Niki Petousis - WISE WOMEN 2024
“Live your life regretting the things you do, not the things you don’t.
We frequently base our decisions on the influences of others, whether it’s societal norms, cultural expectations, or personal opinions. Looking back, we might question if we were truly open-minded, if we limited ourselves or others, or if we missed out on life-changing opportunities.”
How wise are you? 56 Years Wise
Where are you from? Melbourne, Victoria
Bio: As a first-generation migrant child to Greek parents growing up in Australia in the 70’s was quite challenging. Especially when you were a tall female, a talented athlete and studied Phs Ed at Uni, I didn’t quite fit the mould. It took me a long time to realise I can belong to both my country of birth and ancestral home, and I’m in equal measure, proud to be an Australian with Greek ancestry. As a Single Mum of twins life sure has had its challenges but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve raised two incredible humans which is one of my biggest achievements. I’ve also been lucky to be able to pursue my own evolution in the workforce and continue to study and thrive in the Corporate world as well as travel. In recent years I purchased an incredible property in Gippsland and have begun paving my pathway to the retirement of my choice.
Personally, I have competed and medalled at both State and National level Athletics as well as competed and medalled in Greece which was all pretty special and humbling. A few years ago I had a serious trauma accident which taught me humility at a new level. Re-learning and re-adjusting to my new abilities has taught me not how to push through pain and boundaries. When a door closes, find a window to open!
My biggest achievement by far, is raising fraternal twins as a single Mum. They have grown into amazing human beings and are now chasing their own dreams and dream jobs and travelling the world. They are truly such a gift and it’s such a privilege to be their Mum.
I’m an avid gardener, master food preserver and lover of the beach and travel. I love to read and learn so am always upskilling and growing.
Professionally, I am a certified Coach in NLP – Neuro Linguistic Programming and Agile with a teaching background. I have a gift in communicating and connecting with people and helping them unleash their best skills and best version of themselves.
What about your life would you like to celebrate most? MOTHERHOOD - Being a Single Mum and not just coping but thriving with all the challenges alongside raising twins and trying to survive. It has been such an incredible journey, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have made many friends who became our family of choice. I am a positive and passionate person who looks to the gratitude and blessings that the Universe gifts you! I also believe in doing things that bring you joy. I laugh a lot and have a huge energy source and grounded knowledge base that is always evolving. I believe education is a privilege and one must travel and go on as many adventures as possible.
What 3 words best describe you in this phase of your life? Grounded, Courageous, Warm
What do you love about this time of life? Fuck Bucks matter – as you mature, you don’t care so much; you think more about what matters to you and what you spend your Fuck Bucks on. I no longer do things that don’t bring me joy. I do what brings me joy and associate with people that bring me joy. Why the fuck did it take so long for me to learn this? I feel like a Goddess – a butterfly that has finally emerged and discovered her beautiful colours, spreading her wings to fly. I have a presence. My energy and my vibration are important. Most important are the footprints I leave behind, emotional, psychological and environmental.
I am learning to live to the rhythm of my own drum, my own values and do what brings me joy, and what matters most to me. I’m still a great Mum and always will be but am making sure I also look after myself. It’s taken a long time for me to be able to do this but it’s the right time for me. There is no right or wrong btw we can all only do what we can, when we can and when we are ready and able to.
Best advice; Use your Fuck Bucks wisely!
Where to find me:
“You live your life twice, once as you are living it in that moment and then again in your memory.
As we age, we find ourselves reliving our past experiences, and it becomes increasingly clear that living life to the fullest is paramount. A significant shift seems to occur around the age of 50, a moment of awakening that prompts us to cherish every moment and embrace a spirit of boldness, courage, and beauty.”
