Metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer Blog I Louise DeCelis

Swimming stroke Dominic Byrne blog

Be Consistent, Before You Are Heroic!

 Dominic Byrne  

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May17
I’m going to achieve a handful of goals that require an extremely high level of physical health, some of my running goals depend upon exceptional musculoskeletal health, which I do not have. I did so much running as a school athlete and rugby player, that overuse and poor maintenance have

5k ocean swim 50by50 dominic byrne and tristan byrne

“Everyone Has A Plan Until You Get Punched In The Mouth!”

 Dominic Byrne  

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Apr04
Mike Tyson was asked by a reporter whether he was worried about Evander Holyfield and his fight plan and Iron Mike’s speedy reply was; “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” On Sunday morning, I got punched in the mouth by the ocean, and wow did

5k Ocean Race | Let’s Do This!!

 Dominic Byrne  

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Mar31
Earlier in the year I finalised a list of goals to attempt before I’m 50. One of those goals was an ocean swim.I wouldn’t call it a phobia but I’ve always had a heavy fear of the ocean. Something about having zero control of the environment and an unjustified apprehension

Noah-Byrne-SRC-SHM-2023

The Gift That Keeps On Giving

 Dominic Byrne  

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Mar10
To be voted by your peers is such a tribute to who you are and what you mean to them. I am so proud of you Noah.

noah beautiful boy

Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful, Beautiful Boy

 Dominic Byrne  

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Feb21
There are many things that make you so special Noah. You’ve been a gift ever since you were made just for me. After struggling for several years to grow a baby, you were created to replace my maternal anxiety with love. So much love. My dad’s said since you were

time-is-precious-dont-waste-it

My iPhone Serving Me a Notable Image This Morning

 Dominic Byrne  

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Feb19
I cleaned up my iPhone home screen about two weeks ago so it only has productive widgets along with photo memories that the phone chooses to serve to me. I really enjoy the photo memories and they make me feel good. When your phone has thousands and thousands of images

“How Long Are You Going To Wait Before You Demand The Best For Yourself?” — Epictetus”

 Dominic Byrne  

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Feb01
How many years have gone by since I started saying ; This will be the year. It’s time to take charge. Fulfill my potential. Get fit. Drink less. Get healthy. Make more money. Hmmmmmm, it’s been about 23 years since I started making such false intentions……… Have I finally made

Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jan29
Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν | Ta eis heauton | or “to himself. It is my mission to live a happy a meaningful existence (Eudaimonia) based on the trifecta of virtues. I’m going to use the philosophy of stoicism to achieve this and journaling is going to keep me on track and

dream big

“50by50”

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jan22
I’ve been accruing a number of goals (50 to be precise) and documenting them in preparation for massaging them into a plan and going after them. In the lead-up to turning 50, it’s my ambition to thread these goals into my daily life. I’m conscious of aging and I’m keen

dominic byrne skiing perisher and doing a jump at four years of age

45

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jan15
Didn’t that happen with ridiculous haste? Born in the family home, on the floor, in 1978, today I wake up in 2023, on an epic family holiday, with two swiftly-growing “big babies.” And me, a 45-year-old rapidly aging man. Mum was rummaging through some dusty old photo albums and sent

louise in greece

Four Years Departed

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jan12
Four Years!! It feels like yesterday Noah and Evie gave you goodbye cuddles. I wish you could cuddle them today. You should see them now!! They have grown into beautiful little people, exactly the way you would have wanted. They keep you present every day Lou Lou. They are you. 

Happy New Year!

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jan01
I’m excited to tackle the proceeding 365 days. I had my first dry Christmas and NYE in about three decades, setting a standard to be HAPPY, STRONG and HEALTHY. The reality in my life is that I’ve lived more years than I have left. It’s a thought that needs to

let's start again | Healthy happy and strong

Let’s Dust That Year Off And Start Fresh

 Dominic Byrne  

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Dec16
I’m attending a lunch today that has been running for >15 years. It’s a group of mates that get together and have a good laugh. Or even a good cry. Most of the day is beers and banter but the lunch is somewhat progressive for a bunch of washed-up ageing

Evie Byrne getting the sacred heart award at school assemby

“And The Sacred Heart Award For Year Two Blue Goes To Evie Byrne!”

 Dominic Byrne  

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Dec15
Little Puffin Rabbit. I have not felt any prouder. To see your peers standing around you today with your award in your hand. Any problems I think I have, just vanished. Such a beauty, inside and out. Your mum is proud of you every day but today she is dancing

sometimes-you-just-miss-your-mum

Sometimes You Just Miss Your Mum

 Dominic Byrne  

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Nov28
I think about this for Noah and Evie every single day………

My Girl

Evie-Pops, It’s Your Birthday!

