Lessons I Learn From Women #6: Imogen Waters "Embrace Your Inner Child!!".

Imogen Waters. A pocket-rocket. Fun. Bubbly. Positive. Someone told me once that you should only ever hang around with people your own age – it showed maturity, it proved you weren’t trying to act anything other than your age.

Well sometimes – in fact a lot of time - I don’t want to be representing a 41-year-old half cast woman and be surrounded by other 41-year-old women.  If that were the case I would have an entirely different life. Friends come in all ages and this gal is one of my favourite friends and one of my youngest. I love having fun and Imogen Waters regularly reminds me that you still need to embrace that kid inside.

Remember what it was like not to care about what people thought of you? Remember not thinking twice when you went to jump into the pool or openly show affection by running to your Mum or Dad, and jumping up and down when there was a surprise for you? As we get older we tend to mask all of our emotions, to appear more “vanilla” with our reactions – why? Because we care too much about what people think of us and how we will be judged.

Imagine actually running towards your lover when you haven’t seen them for weeks or jumping up and down on your own birthday.  I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve and I’m sure it makes me more vulnerable, however I don’t know any different.

Imogen Waters is a must-have in everyone's life. Labour Weekend 2012, the proverbial had hit the fan and I was in "Sad and Down" Town with my good friend Chardonnay and sidekick Marlboro Lights.

Coincidentally Imogen had contacted me for a catch up. Within two hours she swept into this little Bach at the beach armed with more wine, Tim Tams, freshly baked bread and a massive smile.  Imogen put music on YouTube as we sat sipping wine, discussing and overanalysing my mini trauma, gossiping about everything and....she sang. Imogen is blessed with the most beautiful, clean, soulful voice that envelops you in warmth and happiness. It’s like sitting in the warm sun on the world’s most comfortable couch, completely relaxed. She let me mope and cry and drink and smoke for the whole night, but the next day she ordered me out of my pajama's, into the shower, then out in the sun for a good walk, coffee and a kick in the arse. I felt great, and I'm pleased to report that everything worked out due to my attitude change at the hands of Imogen. 

I am so fond of this gal – fond of her because at 23 she is capable of letting shit go, of moving forward, of seeing the yellow in everything.  She loves big and she celebrates everyone in her life with the same amount of enthusiasm and finesse that makes you feel special.

But most importantly, Imogen knows the balance, how to be serious when needed, and how to have a great time, a good laugh and embrace your inner child.  This gal who has been through her own downs in life seems to balance them out perfectly with her ups.

And she has grabbed her inner kid, embraced her courageous nature and gone to Melbourne, where her warmth and friendship will create more friends like me and open many doors.  And I hope Imogen’s inner child will also give her the confidence to showcase her amazing singing talents.

I miss my friend, my youthful, adventurous and fun friend who giggles after a few wines, goes bright red after a few more and shows you the real world can handle you skipping occasionally, and jumping up and down just because it really feels good.