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Normal Ness

This is my life

  • This is my life

Mountain

Posted on August 15, 2026August 16, 2026by Vanessa Smith

In “The Comfort Book” by Matt Haig, the chapter titled Mountain says:   “In order to get over a problem it helps to look at it. You can’t climb a mountain that you pretend isn’t there.”   That can be highly relevant in some situations.   What it made me realise is how damaging only […]

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Needs and wants, the beginning

Posted on August 12, 2026by Vanessa Smith

I talk a lot to friends and in chats and online about wants vs needs. I don’t think I’ve ever put some of my ideas down in a blog post though, so here’s the start of what may be many discussions and thoughts over the years. I think the only place I’ve touched on this […]

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We shouldn’t need a brand name to be heard

Posted on August 7, 2026by Vanessa Smith

Recently on Instagram I pulled together some posts. And I want them saved here, for ease of access in the future.   I referred to this post, where I wrote to opposition Minister for NDIS to remind her that MOST Australians with a disability already live in a no mans land of no disability supports. […]

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The Second Time Podcast Episode 10 – Week 16

Posted on August 7, 2026August 7, 2026by Vanessa Smith

  Image description: The words “The second time podcast” in black text on a purple background. There is also a sketch of a computer and mouse.     You can listen to this podcast in a number of places: Spotify Apple Podcasts RSS feed (to open in your preferred listening app) YouTube This website is the […]

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NDIS Functional Capacity Query

Posted on July 30, 2026August 3, 2026by Vanessa Smith

A quick email I wrote to the Technical Advisory Group after seeing this press release.   The TAG secretariat is available at: TAGSecretariat@health.gov.au   Good afternoon Technical Advisory Group, I was pleased to see the press release on July 9th regarding the inaugural meeting of the TAG on NDIS Functional Capacity.  I am further pleased […]

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  • This is my life

The Second Time Podcast Episode 9 – Book Launch

Posted on July 28, 2026by Vanessa Smith

    Image description: The words “The second time podcast” in black text on a purple background. There is also a sketch of a computer and mouse.     You can listen to this podcast in a number of places: Spotify Apple Podcasts RSS feed (to open in your preferred listening app) YouTube This website is […]

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The First Time

Posted on July 27, 2026July 27, 2026by Vanessa Smith
A ladder on a pile of clay

It’s officially new book day!!   The First Time: A memoir about job hunting for the first time as an openly disabled person.      This book is being distributed to all available stores, however, I prefer direct sales as it puts more money into my pocket. Direct sales Bookstores (will become available over time, […]

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The Second Time Podcast Episode 8 – Week 14

Posted on July 24, 2026July 28, 2026by Vanessa Smith

  Image description: The words “The second time podcast” in black text on a purple background. There is also a sketch of a computer and mouse.     You can listen to this podcast in a number of places: Spotify Apple Podcasts RSS feed (to open in your preferred listening app) YouTube This website is the […]

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The Second Time Podcast Episode 7 – Week 13

Posted on July 17, 2026July 28, 2026by Vanessa Smith

  Image description: The words “The second time podcast” in black text on a purple background. There is also a sketch of a computer and mouse.     You can listen to this podcast in a number of places: Spotify Apple Podcasts RSS feed (to open in your preferred listening app) YouTube This website is the […]

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The Second Time Podcast Episode 6 – Week 12

Posted on July 10, 2026July 28, 2026by Vanessa Smith

  Image description: The words “The second time podcast” in black text on a purple background. There is also a sketch of a computer and mouse.     You can listen to this podcast in a number of places: Spotify Apple Podcasts RSS feed (to open in your preferred listening app) YouTube This website is the […]

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Meet NormalNess

NormalNess is where I share my life. And books I’ve written. I vlog sometimes. I also podcast occasionally. In the meantime, hang out with me and remember: We’re all normal to ourselves…

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