If someone had told me 30 years ago that I would go from managing an exploration drilling company to authoring books about horoscopes, tarot, crystals and meditation, I would have laughed. Yet, life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? Looking back, I see how every experience—even those that seemed worlds apart—shaped the person I am today. This journey from mining to mysticism has been anything but conventional, yet it has offered profound lessons about adaptability, resilience, and following one’s passion.
A Foundation Built on Hard Work and Precision
After leaving the stable comforts of New Zealand, beginning my career as a Microbiology laboratory assistant, I moved to Western Australia. Wanting to shed the sterile and clean environment of microbiology, I moved to Kalgoorlie and got down and dirty into mining. With my then husband, we began in the rugged and demanding world of exploration drilling. As the manager and administrator of an exploration drilling company, I wore many hats. At our peak, we operated 15 rigs and employed over 150 staff. The responsibilities were immense: overseeing daily operations, ensuring safety compliance, maintaining equipment, and managing a diverse workforce. Each day was a lesson in problem-solving, adaptability, and strategic thinking.
One of my most critical roles was writing. Yes, in the gritty world of drilling, writing played a central part in my success. I authored exploration drilling work manuals, employee contracts, and operational procedures. These documents weren’t just paperwork; they were the backbone of our operations, ensuring that everyone understood their roles and responsibilities. Clarity and precision were non-negotiable. Writing these materials honed my ability to communicate complex ideas succinctly and effectively—a skill that would serve me well in my later endeavors.
Late 1990's when we were still listening to the 'bing bing boooooong' of our computers connecting via dial-up to the great world wide web, I took to computers like a duck to water and was the first drilling company to have our own website. I had to learn how to write and speak in tone to a whole new plethora of people, from grass-root tire kicker's to corporate suits. A maddening but very exciting time.
Drafting work manuals required me to think step-by-step, breaking down intricate processes into easily digestible instructions. I also learned the art of tone, tailoring content to meet the needs of the intended audience. When writing contracts or employee letters, the challenge was to be professional yet approachable, clear but not overly rigid. Little did I know, these technical and administrative writing experiences were quietly preparing me for a very different kind of authorship.
Discovering Mysticism
Though my life was deeply entrenched in drilling and stressful administration processes, there was always a small spark of curiosity about mysticism. I would occasionally skim my horoscope in the newspaper or dabble in tarot readings for fun, but I never fully embraced these interests. The corporate world, with its strict schedules and practical demands, left little room for such explorations. Meditation intrigued me as well, but it remained an abstract concept rather than a practice I incorporated into my daily life.
It wasn’t until later—after years of navigating the pressures of business and the challenges of personal married life—that I began to see the value of these tools. Like many, I turned to spirituality during a time of upheaval. My marriage ended, I was left to raise our 3 children whilst my narcissitic husband took everything, leaving me with only our family home and a car that finally crapped out on me a week after signing my worth and value away. Meditation offered a sense of calm amidst chaos, while tarot and horoscopes provided insights and guidance when I felt lost. And boy! with all the upheavals in my life at this time I was constantly treading water, navigating by the moon and so far away from the person I thought I would become I felt so very lost, empty and worthless. So, what began as a personal journey back to the person I wanted to be quickly grew into a passion, one that I wanted to share with others.
The Bridge Between Two Worlds
At first glance, managing an exploration drilling company and writing divination books might seem like polar opposites. However, I’ve come to realise how much my career prepared me for my second. The organisational and strategic skills I developed in drilling have set me apart in the publishing and divination space.
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Organisational Skills: Managing 150 employees taught me the importance of structure. Whether it was scheduling rig operations, maintaining safety protocols, or managing payroll, every aspect of my role required meticulous planning. Today, those same skills help me manage the many moving parts of self-publishing—from writing and editing to marketing and distribution.
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Strategic Thinking: Running a drilling company wasn’t just about day-to-day operations; it required long-term vision. I had to anticipate industry trends, manage risks, and make decisions that would ensure the company’s sustainability. Similarly, in the publishing world, I’ve learned to think strategically about my target audience, market trends, and how to position my books in a competitive landscape.
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Communication Skills: Writing work manuals and contracts taught me to convey information clearly and concisely. These skills have been invaluable in crafting books that are accessible and engaging. Whether I’m explaining the properties of a crystal or the meaning of a tarot card, my goal is always to communicate in a way that resonates with readers.
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Adaptability: The drilling industry is unpredictable. Equipment breaks, weather disrupts plans, and new challenges arise daily. This taught me to stay flexible and find creative solutions. In publishing, adaptability is equally important. Trends change, technology evolves, and reader preferences shift. Being open to change has helped me navigate these dynamics with confidence.
Writing as a Lifelong Thread
Looking back, writing has been the common thread that connects my journey. Whether I was drafting a safety manual or penning a guide to tarot readings, the act of putting thoughts into words has always been a source of fulfillment. However, the purpose of my writing has evolved.
In the corporate world, my writing was functional, focused on ensuring clarity and compliance. Today, my writing is more personal and creative. It’s about inspiring others, offering guidance, and creating tools that help people connect with themselves and the universe. This shift has been incredibly rewarding, allowing me to merge my professional skills with my personal passions.
Lessons Learned
The journey from mining to mysticism has taught me several invaluable lessons:
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Every Skill is Transferable: Skills developed in one field can often be applied in unexpected ways. The organizational and writing skills I honed in the drilling industry have been instrumental in my success as an author and publisher.
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It’s Never Too Late to Pivot: Embracing my interest in mysticism later in life was daunting, but it was also liberating. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passions or explore new paths.
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Balance is Key: While the corporate world taught me discipline and structure, mysticism has taught me the importance of balance, intuition, and self-care. Combining these perspectives has enriched both my personal and professional life.
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Authenticity Resonates: When I began writing about mysticism, I worried that my corporate background might make me seem like an outside and at times I feel like I'm suffering Imposter Syndrome. Instead, I’ve found that sharing my unique perspective has made my work more relatable. People appreciate authenticity and the courage to share one’s journey.
Looking Ahead
As I continue to bridge the worlds of mining and mysticism, I’m excited about what the future holds. My goal is to create more books that inspire and empower readers, blending practical advice with spiritual insights in quirky and creative ways. Whether it’s a daily horoscope guide, a tarot reading book, or a meditation manual, I want my work to be a source of comfort and clarity for those seeking guidance.
I also hope to encourage others to embrace their unique journeys. Life is rarely linear, and the paths we take often lead to unexpected destinations. By staying open to new experiences and trusting in our abilities, we can create lives that are both fulfilling and meaningful.
Conclusion
The journey from managing an exploration drilling company to writing divination books has been unconventional, but it’s a testament to the power of adaptability and following one’s passions. Every experience, no matter how disparate it may seem, has the potential to shape us in profound ways. For me, the bridge between mining and mysticism has been built on a foundation of resilience, curiosity, and a lifelong love of writing. I hope my story inspires others to explore the bridges in their own lives, connecting the seemingly unconnected and discovering the magic that lies within.