QWhat inspires you to be the person that you are:
AGod is my number one source of inspiration. He is my Father and I claim this divine heritage. As I live every day making choices, good and bad, I am constantly humbled by His unconditional love for me. I accept full responsibility for my choices and as I pray and exercise faith I feel inspired to strive to be like my Saviour. God in His great wisdom has given me enough life experiences to go through the best and worst and I am so thankful for where I am today. My children inspire me. No one teaches me life lessons as much as my children do. I meet good solid people from all walks of life who inspire me.
QWhat would you describe as your passion in life and how are you going about realising it?
AMy passion is to be the difference. I have been blessed with a humble but God-filled upbringing, a huge loving family, a husband who despite our challenges is my greatest mentor, loyal friends and support networks, a good education and material blessings that my husband and I have worked hard and sacrificed much for. I believe that to whom much is given much is required. I feel an immense responsibility to better the lives of my fellow citizens and to achieve this I am striving to be voted into Parliament in the next general election in 2018.
QWhat would you consider to be the most memorable in your career?
ABeing a mum is a full time career and every one of my five children has given me the best memories. When I watch home videos of my children I get so deeply emotional to see how time has flown and that their childhood will never return. Parents of young children please savour this most special time when they still want to hug you and cuddle you at night and call you so many times a day and cry to you about anything. Take lots of photos and videos to capture memories.
I am obsessed: with making every moment of my life count.
I can’t live without: my children.
I am proud of: reward that comes from hard work and sacrifice. I am proud of people who exercise courage and virtue when tested. These are great examples to me.
Wish I could: turn back time and had more life experiences with my late father, Jone Tabuya. I honour him more now in death than I ever did when he was alive. Treasure your parents, honour them and forgive them if they are still with you today. They may not always get it right, but you can be a great example to them. It is a choice to forgive and love.
Really need to: forgive myself more often and let go.
Can’t handle it: when there is injustice or rudeness. There is simply no excuse for rudeness.
I look back: and thank God for all my life experiences. I have a few regrets but they have humbled me and I remind myself everyday to exercise gratitude.
I relax by: sleeping.
I am excited: about waking up everyday and finding opportunities to serve.
I have always: wanted to be in Parliament. I studied law to become a politician. I feel a huge responsibility to prepare myself mentally, spiritually and emotionally to serve when the opportunity comes.
Biggest weakness: is I am hardest on myself. I keep getting reminded to laugh at myself more often.
List of favourite things: photo albums, heirlooms, good books
Opinion on the state of the world: God is in control, and good will always triumph over evil. We must never lose hope.
Something you may not know about me: I am not on Facebook. I value my privacy and I mostly hear of people complaining about Facebook.
Mother always told me: that if I have nothing good to say I should not say anything at all. And to pray, read my Bible pray every day and I’ll grow grow grow. Mother is ALWAYS right and she is my best friend.
My attitude to exercise: I work out so I can eat. I do not diet but eat everything. The more I eat the more I need to exercise. Simple as that. If I do not exercise it affects my overall wellbeing. So for me I must attempt at least twice a week to do a minimum of 30 minutes per workout, whether it’s boot camp, running, zumba, dancing or walking. I need to exercise and it’s got to be fun.
My relationship with my body: happy size! God created me in His image so I am happy just as I am. As long as my clothes fit, I do not weigh myself or look at fashion magazines or compare myself with anyone else. If I feel good, I look good.
Full name: Lynda Diseru Tabuya
Primary School: Yat Sen Primary School
Secondary School: Adi Cakobau School
Tertiary Education: Bachelor of law degree, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Masters of law degree, Washington University in St Louis, Missouri, USA
Miss Hibiscus 1996
Favourite food: Seafood and dalo
Favourite drink: Bu
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite movies: The Wizard of Oz, Phantom of the Opera
Mentor since childhood: My parents
Favourite quote:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centred. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway” Mother Theresa
Person you would love to meet: My Saviour
Advice to young children: Honour your parents and respect your elders. Be kind to yourself, be kind to others, and be kind to the earth. Most of all, love God.