 Dominic Byrne  

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Nov01
My Little Girl, Your Dadda’s heart just glows in your presence. I feel the warmth and affection where I rest. In the Sky. Watching. Adoring. Loving. You bring us so much joy. Wow, you have matured this year, sprouting into a big girl with confidence and the early signs of

love and hate Michael Kiwanuka

I Need Something, Give Me Something Wonderful

 Dominic Byrne  

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Oct20

Noah and Evie - Picnic Photo

I’m A Good Dad 😌

 Dominic Byrne  

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Oct13
Noah and Evie see their grief counsellors, Betsie and Kerri throughout the year. While the benefit truly lies with the kids it’s always been validation for me that for a family that lost its strongest pillar, we’re on the right path. On arrival at The National Centre for Childhood Grief

Not Drinking Causes You To Go Deep Inside Your Brain

Not Drinking Alocohol Forces You to Go Deep Into Your Brain

 Dominic Byrne  

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Oct05
I’ve been a massive binge drinker since I was a teenager. I’ve been through periods in the late 90s and early 2000s during the rugby selection process where I’ve exercised some control. Still, I have never had drinking and recreational drug use under proper personal management until this year. It’s

Watching the fireworks in thredbo

September You’ve Been Kind To Me 🙏🏽

 Dominic Byrne  

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Sep29
While this month has been kind it’s also a feeling of reward because I’ve worked hard for it. I kept rolling with the self-help strategy that I shared and it turned over a mental profit for me. My daily swims, wherever I am, have been the best medicine…. I wouldn’t

a funny story to tell - snowy river

Cold Ocean Swims For A Month ✅

 Dominic Byrne  

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Sep07
I committed to a month of cold ocean swims as one of the self-help ingredients in my recipe to get me back to being me. Immersing yourself in the beauty our Sydney harbour and beaches offer is therapy alone. The cold shock to the body is the bonus. Good Morning

fathers day sacred heart school speech 2022

Fathers Day | Sacred Heart

 Dominic Byrne  

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Sep02
It was an honour to be asked to speak at the Sacred Heart Father’s Day breakfast this morning.  I felt highly nervous putting myself out there but I’m thrilled I did.  The feedback has been really special.  Mumma, still teaching me to be a better dad.

Letting-Go-by-David-Hawkins

The Letting Go Technique

 Dominic Byrne  

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Sep01
I first mentioned this book in July. It’s definitely a winner for me. Here is the mechanism itself explained. It’s about being aware of a feeling, letting it come up, staying with it and letting it run its course. Without wanting to make it different or doing anything about it.

Dom & Lou | Love Supreme…. ❤️

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug31
❤️

My Babies Forever

Honestly, How Lucky Am I??

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug29
No Words….

No I'm not ok

“No I’m not OK”

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug25
It’s very true, a conversation can change a life. I love that there’s modern-day awareness of this simple but indispensable need and a national day to support it. We can never do enough to inspire meaningful connections with people who are struggling. Anyone can reach out and ask “Are You

green shoots in grief

Find The Positive And Ride It

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug22
My life took an unwanted turn in early June. Stupidly I tried to suppress or escape my feelings. Even more stupidly I didn’t reach out for help until I was struggling. It wasn’t until I was close to drowning that I swallowed my pride and asked for help. I’m grateful

noah gets his second big blue award

“Lovely Noah”

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug19
“Dear Dominic,I hope you are well.We are thrilled to be giving lovely Noah the Big Blue Award this Friday. He is such a kind, hard-working and thoughtful student, it is well deserved.The award will be handed out at our 8:40 am assembly this Friday – it is a surprise for

back in the mental pain cave

Fuck

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug16
And just like that, I’m back in a black hole.

felling depressed

The Mental Pain Cave – I Was Deep

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug09
As beautiful as it looks have you ever seen the heavy grey fog that settles in the valley of the blue mountains? That valley was my head. I couldn’t see a fucking thing. A cold wet mist, clouding my brain and crippling my existence. In reflection, it’s scary just how

dominic byrne kembla mx

Addressing My Feelings And Letting Go

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug03
Over the coming weeks, I want to focus on the most healthy personality I can possibly be. This will need to be carefully balanced between work, play, love and even spirituality. What is held in the mind will manifest. I’m healing what is behind me so I don’t have fear

sunlight

Grief – Pride – Courage – Acceptance – Peace

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug02
I haven’t read a book in years. My master’s degree turned me off reading and then Lou’s death and becoming a single parent sent reading way down the priority list. Picking up a single book has enlightened me. So many messages that resonate and have given me courage. Being forced

I AM

 Dominic Byrne  

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Aug01
We pay a massive price holding on to smallness if we want greatness. Smallness brings weakness, sickness, disease and even premature death. I AM letting go of the negative, I am surrendering it and choosing to love. I AM taking responsibility for my own consciousness as blame is the world’s

Going For Greatness!

