Every child has the right to survive and thrive. Every child has the right to learn. Every child has the right to an equitable chance in life.” - UNICEF

A huge thank you to Kylie Lewis, & Fiona Killackey, for this heartfelt and inspiring initiative and auction. So heartwarming to see everyone coming together 🫶🏼🙏🏾

LOVE CALLS US TO ACTION.

If you’re curious about my bid💛
I’m offering 2 x 1hr life coaching sessions and 1 hr digital marketing session.

☀️As a Digital Marketer & Website Designer, I bring a unique, heartfelt and holistic approach to your online journey through my ‘Inward-Outward Concept’ which helps you align your inward reality with your outward life. I help you first understand the ‘what’ before focusing on the ‘how, and guide you in understanding the digital space through friendly words. I encourage you to tune in first and name your values and what matters to you, so you can connect to your mission and align it with the business you envision. I also advocate for self-care in the digital space and more kindness online.



☀️As a Certified Life Coach, I offer a kind, safe and nurturing space where you can be heard, seen, valued, supported and encouraged. I have always been passionate about leaving people better than I found them, guiding them in connecting deeper with who they are. If you think coaching could help you name and voice out what matters to you, navigate life challenges and align your goals with how you want to live your life, I kindly invite you to contact me to schedule your coaching sessions at [email protected]. I will support you to align who you are - in life, at work and online.

Don’t forget to check the other inspiring businesses🤗💛 So many to choose from…

17/05/2024

No. I am not in Paris.
Do I wish I was? Yes, maybe, but then, I wouldn’t have experienced today, here in Melbourne, in Dandenong.
 
I often say that it is important to acknowledge what we accomplish at the end of the week. And today was a key milestone and the highlight of my week. In this regard, here’s how I came across this picture from years back in Paris…
 
I joined the Ucan2 Program at the Centre for Multicultural Youth in February and today, I presented my career path in front of the young people, teachers and volunteers there. And no, I’m still not comfortable with public speaking. :) It is hard enough to take the stage, literally, or present a topic on Zoom, but talking about myself, my journey and my career path is a whole new level. And I said it to everyone before I started…I voiced out the butterflies and nervousness because I hoped it would help one of them…you can be really scared and do it anyway. I didn’t want to set the wrong expectations that it is normal to be unafraid to speak in front of others. Even at my age and despite my lived experience, I am still nervous.
 
Here are a few highlights from my journey:
- From the South of France to my first plane journey to New York to be an au pair.
- From 2 years in Italy working in a pizzeria while studying to 5 years in New York, working in a hotel and bartending on weekends…
- From my first entrepreneurial experience and moving to India...starting my first business, Hong Kong and then Singapore, where I started my digital marketing adventure.
- To my life coaching certification, trauma-informed focus
•from telling my story as a young person and what I liked to do back then, to sharing how it is going - some things have changed but some have stayed the same …therapeutic and humbling 🙂
•I added questions to make them think about themselves and talked about saying yes/no - referring back to their skills and CV work
• Shared my passion for advocating self-care online
•and I finished with a picture of my Indian wedding

[Read more in comments…🤗]

08/05/2024

Heartbroken 💔
Thank you for this design 🫶🏼

06/05/2024

It was a priority this year – once I obtained my ACC Certification, I wanted to make some impact on the refugee and migrant community. I did some research and came across the .for.multicultural.youth (CMY), a not-for-profit organisation based in Melbourne.

I found that CMY engages a community of passionate volunteers who encourage and support young people through group activities in an educational setting with their UCan2 program. This program provides additional support to young people aged 16 to 25 who come from a refugee or migrant background and have newly arrived in Australia.

Through various group activities, Ucan2 volunteers share their work, study and life experiences in Australia, act as positive role models, help young people practice English, and help foster young people’s confidence to make social connections and develop their skills.

Spending time with these inspiring young people and learning so much from them is the highlight of my week. Thank you, CMY, for accepting me as a volunteer and making it possible for me to have an impact on the ground.

Learn more about CMY and their UCan2 program here: https://www.cmy.net.au/young-people-community/support/ucan2/ {kindly DM me if you’d like me to share the link}

UCan2 is a partnership between CMY and Foundation House, and is funded by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.