Julie Wacker - Counsellor & Life Coach

19/10/2025

Feeling drained or just having a tough week? Discover how to tell if it’s regular stress or something deeper that needs attention. 👇

Have you ever had one of those mornings where you wake up already tired? The alarm goes off, and instead of feeling rested, you’re thinking about bills, deadlines, and the million things waiting for you before the day has even begun. For many people right now, that’s not just the odd day – it....

09/09/2024

Feeling incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the CA Sri Lanka - Australia Chapter’s Inaugural Conference, 'Navigating the Future'! 🙌

I had the honor of speaking on mental health and joining a fantastic panel discussion where we tackled some of the big questions around balancing modern-day work life, especially as an expat. 🌏

It was an amazing experience, connecting with so many inspiring people and sharing ideas on how we can navigate the challenges that come with today's fast-paced world. A huge thank you to the organizers, fellow speakers, and everyone who attended for making it such a memorable event!

Looking forward to continuing these important conversations. 💬

19/08/2024

🌿✨ Discover the Japanese Art of Forest Bathing 🌳🌸

In our fast-paced world, finding moments of peace and connection with nature can be truly transformative. That's where Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," comes in—a beautiful Japanese practice that invites us to immerse ourselves in the healing power of nature.

Unlike traditional baths, forest bathing isn't about water—it's about taking a slow, mindful walk through the woods, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest. This simple yet profound experience can help reduce stress, boost mood, and even strengthen our immune system.

Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, consider taking a break from the hustle and bustle. Step into a nearby forest or park, leave your worries behind, and let nature work its magic. 🌲💚

05/07/2024

Attitude is a little ting that makes a big difference.

#𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭 #𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐜 #𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐉𝐨𝐲
#𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐞𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 #𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲

20/06/2024

I was recently interviewed by Sunbury Life about one of the most pressing issues many people face today: redundancy and the journey to finding a new job. This opportunity allowed me to delve deep into the challenges and emotions surrounding job loss and offer practical advice on navigating the path to new employment.

During the interview, we covered:
🔹 The emotional impact of redundancy and how to cope with it.
🔹 Practical steps to take immediately after a job loss.
🔹 Strategies for identifying and leveraging your unique strengths.
🔹 Tips for updating your resume to stand out.
🔹 Networking effectively and tapping into the hidden job market.
🔹 Preparing for interviews and building confidence.

Redundancy can be a daunting experience, but with the right mindset and tools, it can also be a chance for new beginnings and growth. Whether you're currently facing redundancy or just want to be prepared, I believe this interview offers valuable insights that can make a real difference.

🎙️ You can read the full interview on SunburyLife at sunburylife.au or tune in to SunburyRadio (99.3 FM or online at sunburyradio.com.au) where the audio interview is also being featured. 🎧

Anyone who’s found themselves out of a job through no fault of their own will go through a number of emotions; shock, fear, anger, resentment, eventually followed by acceptance and then the journey back into paid work.

09/05/2024

Life's journey is filled with twists, turns, and unexpected challenges, but it's also sprinkled with moments of joy, growth, and resilience.

As a counselor, I'm here to remind you that no matter what obstacles come your way, there's always a path forward. Let's work together to shift your perspective and focus on the positives, no matter how small they may seem. Remember, you're stronger than you think, and brighter days are ahead.

Keep shining! ✨

09/04/2024

In a world where emotions can run high and tensions often flare, it's essential to pause and consider the power of response over reaction. Reacting impulsively might feel instinctual, but taking a moment to respond thoughtfully can lead to incredible benefits both personally and in our interactions with others.

Here are some reasons why responding is the ultimate game-changer:

1️⃣ Promotes Clarity and Understanding: Reacting in the heat of the moment can cloud our judgment and lead to misunderstandings. By taking a moment to respond, we can gather our thoughts, process information more effectively, and communicate with clarity. This promotes better understanding and reduces the risk of conflict.

2️⃣ Strengthens Relationships: Whether it's in personal or professional relationships, responding allows us to express ourselves in a way that is respectful and considerate of others' feelings. It shows that we value the relationship and are willing to invest the time and effort to communicate constructively. This fosters trust and strengthens the bond between individuals.

3️⃣ Encourages Empathy: Responding involves taking the perspective of others into account. It requires us to consider their feelings, thoughts, and motivations before formulating a response. This empathetic approach not only fosters deeper connections but also promotes a more compassionate and understanding society.

4️⃣ Empowers Self-Control: Reacting impulsively often leaves us feeling out of control and at the mercy of our emotions. On the other hand, responding empowers us to take control of the situation. It allows us to regulate our emotions, make rational decisions, and act in alignment with our values and goals.

5️⃣ Facilitates Problem-Solving: When faced with challenges or conflicts, reacting can escalate the situation and hinder resolution. Responding, on the other hand, opens the door to effective problem-solving. It allows us to approach issues with a clear mind, seek common ground, and work towards mutually beneficial solutions.

