Alicia
“Everyone is weird, embrace your weirdness. That’s what people are going to love about you. ”
Alicia, or Leash is someone you feel safe with. She is sincere and warm hearted. She is wise and honest. She makes you feel like family even if you’ve just met. She can make you laugh, but she also will have your back - no matter what. Meet Leash. This is her story.
Leash, in the snow (her happy place)
P: Please introduce yourself!
A: My name's Alicia Stratton and I'm 30 years old. I live in the Snowy Mountains, Australia and winter is my happy place.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
A: I am human. I love hard, I make mistakes, I am reckless and careful. I am strong and weak. I am forever changing my mind but have strong and staunch beliefs. I am a fierce friend. I am indecisive yet make decisions quickly, I am tough and fragile. I am me, unapologetically me.
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
A: My resilience. I think being able to bounce back from tough times is a trait you learn over time and is so valuable. Life can be a bumpy road and sometimes things don't work out the way you plan or the way you'd hoped. Sometimes the troughs in life are a little deeper and last a little longer than you expect, but sometimes those peaks in life are better than you could ever imagine. Sometimes you have the support of friends and family to help you through, and sometimes you need to be able to navigate your own way through things. Having the resilience to push through and bounce back, stronger and tougher, lets you experience those peaks to the fullest.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
There are so many moments in my life that have pushed me to be a better version of myself. One moment in time was saying the eulogy at my Babcia's (grandmother's) funeral. To stand up in front of crowd of people and tell them about an incredible women who came before me, was so humbling and a moment that took a tremendous amount of strength.
It's moments like these that show you just what you are capable of and make you believe in yourself a little bit more. She was quiet but oh so strong. I definitely believe she was there with me that day.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
A: Everyone is weird, embrace your weirdness. That's what people are going to love about you.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
I believe being a women is an extreme privilege and honour. Being a women is being whatever you want to be. Being a women is being strong, vulnerable, soft, kind, honest, caring, loud, quiet, observant, emotional, understanding, stubborn, logical, direct and courageous. Being a woman is understanding your strengths and your weaknesses and owning life. Being a woman, is being as 'you' as you could possibly be.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
A: My Mum. She is a beautiful and honest women. She has taught me how to be strong and heard. She comes through for our family more than anyone I know. She loves with her whole heart and cares so deeply for those close to her. She has taught me to be heard no matter who is around. She has been there for me whenever I have needed her and for that I am forever grateful.
Seeing her become a Babcia (grandmother), is one of the most incredible things I have ever witnessed. I am lucky enough to feel the love my Mum has for me and my family whenever I see her.
If she were here now I would say thank you. Thank you for everything. Being your daughter has been my greatest honor and I hope I've made you proud.