It has been a while since we've touched base on my series: "Women with a voice" I created this series where I interview different women from different backgrounds, countries and asked them: "What does being a woman mean to you?" I wanted a series where I would talk to women I found inspiring or interesting in some way. I wanted to create a space where other women could read about their stories, be inspired or have a place where they could escape too when life is getting a little rough.
I ask this question: "What does being a woman mean to you?" because I wanted to know how other women see themselves. I wanted to create a space for other females to thrive in, in a positive and healthy way. To show other women they are not alone in how they may perceive themselves - I wanted to show just how alike a lot of us are and to have a space where others can grow together in and perhaps change their negative outlook on life.
I am big on supporting other females, as hard as it has been in the past to love myself, to not compare myself to other women, to not drag other women down when I have felt insecure - I came up with this idea where I would interview all kinds of females and get them to share small pieces of their lives. I have found speaking to the few women I have interviewed, to have been a very eye opening and inspiring experience. The saying: "Never judge a book by its cover" is so true. We each all have our own stories to tell and its amazing to see so many young, talented and strong women pursuing their goals and making the most of every day.
Recently I had a chat to Debbie Cordes - someone I have known for many years. Although we have not been close, I have been following her adventures through her photographs on Instagram for the past year or so. She recently moved to London through Au Pair and I chatted to her online and this is what she had to say. Its a bit of a read but one worth reading if you have a little time to spare out of your day.
Q: Hi Debbie! Thanks for chatting today. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself and what part of the world you are right now?
Hey Koko, no worries, thanks for interviewing me! I am 25-years old and at the beginning of this year I decided to quit my job and live in London as an au pair for two-years. I love to travel, I find it so inspiring and love to capture places I explore on my camera. Also love to write about all my adventures in my journal. I have been living in London since April and I love it.
Q: Wow, that is really inspiring, especially at 25-years old! How did you find the transition from moving from New Zealand to London?
I was so scared! But also so excited. This has been a big dream of mine for a long time, to live in another country. The days leading up to my flight were very nerve wracking. It was so sad saying goodbye to my family, cat and friends. I was a crying mess at the airport. I remember sitting on the plane and it started to take off and I burst into tears realizing I was all alone on my way to a foreign country. But a few hours into the flight I was so excited and happy and have been fine ever since. (100% recommend binging Harry Potter on the plane!)
(Brighton, London. IG: @mermaid_debbie)
(Richmond Park, London. IG: @mermaid_debbie)
Q: I've been following your photos of your current adventures, exploring on Social media - so many gorgeous architectures and views! What has been a highlight or "WOW" moment for you during your travels, while living in London that stands out?
Ah awesome! There are so many pretty places here. Ohh there have been so many. I think it would be my first day when I went exploring and I saw Buckingham Palace for the first time. Wow, just blew me away because I have seen it so many times on TV and I was seeing it in person for the first time. It hit me then that I was in London, on the other side of the world living my dream. Wow!
(Buckingham Palace. IG: @mermaid_debbie)
Q: It does look and sounds very dreamy. I can only imagine how surreal it must feel to be living in a beautiful place. A few months ago I did a series on my blog called: "Women with a voice" where I asked different women: "What does being a woman mean to you?" I asked them about what they found their strengths to be in the world right now, what inspires them daily and what they love about being a woman - I ask you this because I think it is really amazing how you've picked up your life to move to a completely different country alone. I can only imagine how scary and exciting that would be. I think you're very brave for taking a big step towards your goals. So Debbie: What does being a woman mean to you?
Yes it's so dreamy! Sometimes I just can't believe it. Oh wow that's cool, what a great blog post (totally just went on your page and checked it out, love it!!!!). Firstly thank you so much! I definitely recommend doing the things that scare you.
Being a woman to me is just being myself without worrying about what people are thinking about me (stuff them haha). This has been such a big thing for me in the past year, I have never been more myself and feeling so confident with it. Also expressing myself, being creative, lifting other people up, being kind and showing love to others but most importantly to myself.
( Swanage. IG: @mermaid_debbie)
(Disneyland, Paris. IG: @mermaid_debbie)
( Eiffel Tower, Paris. IG: @mermaid_debbie)
Q: I love that! I think we all as women should be supporting one another, living our lives as our best selves and show love to one another. The world has so much to offer and there are so many amazing places to explore, see and people to meet. Its nice to hear you also have similar feelings on this. What advice would you give to a fellow woman who was struggling to find themselves or cared a lot about what others thought of them?
Yes there definitely needs to be more love in the world. The world is a huge place and there is so much to learn. My advice is to read "The Four Agreements" By Miguel Ruiz. This book changed my life! I always recommend it to people and they say the same thing. One of the agreements is: "Don't take anything personally." and Miguel talks about how people do and say things based in their own beliefs, feelings and upbringing etc. And what people do or say has nothing to do with what you are doing. It's all about changing your mindset. It is so freeing when your mind is free from what other people are doing/thinking.
Taking a break from Social Media can be so refreshing. During that time, take time for yourself, doing all your favourite things. You will find you have so much more time! Surround yourself with positive, uplifting people. Cut out people who bring you down (Why waste time with people who don't make you feel your best). Be grateful everyday for everything you have and you will start to feel so much happiness. I know it's so hard worrying about what people think of you and yeah I still get caught up in it a lot sometimes. But you just have to change your mind. Think good thoughts like: "This is my body, it takes me to so many places. Over mountains, through oceans. I am so lucky!" I used to struggle with my big thighs but honestly who cares. I wear shorts with pride, they carry me over so many beautiful places and wow that's so beautiful!
(Redwoods Forest, New Zealand. IG: @mermaid_debbie)
(Uretiti, New Zealand. IG: @mermaid_debbie)
Q: What an absolutely beautiful way to look at things - changing your mindset is powerful and I have found this too. Thank you for sharing.
You're welcome!
Q: Before we end - what is your favourite photo you have saved on your camera roll or have taken. And can you share with us the story behind it? I ask this because I feel like a photo is worth a thousand words and can tell you a lot about the person taking it.
This photo was taken from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Once I made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower there were huge flashes of lightening and the loudest thunder ever! It was constant, every few seconds. The biggest thunderstorm I have ever seen. It was amazing! I watched the lightning and saw it raining in the distance. Then suddenly it started pouring rain. (I hadn't felt rain for 2 months maybe, its been so hot and dry). So I stood at the top of the Eiffel Tower with my hands up towards the sky, feeling the rain falling on me and got completely soaked. It was so cleansing and something I will always remember. I was the only one standing in the rain up there and it just felt so beautiful to be experiencing this by myself. I remember I started laughing so much, ah it would have been cool if someone took a photo of me like that haha. It was totally worth the huge puddles in my shoes. It was 37 degrees that day, it was bliss washing away all the heat and sweat. And I love the clouds in this photo!
Q: What an experience! That is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing pieces of your life with me. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions and hearing what you had to say. I wish you all the best on your endeavours and look forward to seeing more of your adventures on the gram. Talk soon! Thank you Debbie.
Awww you're welcome and thank you!! I love seeing your photos and blog posts. Can't wait to see what else you create. Have a good night
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