My Greatest Ambition in Life: The Journey of Being Eddie Solien

Hi, I'm Eddie Solien. In a world that often feels like a whirlwind of expectations and labels, my greatest ambition is beautifully simple yet profoundly complex – to be me. My journey is interwoven with the challenges of living with severe heart failure, left ventricle dysfunction, atrial fibrillation with a 16% output reduction ejection fraction, Auto Immune Pancreatitis, and Type 2 Diabetes. Alongside these health battles, I embrace my identity as a proud member of the LGBTIQA+ community, and as someone who identifies with both Torres Strait Islander and Papua New Guinean heritage.

Being me is not just about the labels that society attaches to my health conditions or my cultural and sexual identity. It's about the intricate tapestry of experiences, emotions, and thoughts that make up who I am. From the therapist's perspective, the journey to self-acceptance and authenticity is often riddled with obstacles, internal conflicts, and societal pressures. But it's a journey worth embarking on.

In a world that often prescribes who we should be, living authentically as oneself is a courageous act. My health challenges, for instance, are not just medical conditions; they are part of my life story that shapes my resilience, my perspective, and my empathy. They teach me the value of each day and the importance of living in the present.

Similarly, my cultural and sexual identity layers add richness to my life. They bring with them a history of struggle, triumph, and a deep sense of community. Embracing these aspects of my identity has not always been easy. It has involved navigating societal norms, breaking stereotypes, and sometimes, battling internalised biases. But it has also been a journey of empowerment, self-discovery, and finding a community where I belong.

In essence, my ambition to be myself is about integrating all these aspects of my identity. It's about standing tall in my truth, with all its complexities and colours. It's about creating a space where my voice, experiences, and perspectives are valued. It's about breaking free from the shackles of ‘should be’ and stepping into the light of ‘simply am’.

As I continue this journey, I hope to inspire others to embrace their authentic selves. No matter how challenging the road may seem, the destination of self-acceptance and authenticity is a place of profound peace and joy. So here’s to being Eddie Solien – in all my complexity, resilience, and authenticity. My greatest ambition in life is to be me, and that is a mission I embrace wholeheartedly.