June 25, 2017

What makes Malta's very own Titanium Man happy?

June 25, 2017/ Johanna Galea

When I met Jacob – aka Titanium Man – for the first time about a year ago, it was really clear that he’s no ordinary teenager. Jacob and his family have lived through things most of us don’t even live through in our worst nightmares. But Jacob’s mother Sarah always says that you can either choose to be bitter or be better in the face of difficult circumstances. And it’s hard to put into words to what extent Jacob’s family have chosen the latter after what they went through. Here’s their amazing story, as well as the top 5 things that make Malta's very own Titanium Man, Jacob happy.

May 28, 2017

Malta’s 8-year-old superhero, Jake Vella

May 28, 2017/ Johanna Galea

Jake is a young and determined triathlete who spreads inspiration everywhere he goes. His battle with ROHHAD-NET, a rare life-threatening condition, causes him to gain weight no matter how much he diets and exercises. When his father Josie recently completed the Garmin Ocean Lava Malta 113k Triathlon, he walked for about 3 km due to a puncture because he knew Jake was waiting for him at the finish line and didn’t want to disappoint him. And to me, this just sums Jake and his family up. They always remind me that while we have no say in whether life is tough or not, we do get to decide how to act in the face of difficulty. Here’s their amazing story.

April 02, 2017

15 quotes for some extra motivation when the going gets tough

April 02, 2017/ Johanna Galea

Being in London for a short holiday with my parents really reminds me how lucky I am to have been given a second chance at life. But things weren’t – and still aren’t – always easy because sometimes life just happens, as it does for all of us. So here’s a collection of 15 quotes which always help to motivate me when the going gets tough.

March 26, 2017

Open letter to a survivor

March 26, 2017/ Johanna Galea

Here's my letter to anyone who has faced a major setback and bounced back. To anyone who can smile despite everything they’ve been through. To anyone who makes the best out of a tough journey. To anyone who can appreciate things they took for granted before things became tough. To anyone who might or might not have beaten the odds, but who is doing everything they possibly can to do so. This is a letter to all survivors.

February 19, 2017

15 uplifting quotes for when you’re feeling down

February 19, 2017/ Johanna Galea

I know no one likes being ill. But after being chronically ill for so long and then recovering, things like colds and flu upset me a bit more than they should and a bit more than they used to. And since this cold has been dragging on for over a week, I’m not in the best of moods today. So instead of one of my usual blog posts, here’s a collection of 15 uplifting quotes which always cheer me up when I’m feeling down.

Photo by Rene Rossignaud Photography

August 07, 2016

Standing among survivors, forming a v for victory

August 07, 2016/ Johanna Galea

"Every story has its worth. To fall down, pick yourself up and carry on. That's survival.”
– Sarah Cachia, Jacob aka Titanium Man's mother

When Sarah asked me to be in the final group photo for the Survivors Malta calendar, I almost said no. Here's why I almost said no and why I'm so glad I didn't.

July 17, 2016

How goal setting can be hindering your progress more than it's helping

July 17, 2016/ Johanna Galea

Are you making these mistakes when setting goals and working towards them? I know I've made them many times in the past. Learning how to avoid them allows us to see the progress and success that we wish to see in our lives.

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