[Episode 21] Connecting With Country Through Running

This week are joined by special guest Sheree Stewart.

Sheree is an Indigenous speaker, midwife, published author, student hot air balloon pilot and mother of six.

While she was expected to mature into a box of damaged goods growing up in rural Victoria, experiencing horrific domestic violence – her energy was directed into creating her own brand new narrative.

With a deep-seated connection to her 60 000 years of Indigenous ancestry, Sheree seeks the beauty, connection and kindness in everything she faces.

This year started Sheree with being diagnosed with a chronic health disease which was the  catalyst for change Sheree used to recreate new health and wellness.

Redesigning her diet, leaving addictions in the past and moving forward with exercise, Sheree has connected physical exercise and in particular, running, as a way to heal, be strong and connect to her culture and ancestors.

 

 

As lockdown rolled out across Australia, Sheree began looking for a way to stay active while at home. She chose to hire a treadmill and began running regularly.

Sheree felt that getting active outside and being seen practicing physical activity by others caused her a certain level of discomfort.

She did not want the judgement of others placed on her, especially as she felt that she did not fit the social stereotype of a runner.

But, Sheree is an absolute powerhouse and this did not stop her from moving her body to support her physical and mental health.

Running was a life changing practice for Sheree. It wasn’t long before she felt confident to take to the outdoors with her new found practice.

 

 

This was when she received the greatest gift, a connection to country and a sense of belonging within her culture and history as an indigenous Australian.

Sheree’s courage to face the all the challenges life has placed on her and use the experiences to live authentically and passionately are inspiring.

She spreads a message of hope and is using her life experiences to help inspire other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through her storytelling and advocacy work.

Sheree wants to show her community that although they face many challenges and hardships, it is possible to live the lives they want and that even though they may feel alone, they are not alone.