Ana Gougousis

27/07/2025

27/07/2025

Sometimes we just need to remind ourselves it's okay not to have it all figured out. It's okay to feel a little lost, to be in the middle of something, or to not know the next steps.

That's not failure, that's being human.

I feel this myself too.

We're all just doing our best, even when things feel messy or unclear.

Drop a "💗" if you needed this today.

If you want to join a safe, non-judgmental space where you can express yourself freely, comment EMPATHY.

16/07/2025

This morning, after a long six-month wait, I finally had my neurologist appointment. Given my history with long-term trauma, I often experience significant discomfort and anxiety, especially when physical touch is involved, even with professionals. The only appointment available was with a male doctor, which, for me, was a challenging situation I had to navigate.

For every single appointment I've had, and every one I need to go to, my husband is my anchor. He's always right there with me, offering comfort, reassurance, and helping me stay calm and grounded. His unwavering presence makes all the difference in helping me manage my anxiety and feel safe.

This experience really underscored for me the profound importance of having that one person who makes you feel safe, provides true comfort, and offers unwavering mental and emotional support. It's vital to have someone who understands and stands by you.

I genuinely hope everyone has, or finds, that essential person in their lives.

01/07/2025

Happy 1st of July, my lovely audience🌸

30/06/2025

Before June comes to a close, take a moment to pause and truly see yourself. Not just the highlight reel, but the quiet strength it took to get through each day- the small wins, the silent battles, the moments you chose to keep going even when no one was watching. Those count. They always have.

Whether you made progress, protected your peace, showed up or simply rested, that is growth. That is strength. You are doing better than you think.

Here's to honouring every version of ourselves that helped us make it this far. Keep going. You are NOT alone and you are doing amazing! 🙏🏻❤️

24/06/2025

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking confidence comes from our appearance. The media, social feeds, and even our own internal voices can tell us that if we just looked a certain way, we'd feel confident. But that's only scratching the surface!

Genuine confidence is an inside job, built on a foundation of feeling good about yourself in every aspect. It's about cultivating a strong sense of self-worth that isn't dependent on external validation or how many likes you get.

Consider these less-talked-about sources of confidence:

- Your mind: When you learn new things, solve problems, or engage in meaningful discussions, your mental strength grows, and so does your confidence in your abilities.

- Your actions: Acting with integrity, helping others, or simply following through on your commitments builds a sense of reliability and self-trust.

- Your spirit: Connecting with your values, practicing self-compassion, and finding joy in your everyday life creates an inner glow that radiates outward.

- Your resilience: Overcoming challenges, big or small, teaches you that you're capable of handling whatever life throws at you.

So, while feeling good about your physical self is fantastic, remember to invest in your whole self. When you nurture your mind, your actions, and your spirit, you unlock a deeper, more profound, and incredibly sustainable kind of confidence.

Photo credits to Bob Reyes

💯 ❤️💞❤️

22/06/2025

From a little girl dreaming in front of the mirror to my prime in the beauty industry, a pageant crown always felt like the ultimate symbol of achievement. But as time went on, and I reached my 30s, that childhood dream started to feel out of reach. Especially with my biggest hurdle: the fear of public speaking.

Honestly, I didn't think I could still do it. The idea of standing on stage, speaking in front of a crowd, felt paralyzing. But at 32, something shifted. I decided it was time to finally face that fear and reclaim that dream.

I may not have walked away with a title, but let me tell you, standing tall, pushing myself to my absolute limits, and speaking in front of my incredible friends and family was the biggest win I could have ever imagined. This journey was about so much more than a sash or a crown; it was about proving to myself that it's never too late to chase what sets your soul on fire.

Photo credits to tito Bob Reyes

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14/06/2025

As I type this, filled with so much gratitude, I want to express my deepest thanks. To my incredible friends and family and most especially my husband, your unwavering love and encouragement have been my rock. You've cheered me on, lifted me up, and believed in me every step of the way. Thank you for being my constant source of strength.

To my fellow candidates, the genuine friendships we forged, the incredible bonds we built, and the immense support we offered each other were truly a highlight of this experience.

To all my supporters, both near and far, who have followed this journey and sent your positive energy – your belief in me has meant the world. I truly couldn't have done this without you.

And to the amazing team behind Mrs. of Australia 2025, thank you. Thank you for creating an experience that is so much more than just a competition. You've provided a platform that has allowed me to face my deepest fears, to stand tall and proud on this stage, and to use my voice to advocate for what truly matters to me: mental health and the environment. This journey has been transformative, and I am so grateful for this incredible opportunity.

Thank you all, from the bottom of my ❤️

Ana Gougousis
Mrs of Australia 2025 1st Runner Up

12/06/2025