Dreams by Anne

“I finally realised that I must do my schoolwork to keep from being ignorant, to get on in life, to become a journalist, because that's what I want! I know I can write ..., but it remains to be seen whether I really have talent ...

And if I don't have the talent to write books or newspaper articles, I can always write for myself. But I want to achieve more than that. I can't imagine living like Mother, Mrs. van Daan and all the women who go about their work and are then forgotten. I need to have something besides a husband and children to devote myself to! ...

I want to be useful or bring enjoyment to all people, even those I've never met. I want to go on living even after my death! And that's why I'm so grateful to God for having given me this gift, which I can use to develop myself and to express all that's inside me!

When I write I can shake off all my cares. My sorrow disappears, my spirits are revived! But, and that's a big question, will I ever be able to write something great, will I ever become a journalist or a writer?”

— Anne Frank

She most certainly did. 

Her compelling voice inspires, educates and moves people still to this day. Words she wrote during a time of great suffering and loss, when freedom of speech was an unspoken luxury.

In Amsterdam, you can't help be wrapped up in the history and story of Anne Frank - and if you're not - you need to be. A recent trip to the beautiful city taught me this.

Life without limits (as featured on Renegade Collective)

Huge heart. Vision-setter. Transverses the impossible.

Meet Erin Gough. Leading disability rights advocate and lawyer-in-training from Christchurch, New Zealand. 

Photo by Laura McKinley

Her view on life will lift you and shake you, reminding you that we've got one chance at this life thing and we might as well do a damn good job at it! 

She is a change maker and her disability has been the antidote to indifference. In Erin's words, "Using a wheelchair is the most convenient way of getting around, just as walking is to most people – nothing more, nothing less. To me, my impairment is simply one of many characteristics that make me unique – just as everyone else has features that make them different from everyone else.”

She navigates the world sitting, but from her perspective, the view is vast and limitless. The obstacles act only to fuel her desire to radically demystify all that’s been misinformed, misunderstood and misinterpreted.

Her sense of humour, down-to-earth nature and infectious desire to make landmark change draws you in and raps you in hope.

Enter Erin's world and read her story, which was published in the May edition of Renegade Collective. PDF available for your viewing pleasure below :)