From winning in the olympic swimming pool, to overcoming some of life’s toughest personal challenges, Libby Trickett and Paula Hindle are the epitome of what it means to be a strong woman.

At the start of 2022, Libby and Paula, launched Unlocking Her Potential – a community-based program that aims to empower women to take charge of their mental and physical wellbeing.

The mantra that Libby and Paula live by at Unlocking Her Potential is, “you can’t pour from an empty cup; you give from the overflow”, which birthed their Five Foundations of Wellbeing – five pillars that represent a holistic approach to health and wellness. Hot tip: make sure you’re following our Instagram account to find out more about these!

As a brand dedicated to empowering women from the inside out, this month we sat down with Libby and Paula to talk all things women’s strength.

We’d love to start off by asking our favourite question, what does strength mean to you?

Paula: Personally, I view strength from a holistic perspective to include physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and mind-body health. I like to think, you are only ever as strong as your weakest health domain.

Libby: For me, the thing that springs to mind immediately is the ability to show up again and again. Then on the flip side of that, knowing or acknowledging when it’s time to let something go. We are all presented with challenges in life and I think strength is when you are able to know when to continue pushing, or when it’s time to move on.

Paula, you have overcome some incredible challenges in your life. Can you talk us through how you found your inner strength during some of your toughest times?

Paula: The most challenging phase of my life was navigating the suicide of my late husband when my children were 2 and 4 years old. I can confidently say, it was absolutely my commitment to health and wellness that saved me. 

I worked on building my physical strength first and asked for support from professionals in a range of fields and my yoga teacher to rebuild my emotional, mental and spiritual wellness. Of course, my family, close friends and community were an incredible support.  “I truly believe in building a web of support, both professional and personal, when it comes to navigating hard times.  We are not meant to do it alone.

Libby, when it comes to physical challenges,  do you find that you lean more on internal or external strength?

Libby: When I was an athlete, it was obviously incredibly important to be physically strong and to be fit. However, I think I knew then that it’s even more important to be mentally strong. We did a lot of work on our ability to cope in different high-pressure situations. It hasn’t been until after I finished swimming that I’ve truly understood the importance of being emotionally strong and having the ability to ask for help when I need it.

What are the top three activities you’d recommend women undertake to help build their internal strength?

Libby: “The first one would be to make sure to create space for yourself, every single day. It doesn’t have to be long, it can simply be a candlelit shower for five minutes. It’s important to  show consistent love and care  to yourself by committing to yourself each day. For some, this might be meditation, for others it might be journalling, but regardless of what it is, make a point of doing something everyday.

Second one would be to reach out to those around you if you’re experiencing challenges. Don’t be afraid to ask for the help that you need! The strongest women I know are able to recognise what they need and ask for the help they require.

The third one would be to exercise regularly! Now, this can come in many different forms, whether it looks like a brisk walk two times a week or swimming five days a week. The importance is finding how you enjoy moving your body and where you want to commit yourself consistently.

Want more? Libby and Paula will be joining us all week on our Instagram Account.

Join in the fun by following @Ostelin_anz.