Inspirational Women, Jo Fincham on her book: Out of the Blue

Jo (Fincham), Rob and Darcy Hodges

Introducing the wonderful Jo Fincham. Jo’s book ‘Out of the Blue’ is an inspirational account of her personal journey through depression, bulimia, self harm, obsessive compulsive behaviours and suicidal tendancies. It also tells us a little about behind the scenes of Reality TV – she and her husband, Rob, met during the filming of A Farmer Wants a Wife.

Today, Jo has a successful photography business, she is a published author and has a thriving family.

I wanted to share her journey, not only as an Guest Author, but as one of my ‘Rainbows: Inspirational Women‘, because she is indeed just that.

Jo:

I’m sitting here in my office, trying to think of a good opening line to this blog posting.  A little ironic isn’t it, seeing as I have just written a book made up of thousands of words! But here I am, trying to think of what to write.   It’s amazing to see what the Universe throws at you.  If somebody had a crystal ball and had a deep look into it and could foresee my future, there is no way I would believe them if my life, as it is now, is what they saw.  Me, a ‘party girl’ from Melbourne married to a farmer and raising a little girl on the farm and having a book published?  I don’t think so!

My decision to write a memoir of my life was an accident.  When I met Rob on The Farmer Wants a Wife, little did viewers know I had battled bulimia and depression for 18 years of my life.  When I first moved to the farm to live, I had a lot of spare time on my hands.  Before my photography business was up and running, I must admit, I didn’t know what to do with all my spare time.  I had resigned from my job as a newspaper photographer in Melbourne and had packed up my life in the city to be here with Rob on our farm.  I had always been completely open and honest about what I had been through with Rob, so when he mentioned that it would be a good healing process to write an account of my life, I thought, why not?

Out of the Blue by Jo Fincham

I remember the day I started the story so well.  It was cold outside and the wind was howling.  I came into the office and started tapping the keyboard.  Out poured word after word of memories and pretty soon, my life story was being played out in front of me on my computer screen.  Writing about my life was the most amazing experience, as it made me realise how truly remarkable the human brain is.  How can it store all this information and how wonderful is the human memory?  There were some days I would sit down to write and nothing would come to mind.  Those days, I would get up and walk away.  Then, the next day, I would type madly for up to five hours at a time, (breaking for a cup of tea and biscuit!)  I remembered so many things about my earliest days and of first loves and first heartbreaks.

Then, as the story unfolded, it took me back to a time of great sadness.  Being in an abusive relationship and writing about it brought back so many painful memories.  Rob, my husband, could tell when I was writing about sad events, as I would be quiet and a little down.  But I couldn’t believe how much it made me think of how lucky I am to have moved past all my sadness.  My story is a journey.  People who have read my book say that it is as though I am talking to them.  And that’s exactly how I wanted it to be.

When I told a friend of mine about my project, she asked if she could read it.  “Of course” I told her.  When she phoned me a couple of days later and said she couldn’t put it down, I was so happy.  But when she suggested I get it published, my immediate reaction was, no.  It is an open and honest account of my life and all its’ complexities and I didn’t think I could let people read about my periods of bulimia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, self harm and suicidal tendencies.  But when she made the point that it may help a lot of people, I thought, why not?  I do a lot of work for Beyond Blue and I have a passion for working in local schools to help young adults with self esteem issues.

Horses on the farm

So when I thought my book could help people, I didn’t hesitate.  What came was an offer from Allen and Unwin and after many long hours, emails, phone calls and editing, my book is now available Australia-wide as well as New Zealand.  When I first started writing my story, I made a pact with myself that it would be warts and all.  And why shouldn’t it be?  I’m not ashamed of what I have been through.  I can only hope that readers see it as inspiration.  It is a journey, and it is a story of finding happiness and fulfilment.  Today, I run a successful photography business as well as doing volunteer work in the area of mental illness and eating disorders.  My book is one of my proudest achievements, behind marrying Rob and having our beautiful daughter, Darcy, of course!

Darcy Hodges

The most rewarding part of writing this book is receiving emails from people all around Australia who have read my book and who are also suffering.  Some opening up their hearts to tell me their stories of mental illness and revealing to me that I am the only person they have told.  It makes my heart warm.  How wonderful is that?  That they can share their stories to a complete stranger?  That is so brave.  And reaching out and asking for help is brave.  It is more brave than trying to carry the burden on your own and adding to problems.  I want people to know, there is no shame in admitting you have a problem and there is no shame in asking for help.  If you would like to order a personally signed book, please head to my website www.jofincham.com

Fleur, a huge thank you for giving me the opportunity to write on your blog.  It is a huge compliment and an honour.  And thank you to all for reading! xx