We are amazing.

As I kid whenever I was asked where I was from, I’d tell whoever asked unenthusiastically, “Australia”. Your parents? “Australia”. Their parents? “Australia”. And their parents? “Australia”.

It seemed so boring to be so Australian. I wanted a bit of German heritage, or a chance at a English passport with English grandparents. I yearned for a little bit of culture somewhere along the lines. All we had was Australia, through and through.

When I hit my twenties I liked to pretend that I was from somewhere else, anywhere. Not that I didn’t adore Australia, just because I wanted to be more exciting, and fun. My girlfriends and I would head out for a night on the town and I’d crack them up. They never knew what to expect. I’d pull out a different accent each night, and with each accent came a different and colourful story. Never a dull moment.

Last week when devastation hit Australia with the floods in Queensland, I felt lost and hopeless. I cried on and off each day, for the heartbreak the families were going through. My heart ached the loss of lives, for the loss of possessions and homes and for the people.

As with any devastation that Australia endures, eventually through the heartache came pride. My heart swelled with what a wonderful bunch of people we are. Our triumphant sense of humour, our ability to feel hopeful in times of such hopelessness.

As the waters eased and the clean-up began people came out of nowhere to help people they didn’t even know. Some of those people even had flood-damaged homes themselves, but they felt other people needed them more. They rolled up their sleeves and helped out those in need.

We’re amazing people, us Australians. I’m so proud to be born here, for my parents to be born here, and for their parents to be born here too. I can’t imagine living anywhere else, and for those reading who haven’t been to the land of Oz, or don’t personally know an Aussie… you’re really missing out. We’re amazing. x