I’d like to thank all those people who have influenced me and in doing so made this book possible. I will be forever grateful to Caroline Goyder who so generously gave me the opportunity to write the book and who was there every step of the way; you are an inspiration and a true friend. Also to Dr Tamara Russell, my friend and mindfulness teacher; thanks for sharing your knowledge as a neuroscientist and for your insights to help me shape the book.

To my wonderful family in Australia who are always there no matter what – especially to Lee who is one of the best listeners I know and was there on day one; to Anne, Peter, Rob, Kerri and Elizabeth for your support and love. To Gail Ann Dorsey who’s always been my creative inspiration. To Lisa Jennings who knows what she did all those years ago. To my UK family; Louise who has been the staunchest of supporters and to Sian, Yvonne, Liz, Helen C, Helen W, Diane, Megan and Abby for your healing hands.

A huge thank you goes to Eloise at Pearson for being the best commissioning editor a first-time author could ever hope for; without your encouragement, guidance and support I would have given up. Also thanks to Natasha Whelan for seeing this through to the end and to Helen MacFadyen for your expert editorial input.

Finally, I want to end where it all started and thank my mother who is a true artist, a great supporter and simply the biggest influence in my life.