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jul31
My sister recommended a book and it’s a game changer for me. It is the spark I needed to motivate and action my healing. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The teachings are allowing me to see things from a different perspective and context. I am surrendering my

Down But Not Out

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jul30
I spiralled into a state of apathy and depression in mid-June and have become more bogged by the day. A lot of my issues have to do with a relationship, assimilation of two worlds, a poor decision and failed communication and understanding. The best thing I can do to remedy

take me back to the beginning

Back To The Beginning

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jul28

hanging by a thread by Aaron Espe

Hanging By A Thread

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jul01

hervey bay

They Will Be Teenagers Tomorrow

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jun17
Half Way through 2022. The year is dissolving without notice. Where does the time go? My precious children are growing up so fast, they will be teenagers tomorrow. Up until last week since February 2018, I’d never left the kids for more than two consecutive nights. This month I holidayed

louise and evie bath home

“Why Are Mums So Special And Why Am I so Lucky?”

 Dominic Byrne  

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Jun03

5 Reasons You Should Talk To Kids About Cancer 

 Dominic Byrne  

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May02
“Mother’s Day can be an especially tough time of year for children and families that have been impacted by cancer. Father of two, Dominic, from Sydney, explains why it is so important to talk to kids about cancer following his own experience after wife Louise died from breast cancer in

louise-decelis-44th-birthday-post

April Isn’t A Kind Month To Me

 Dominic Byrne  

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Apr29
Happy Birthday, Lou Lou! 40 + GST. Evie rose early this morning as she always does. Often it’s on the wrong side of the bed but she was kind to me today. We cuddled on the sofa, wrapped in a blanket and flipped through some photos as the sun attempted

noah-byrne-frogs

Don’t Go Little Monkey, Not Yet

 Dominic Byrne  

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Mar12
“I’m going to sleep in my own bed tonight dad.” I’ve never heard that from Noah before. He has never slept in his own bed. He went straight from his cot to sleeping with Mumma and Dadda and never graduated from there. So after a whole lot of talk in

Grief Kid Instagram Post

Grief Kid

 Dominic Byrne  

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Mar02

noah byrne pic collage

Nine!

 Dominic Byrne  

 1 Comment

Feb21
Noah, Today you are nine years of age. Your last year in single digits. I can’t believe you were only six years old when I left. Such a heavy load to bear when you were so young. Your shoulders are so broad and strong though, I’m in awe of the

Noah Byrne finding a coconut in fiji

MUMMA’S BOY

 Dominic Byrne  

 4 Comments

Jan14
The three year anniversary of Lou’s death was special but poignant. Just getting to Momi Bay, Fiji was a challenge. The Omnicron Covid variant was on the loose in Sydney, severely impacting holiday travel. As a vacating family of 11 we were magical to dodge positive tests before departure. It

jboy and the kids

THREE LOOOOONG YEARS!

 Dominic Byrne  

 1 Comment

Jan12
You’ve missed so much Lou. The kids, particularly Noah (his memories are more vivid than Evie’s) are missing you incredibly right now. He’s had several moments in tears over the Christmas period and my heart aches for him but I love seeing him process the pain and cry it out.

holding hands

Our Optimism Was So Bloody High

 Dominic Byrne  

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Nov20
I can’t believe it’s been three years since we were in Germany. Fighting for life. Looking back our optimism was unrealistic. Lou was so-so sick and her chances of survival must have been near zero. But they were “near zero”, they weren’t zero. I’m proud that WE all hung onto

Beautiful Evie Pops

Beautiful Girl, It’s Your Birthday

 Dominic Byrne  

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Nov01
My little beauty. You won’t remember but we used to have these little clashes. You were only three years old but the little mixing pot we both shared of; fire, stubbornness and a pinch of crae-crae was the perfect tiny storm for some mother and daughter friction. Always trivial of

grief kid instagram post

Mummy’s Proud

 Dominic Byrne  

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Oct15
I go through these stages where I imagine Lou turning up, just walking through the door at that very moment. “Oh look, kids, mummy is here!!!” The thought of this event might not happen for weeks and then it becomes a daily occurrence again. The grief roller coaster of emotions

Evie Byrne holding River byrne and love for daddy

Home Sweet Home

 Dominic Byrne  

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Oct09
What Lockdown?? Noah, Evie and I left our home for a 10-day road trip on the 24th of June. A scheduled 10 days on the road turned into 107 days of running. The intention was to cruise up the coast to the Goldie and hit all the theme parks to