Please say a warm hello to first-time contributor Livonne, a woman from Australia who lives with PTSD, anxiety and depression. She suffered sexual abuse as a child, as well as a marriage that turned violent and culminated in her being stalked for nearly 5 years and then having her 10-year-old daughter killed on an access visit. Livonne was left to raise two young boys on her own while trying to deal with the grief. Three years after her daughter’s death, her mother got cancer, and Livonne nursed her until her passing. She then found herself in and out of work as she tried to get both herself and her boys back on track. Six years ago, Livonne moved so she could try to find herself and make a fresh start now that the boys have grown. She started a photography course at a TAFE college and is now in the final six months of completing her diploma in commercial photography. When she got into photography, Livonne realized that her mood was lighter more often. She attributes that to looking at life through eyes that are always searching for beauty now, instead of constantly seeing the negative. Livonne also writes a blog that addresses mental illness, grief, and life in general, with humor and a positive slant on life.
About these photo: “These three photos were all taken in China on my very first overseas trip back in October. To finally be able to travel and see some of the things I’ve only ever seen on TV was a huge thrill for me and has made me want to experience more and more.”
Find more from Livonne at her Blog.
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