Tanya Hicks, Free 2B Me

18/10/2026

18/10/2026

There’s freedom in owning what you’ve got. The brilliance, the messy bits, the things that take far more energy than anyone sees.

I’ve learned to put systems and support around the things I find hard, and let myself use them without making it mean something about my worth.

Less energy spent trying to hold everything together. More space to create, connect and follow the ideas that light me up.

Give your genius some room to work its magic.

16/10/2026

Ours. By the Beach needs our help Phoenix Fam. As a fellow heart-centred, inclusive business if anyone has any ways they can support them to keep them going please reach out to them or have your cuppa there.

Times are tough for all of us and I have to keep believing that together we can xx

12/10/2026

In all fairness, the number is still on it… mostly 😜

Sigh… the joys my friends 🤣

11/10/2026

I finally cracked an overall subject mark above 90% in my Master of Counselling.

90.45% in Mental Health Counselling. My highest so far.

I’m proud of that result. It also has me thinking about little Tan, who was always in trouble for daydreaming and “not meeting my potential”.

Once I understand what is required of me, I can meet it. When the instructions are ambiguous, or the expectations don’t line up with the rubric, that’s where I can fall short. Clear expectations matter.

As an AuDHDer, my thinking is fast and full of connections. My feedback is now recognising some of the very connections I couldn’t explain as a child.

Those connections help me explore complex situations and find possibilities in my work. Making them understandable to someone else still takes effort. A high mark doesn’t make that effort, or my support needs, disappear.

Dear little Tan, it’s starting to make sense. You deserved understanding long before you had a mark to show anyone.

09/10/2026

Send the flowers. Drop in. Give the cuddle. Share the words.

You never really know the difference it might make.

Thank you to the people who hold me, see me, and remind me of who I am when a system leaves me questioning myself. And for those who do this for the people they love too.

When you’re dealing with bias, bullying and shifting goalposts, it’s hard not to let it get under your skin.

Life is happening outside the walls that confine us. In the relationships you build, the care you show and the difference you make to someone’s day.

People will see different versions of you. Listen to the ones who see your heart, your ability and your greatness. Especially when you’re being gaslit and broken down and struggling to see it yourself.

And never underestimate the value of bringing a little feral when the situation calls for it. You can be compassionate and still call bu****it. Just keep yourself safe.

For today, I’m holding onto the kindness and soaking in the love.

But tomorrow... we ride at dawn. Giddy up Mofos!

Sending big love,
Tan xx

06/10/2026

Invisible disability can shape a person’s life in ways others may not see. Being believed when we disclose our experiences matters.

Thank you to for publishing this personal piece, What disclosure taught me about power, being believed and our neurodivergent kids. It’s a conversation we’ll return to during Invisible Disability Week.

Read the article here: https://kidsonthecoast.com.au/health-wellbeing/what-disclosure-taught-me-about-power-being-believed-and-our-neurodivergent-kids/

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Speaking event of where image was taken: 2026

03/10/2026

We’ve developed a little ritual lately at The Nest: once everyone is packed up and ready to go home, some of our leaders join in for the last of dance.

But how did I end up greeting parents at 10 am in a belly dancer costume this morning? Glad you asked.

One team member arrived wearing a jumper and realised they’d forgotten to put a shirt on underneath. Their only spare shirt? Part of their Michael Jackson costume for a party straight after work.

Naturally, we decided that just wearing the shirt wasn’t enough. They should fully commit to the costume.

Then another team member, going to the same party ALSO dressed as Michael Jackson, decided to get dressed up too.

And that, my friends, is how I found myself greeting parents at 10 am in my very sparkly, very jingly belly dancer costume. I too wanted to step up in solidarity.

I wish I’d still had it on for this video.

Just a normal day with an all-neurodivergent team. Nothing to see, my friends.