What Have Your Twenties Taught You? Sonia Lockyer Author of She's Sonic

Sonia is the gorgeous author of She's Sonic and I believe my blogging soul sister, I find myself constantly nodding my head in agreement to her tweets, blog pieces and instagram pics. She is a successful business woman, a loving fiance and willing renovating assistant. Shes the most beautiful, fun and sweet woman and her story is so inspiring.  Sonia is the author of She's Sonic Shes Sonic Link and also co-writes Shop-me-chic Link to shop-me-chic She is stunning and i have total hair envy What My Twenties Have Taught Me
My name is Sonia and I’m 27 (turning 28 on 12 September, gifts most welcome…!!). I live in Adelaide, South Australia, work full time as an Executive Assistant, am engaged to the love of my life and planning our wedding, in the middle of a renovation/extension and am involved in 2 wonderful websites that are truly my passion (She’s Sonic and Shop Me Chic). Obviously, I’m not that busy….!! But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Here’s my story…
How have you changed in your twenties?
I’d say my biggest change seemed to happen around the age of 24. All of sudden, I relaxed. It was as though my mind and body finally figured out that everything was alright. I had nothing major to worry about. I needed to just be. This realisation improved all of the relationships in my life – especially the one I had with myself.
I’m much more relaxed, easy-going, happy…much more ‘me’.
What lessons have you learnt?
It’s OK to be yourself. I struggled for a long time with self-confidence – and still do somewhat – and was always desperately trying to fit in with difference social circles, all the while changing myself to be what I thought those people wanted. What my (true) friends love most about me is me. My strengths, weaknesses, quirks. I’m not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s alright. Different people make the world go round.
Don’t just dream it, do it!! If you have an idea or a passion – go for it. I wanted to start a blog and would talk about it all the time. Finally, my fiancé and a good friend of mine both gave me a (metaphorical) kick up the butt and so this year I took the leap and started She’s Sonic. About a month later, Melinda (of Mumma In Heels) asked me if I wanted to be her business partner in a new website called Shop Me Chic, which is going from strength to strength. I’ve also been asked to guest post on other websites and have formed many wonderful friendships as a result. It just goes to show, if you take the first step, the path will form in front of you.
What do you know now you didn't when you were a teen?
“Everything will be OK in the end. If it’s not OK, it’s not the end.”
Even though we go through tough times (and I’ve had my fair share of them), it’s not the be all and end all of your life, nor is it your life. It’s only a part of your life and it will come to an end at some point, and you will come out stronger than you were at the start.
What achievements are you proud of?
I’m proud I survived everything I went through during adolescence. I’m proud that I’ve been working since the age of 14 and have been in a fantastic job for the past 5 years that has afforded me a lot of great opportunities. I’m proud that I am following my passion and am writing for 2 fabulous websites. I’m proud that I have 2 TAFE qualifications (Business Administration and Marketing) that I achieved while working full time.
I’m proud of how far I’ve come and am excited about how far I’ve still got to go.
What have you overcome, been through?
My biggest obstacle I have overcome is having spinal surgery at the age of 15. I have scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and spent over 5 years in a back brace, only to discover it wasn’t enough and I had to have a spinal fusion. This means I have 8 rods and 16 screws in my back and suffer a lot of side effects as a result – headaches, neck pain, back pain, restriction of flexibility and movement…the works!! But as they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and I’m made of titanium (literally).
How do you feel you have grown and developed?
I feel like I’m finally coming into my own. This is a fantastic time in my life. I have so much going on and I feel like there is so much on the horizon – all of it great and exciting.
After I turned 25, I began to look forward to each birthday, as it meant I was another year older, another year more experienced and (hopefully) wiser.
Who inspires you?
My friends and people I meet. I draw different types of inspiration from different people –career, blogging, relationships, style, personal. Everyone has something inspirational to offer and I hope that I inspire others in one way or another.
Thank you Lauren for creating this series of posts. It’s a great opportunity to share my story and to read the stories of other fabulous ladies. xx Thank you gorgeous Sonia for your support in writing this amazing piece x