6️⃣ Promotes Personal Growth: Choosing to respond instead of react is a reflection of our emotional intelligence and maturity. It demonstrates our ability to manage our emotions and navigate complex situations with grace and resilience. By practicing response over reaction, we continuously evolve and grow as individuals.

So, the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, remember the transformative power of response.

Take a deep breath, pause, and choose to respond thoughtfully. The benefits are endless, both for yourself and those around you.

24/01/2024

As we immerse ourselves in the ongoing adventure of 2024 and embrace the opportunities it unfolds, let's take a moment to reflect on the timeless tradition of New Year's resolutions. 🌟 While setting goals for the current year is an exciting endeavor, I want to share my approach to this age-old practice.

💡 The Option to Pick One After the Other:
In the spirit of embracing the current year, consider a flexible approach to resolutions. 🔄 Choose one focus area at a time, turning the ongoing journey into a series of manageable steps toward self-improvement.

🌈 Let's Celebrate Ongoing Progress:
Whether you've made resolutions or not, let's celebrate the strides we've already taken and the wisdom gained in 2024. 🥳 Each step toward personal growth is a noteworthy achievement, and the journey is as valuable as the destination.

21/12/2023

𝓢𝓮𝓪𝓼𝓸𝓷’𝓼 𝓖𝓻𝓮𝓮𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼

As the holiday season approaches, we would like to inform you that our office will be closed from December 22nd to January 8th for the Christmas break. During this period, the JWcc team will be taking some time off to celebrate the festive season with their loved ones and recharge for the upcoming year.

If you need to contact us during this time, please feel free to email us. While we will endeavour to respond to your email as quickly as possible, it may not be immediate.

For all urgent matters, please call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department for immediate medical attention, or contact one of the following emergency crisis support services:

• Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Su***de Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

We look forward to serving you with renewed energy and enthusiasm when we return on January 8th.

27/11/2023

🌟 Embracing Stoicism: The Timeless Wisdom That's Taking the World by Storm! 🌟

Have you noticed the buzz around Stoicism lately? It's not just a passing trend; it's a profound philosophy that's making waves in today's fast-paced world.

🧘‍♂️ What's the Stoic Buzz All About?

Stoicism, an ancient Greek philosophy, isn't just a historical relic – it's a timeless guide to navigating life's challenges with grace and fortitude. In a world that often feels overwhelming, Stoicism offers a roadmap to cultivate resilience, peace of mind, and a sense of purpose.

🔥 Stoicism in the Modern Age:

1️⃣ Mindfulness in Action: Stoicism encourages us to be present in the moment, acknowledging what we can control and accepting what we cannot. This mindfulness practice is a game-changer in today's multitasking world.

2️⃣ Building Inner Strength: The Stoics believed in cultivating an unshakable inner fortress. In an era where external circumstances can be unpredictable, this philosophy empowers us to weather the storms of life with courage.

3️⃣ Embracing Challenges: Stoicism teaches us to view challenges as opportunities for growth. Instead of dreading adversity, we can learn to face it head-on and emerge stronger on the other side.

4️⃣ Gratitude and Contentment: By focusing on what we have rather than what we lack, Stoicism helps foster gratitude and contentment. In a culture that often emphasizes endless striving, this mindset shift is revolutionary.

💡 Why the Hype?

So, why is Stoicism the timeless wisdom that's taking the world by storm these days? Perhaps it's because, in the midst of a chaotic world, people are seeking a sense of calm and purpose. Stoicism provides a practical and actionable philosophy that resonates across cultures and generations.

Ready to join the Stoic revolution? Dive into the wisdom of Seneca, Marcus Aurelius, and Epictetus – their teachings might just be the anchor we need in the sea of modern life.

03/11/2023

🌟 "Makeru ga kachi" 🌟

Recently, I stumbled upon the beautiful Japanese phrase "Makeru ga kachi," which translates to "There is value in defeat" or "Even in loss, there is something to be gained." I've been reflecting on this concept as a guiding light during challenging life phases, and I wanted to share this little story to illustrate why I really like it.

An example of "Makeru ga kachi" is the story of Starbucks and its founder, Howard Schultz. In the early 1980s, Schultz joined Starbucks as the director of retail operations and marketing. During a trip to Italy, he was inspired by the Italian coffeehouse culture and envisioned transforming Starbucks into a place where people could enjoy high-quality coffee and a sense of community.

Schultz presented this idea to the Starbucks owners, but they were hesitant to change their focus from selling coffee beans and equipment.
Undeterred by the initial rejection, Schultz left Starbucks and founded his own coffeehouse chain called Il Giornale, which embraced the Italian coffeehouse concept.

In 1987, Schultz had the opportunity to buy Starbucks from its original owners. He acquired the company, implemented his vision, and rebranded all Il Giornale stores as Starbucks outlets.

Schultz's determination to pursue his vision, despite facing rejection, led to the transformation of Starbucks into a global coffeehouse chain. His ability to learn from setbacks and turn his ideas into reality demonstrates the resilience and innovation associated with the philosophy of "Makeru ga kachi."

To me this story serves as an inspiring example of how setbacks can pave the way for success when met with determination and a positive mindset.