Name: Tanisha Ami Cook
Age: 23
Occupation: Life liver, coffee slinger & aspiring plant healer.
What steps do you have to take in order for you to feel your best?
If I’m not feeling my best, I’ll peruse my 'How to be an overall healthy happy human list' which consists of rest, ocean time, connection, quality food, solitude, creativity, solo time and a tidy living space with hydrated happy plants. Self education also sits very high on the list!
I thrive off new information, wisdom from friends, strangers, books, Ted talks & Doccos. When I’m feeling uninspired and lost, seeking out these things definitely helps ignites the fire again.
How important is self love to you?
Only recently has self love been drawn to my attention as a priority.
Being in a relationship that was no longer serving me, whilst working 60+ hour work weeks, you've got a recipe for a crash. After ending both of these, I felt physically & emotionally drained. A fresh start brought with it some much needed Investment into loving and nurturing myself. I couldn't be more grateful towards the new found discovery.
How do you practice self care?
. Getting enough sleep
. Ocean time
. Maximum hydration
. Checking in with my emotions and deeper needs
. Accepting compliments
. Having a fire playlist I can always chuck on that adheres to every mood.
. Essential oils and face masks
. Monthly acupuncture and float sessions
Can you re call a moment in which you felt empowered as a women?
When I helped deliver my precious god daughter 5 years ago. The entire experience was insanely powerful.
I believe woman and females of any species for that matter are the strongest, most captivating creatures on this planet.
Have you ever had issues with your body image? If so, where do you believe they first stemmed from?
Coming from an African background, my body has always been athletic and somewhat masculine.
Competing in dancing, athletics & gymnastics throughout high school, I was always exposed to an array of body types and of course, I envied what i didn't possess. Although each day brings with it more acceptance, body image has always been a struggle. I am slowly but surely embracing my big booty, thicker thighs and strong core. It’s a confronting process, yet a necessary one. To answer the question, the issues stemmed from the typical high school pressure bull Scheisse.
What do you do for yourself when you’re feeling shit?
Depends how “shit” I am feeling.
If I’m at a 6, generally i’ll go for a surf, lay in the sun, go for a run, get coffee with a friend, or play guitar. If I am feeling lower than that you'll find me watching doccos in bed with a jar of Peanut butter….. I should definitely work on that.
What does balance mean to you?
Enjoying literally everything and anything life has to offer..in moderation.
The 'I'll just have one' that turns to 9 Chilli Margaritas, a chill night in with a home cooked wholesome meal, a full day of work, surfing, band practice...Whatever it is, do a bit. Too much of anything isn't going to benefit you so dip into a little of all. Say yes & say no at times too.
Do you feel proud to be a women?
Definitely.
Being in the skin of a young black woman can be extremely tough at times. I'm very grateful to my ancestors who fought for my rights. The battle is ongoing for many black women around the world today who fight for gender equality & to put an end to racial discrimination.
It is such a blessing to be born a women. My children will be encouraged to express all feelings and will be taught the beauty of feminine and masculine energies from the get go!
Describe a moment that filled your heart with pure bliss.
1st - Years ago, my Nanna would take me for spins in her flash red convertible with T-spoon “Sex on the Beach” or Shania twains “Man, I feel like a woman” blaring. It always made me laugh when she repeatedly muttered 'Don't tell mum'. Aaaaand that Jamaican curry that she'd nail every single time...that was bliss to me.
2nd - When my longterm relationship came to a close, I flew my butt to Sri Lanka with a back pack and my trusty surfboard with no expectations. Filled with the excitement of my first solo overseas adventure, my legs dangled out the train whilst rolling past colourful towns, lush terrain & smiley Sri Lanken kiddos.
3rd - The chick squad taking on Tasmania for a week of surf, lols & highs of the indescribable type. (There was no surfs but my heart was full to the brim anyway.)
What is your biggest goal in life?
I have many small goals that are always evolving.
If I have to choose one .. probably just being someone my siblings feel extremely proud to look up to. I also really really want to have a good enough idea to present to Ted talk.
If you had one week left on earth, what would you change about your life? How would you spend your last moments?
I'd book my family and friends a trip to Jamaica or Africa and we'd surf and surf and surf some more and then we'd dance.