I’ve recently started a new Facebook page and personal brand called IGYEO—Seeing the World Through My Eyes. Over the past year, I’ve learned a lot about online marketing. One thing that has become very clear is that you need to create a recognisable brand—something a little different that people can connect with, remember and follow. IGYEO brings together the many parts of my life: living with a spinal injury, smart-home technology, virtual reality, travel, gardening, accessibility, community projects and, of course, my Christmas lights. It isn’t simply about disability. It’s about possibility, creativity and experiencing life from a different perspective. I’m still developing the page and finding my feet, but I’d really appreciate your support. Please have a look, follow the page and share it with anyone who may enjoy seeing the world through my eyes. Follow IGYEO with Mark Williams—Seeing the World Through My Eyes.

“Who's Staring at Who?” by Mark Williams www.bazaa.co.nz There’s a common thing I hear from other wheelchair users — “People are always staring at me.” And yeah, sometimes it feels like that. You’re out and about, just trying to grab a few things, and someone gives you that long glance. Not always rude, just long enough to make you wonder. But here’s the thing: everyone’s always looking at everyone. And I learned that one random afternoon at The Warehouse. I was wheeling around trying to find some Christmas gifts — you know, doing the usual zigzag through the aisles, not really in a rush. That’s when I saw her. This woman looked at me. Not a passing glance — a proper look. My first thought? “She’s looking at the wheelchair. Great.” Then something strange happened. A smile spread across my face. Because I realised — I’d clocked her shoes, her shorts, her hairstyle. I'd practically built a mental Pinterest board in my head. I was checking her out, too! In that moment, I realised it wasn’t a disability thing. It was a human thing. We all check each other out. We're all walking (or wheeling) fashion shows — style, personality, vibe. Some people show it through clothes, some through tattoos, others through piercings, hair colour, sneakers. And me? I’ve got wheels. I’ve spent most of my life trying to be seen. These wheels, and more recently, the custom spoke guards I’ve been rocking, they’re not just practical — they’re me. They’re bold. They’re expressive. They’re my version of a cool jacket or a killer pair of boots. They say, “I’m proud of who I am, and I’ve got style, thank you very much.” And the best part? They’re not permanent — change them out, mix it up, match your mood. So next time you catch someone staring? Smile. They might just be admiring your wheels. See more on www.bazaa.co.nz

Well… now you know what all the secrets was about! Tonight, my story—and nearly 26 years of lighting up my home in Napier—was shared with New Zealand on TV1. Being recognised as an ASB Good Sort and receiving a $10,000 award was something I genuinely never expected. I’m proud, shocked, grateful, and still trying to take it all in.

Last year, I wrote about 10 blogs connecting my life to the HT systems, kera hoist. Interestingly enough, it tended to bring a lot more out of me than I thought. If you can see past some of the advertising, you can see a few messages in there that I have to people to just get out there, keep going, even in little bits. You don't have to travel the world, see the country first.Blog Posts | Hapai Transfer Systems Ltd.

New week. Fresh reset. Before the noise kicks in, here’s a simple check-in. Your life doesn’t move in the direction of your effort, it moves in the direction of your attention. What we focus on grows. What we keep feeding gets stronger. This week isn’t about fixing everything. It’s about noticing where your attention is going…and gently reclaiming it when it drifts. One breath. One choice. One moment at a time. If you want to engage, finish this sentence in one line: This week, I want to give more of my attention to ______. Or just read this and take the reset. That’s enough for Monday.