Irena Economos

Week 3 Update : ✅ 100km Walked — Mission Accomplished!

WEEK 2 UPDATE 💙

Thank you all so much for the love, messages, and generous donations — I’ve officially hit my fundraising goal just two weeks in, and it’s all because of YOU. I’m beyond grateful and truly touched. 💫

That said, this past week wasn’t as active or impactful as Week 1 — and that’s on me. Life has a way of getting in the way… and in your head. I still managed to get some KMs in, mostly for my own mental clarity and to remind myself why I started this journey in the first place.

So today, I want to share something a little more personal: Work-Life Balance.

This year, I made a conscious decision to step away from anything that no longer serves me — mentally or emotionally — in both my work and personal life. I’ve been chasing change, making space for what truly inspires me, and leaning into what brings me joy. And while I love change and usually thrive in it… lately, I’ve been feeling a bit off. A little lost. Like I’m spiralling south.

Why? I’m not entirely sure. Maybe it’s the stillness after the storm. Maybe it’s the question of “what now?” after finally reaching a place I’ve worked so hard to get to.

What I do know is that it’s okay to feel this way. It’s okay to pause, reflect, and recalibrate. This journey — both the 100km and the personal one — is about more than just movement. It’s about healing, growth, and showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.

Make the change, call out bad behaviour, chase your dreams, talk about it no matter how raw it feels. Speak your truth!

Here’s to the next step. 💙

OneFootInFrontOfTheOther #MentalHealthMatters #100kmInOctober #FundraisingJourney #WorkLifeBalance #KeepGoing

A Personal Update – Thank You from the Bottom of My Heart to Miss Sophie & Team

As I type this, I’m genuinely overwhelmed with emotion—tears are rolling down my face and hitting the keyboard, so please forgive any typos.

Today, something truly beautiful happened. A dear friend Sophie, someone I met in a past chapter of my work life, came across the email I sent about my 100km walk for mental health. She not only read it, but shared it—and through that, I learned she’s been on her own mental health journey.

That alone was enough. To know that my message resonated, that it offered even a moment of connection or hope, means the world to me.

But then, to receive your donations… that was another level of love, support, and encouragement. I can’t even begin to describe how much it means. I feel seen, supported, and deeply grateful.

Thank you for walking beside me—whether through kind words, donations, or simply reading this. You’ve made a difference to me and many others

With all my heart,
Irena

One Week In: A Walk with Purpose

It’s been one week since I started my 100km walk for mental health—and what a week it’s been. I’ve managed to get in some solid kilometres, with my biggest walk being over Sunday at the NRL Grand Final at Accor Stadium. I walked just shy of 18km that day, surrounded by the buzz, the energy, and the incredible atmosphere. I felt so lucky to be working there, doing something I love.

But that joy was short-lived.

Later that night, I came home to heartbreaking news. A friend—a beautiful young soul known for his happiness, kindness, and humour—had passed away. The shock was overwhelming. Phones lit up with messages and social media posts asking why? How could this happen?

It was a painful, gut-wrenching reading them and a reminder: depression is real. Mental illness is real. And it doesn’t always look like what we expect.

Yesterday, I needed to take a step back. After such a high and quick low on Sunday, Monday I gave myself permission to pause—to grieve for people I’ve lost, to reflect, and to reconnect with the reason I’m doing this walk.

I’m walking for those who are struggling. For those who feel alone. For those we’ve lost. And for those still fighting.

Please, take care of yourselves. Check in on your friends & family. And if you’re not okay, know that you’re not alone.

If you or someone you know needs support, please visit the Black Dog Institute. They’re doing incredible work to help Australians living with mental illness.

With love,
Irena x

First Steps for Mental Health 💙👟 Day 1