Welcome to a preview of One Hundred Days Hunting for Hugh. For me this was a unique journey through the complexities of mental health during the challenging times of the COVID-19 lockdown. In the midst of uncertainty, I found solace in documenting their experiences, fears, and triumphs through a personal diary, bravely navigating the waves of emotions that swept over them. This honest and often sarcastic account, initially shared on Facebook, served as both a therapeutic outlet and a means of connecting with others facing similar struggles.

As the days unfolded, an unexpected twist emerged – an intriguing fixation on Hugh Jackman. The diary flirts over this fascination, exploring how a harmless and unrequited passion can provide a lifeline during times of isolation. The intimate narrative weaves through my three to four month journey, illustrating the power of unconventional coping mechanisms in the face of adversity.

What began as a self-reflective experiment took an unexpected turn when taking feedback from others who enjoyed reading my thoughts and observations, I came to the decision to publish the diary. This decision, sparked by the desire to memorialize the unique challenges of the COVID era, also opened the door to a larger vision. My COVID Lock-Down-Under diary also serves as a trial run, a stepping stone for my aspirations to publish subsequent volumes chronicling military deployments in Iraq, Sudan and Afghanistan.

In 2003, I found myself as the Flight Commander Air Traffic Control tower on International Airport in Baghdad, Iraq. I was responsible for managing one of the most critical airspaces in the world at the time. Leading a small, diverse team in a high-stress, fast-paced environment, we faced the immense challenge of ensuring the resilience of our operations, delivering persistent services in the face of daily uncertainty. It was a test not only of technical expertise but also of the ability to maintain a cohesive and motivated team under extreme conditions. As a female commander in a digital leadership role, I had to navigate unique challenges, proving that determination, teamwork, and strategic decision-making can overcome any barriers.

Then add in that it was a coalition environment, with all that entails for stakeholder engagement and more practically, communications and a few nations divided by a common language.

Two decades later, I’ve taken the time to look back at my diaries, and the weekly emails I sent to friends and family. I hadn’t realised at the time how each and every moment would affect my health, mentally and physically. It’s certainly taken some reflection, courage and sometimes belligerence to reach this point. But I think my story is worth telling.