In this deeply moving episode of Your Neighborhood Show, Carolyn sits down with Julie, a participant-turned-volunteer at Sailability, to explore the remarkable journey of a woman who has quietly survived isolation, emotional abuse, neurodivergence, and chronic illness—and emerged with strength, creativity, and purpose. From early childhood mornings spent alone in convent gardens, to rediscovering joy on a sailboat in Townsville, Julie opens up about the challenges of being autistic in a world that often misunderstands, the long silence of an abusive marriage, and the radical act of reclaiming her voice through music, writing, and community. This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the healing power of connection.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 – Introduction
Carolyn introduces the theme of connection and disconnection, and welcomes Julie from the inclusive sailing organization, Sailability.

02:30 – A Childhood in Solitude
Julie recounts her early years spent alone in convent and school gardens, reflecting on how solitude shaped her comfort with being alone and her hesitancy around connection.

08:00 – Autism, Observation, and Self-Sufficiency
She shares how her autism likely contributed to her isolation and her affinity for quiet, creative exploration through nature and books.

12:30 – Music as a Lifeline
By age four, Julie was playing piano. Through school, travel, and cruise ships, music became her sanctuary and mode of expression.

18:15 – Growing Up Different
Julie discusses the disconnect she felt with peers due to her family's extensive travel and her mature worldview, often keeping her experiences to herself.

22:00 – The Pen Pal That Changed Her Life
A French pen pal led to a lifelong friendship, a solo trip to France at 17, and a safe space to build connection at her own pace.

28:00 – The Marriage That Silenced Her
Julie opens up about her 25-year marriage where emotional abuse and coercive control silenced her music and joy, until she found the strength to leave.

33:30 – Homeschooling, Healing, and Motherhood
Julie reflects on channeling her energy into homeschooling her two children, using music and travel to help them thrive where she once felt limited.

39:00 – Rediscovery Through Travel and Culture
She shares adventures from Panama to Costa Rica, instilling in her children a love for the world and resilience through experience.

42:00 – From Breakdown to Breakthrough
After her divorce, Julie spent years unraveling chronic health issues and rediscovering who she was outside her roles.

45:00 – Sailing into Selfhood
A single ride with Sailability reconnected Julie with the ocean and community. Volunteering led her back to creativity through music and social media, reinventing how she gives back.

49:00 – Owning Her Story
Julie shares her greatest life lesson: that courage comes from leaning into community and vulnerability. “These are happy tears,” she says, as she embraces a new chapter with grace.🎧 For more stories of reinvention, resilience, and connection, listen to Your Neighbourhood Show.

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