Let me introduce myself...

Hi I'm Nat Zagninski

"So tell me about yourself?" It's probably the question I hate most. I stammer, look away, fidget and then usually answer with.... "I'm just me". Which, of course, is a ridiculous answer.

Well let me introduce myself. I am a contradiction. The easy parts: a wife, a mother of three amazing boys, a mother-in-law to a beautiful daughter, a sister. Born in Bathurst and of Polish descent I was raised a country girl in Tamworth. I moved to Newcastle with every intention of reaching the bright lights of Sydney but, as many do, I stayed. I began working life as an engineer, drifted to defence aerospace before making a complete u-turn to retrain as a psychologist. Along the way I became obsessed with outcomes for veterans, eradicating the stigma of mental illness, workplace culture and equity for women - and not necessarily in that order! In my work life I am serious, confident, organised, certain, professional. In my home life I am insecure, disorganised, silly, emotional and somewhat scattered. Socially I suspect I am a mix of the worst of both. I sail, box, run, swim and walk. Live music will make any day the best day of my life and if I can make you smile with my cooking I feel whole.

I've lived, laughed, cried. I've seen my fair share of sadness and heartache but refuse to believe there isn't good in the world. My heart is perpetually on my sleeve and I don't think I know how to put it back in my chest. What do I value most? Honesty, respect, integrity and justice. But also kindness, forgiveness and compassion. There are many sides to every story and many views of every picture and understanding them is the key to being wise. Which sometimes I am, but often I am not. Being creative makes me feel alive and being logical makes me feel appreciated. Does all that fit together? Probably not. But it makes me just me.

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