I am feeling all childish and excited today. Why? Because I’ve been out to buy a new Christmas tree. Woohoo!!!
Let’s not be concerned by the fact that (since moving into my new place in June), I don’t yet have a sofa, coffee table or TV. But I have my Christmas tree and right now, that’s all that matters. Yes?
I can already visualise myself sitting in my living room on a cold December evening, mesmerised by those little twinkling lights. Which reminds me… do I have any lights?
Earlier this week, I read a story on Facebook that had me thinking again about how differently we each perceive the world. And how much of our own experience is influenced by things that we have already gone through in life.
For example, the photo below – of the Shanghai skyline, some of you will look at this photo and experience feelings of anxiety. Maybe the word CHAOS comes to mind. Certainly, some feelings of discomfort will arise in your body.
And yet for others, you may experience feelings of excitement, energy and a sense of ADVENTURE.
Then there’s the smaller photo on the right, some first reactions might be ‘PEACEFUL’ or ‘FREEDOM’ whilst for others, your first response may be … ‘BORING’ – lol.
In my writing today, I wanted to share with you – 2 different versions of SUCCESS and ask you the question:
WHICH WOULD YOU RATHER?
A great job, generous salary, beautiful home, nice little sports car, money in the bank – but little time or opportunity to spend with those you love or doing the things you most enjoy.
OR travelling around Asia in a Tuk Tuk.
The sun on your face, camera in hand and your eyes wide open to the awe and wonder of all that you see before you?
No emails, no phone calls, no demands on your time.
Two very different worlds.
Two very different versions of SUCCESS.
I have lived them both.
For 25 years, I pursued my career relentlessly. I was ambitious, I was determined, and I was successful. But in 2008, I accepted a new role in Shanghai and while I was there, EVERYTHING changed.
Not only did my experience in Asia change ME, but it also changed my view of the world.
More specifically, my perception of success and what that looks like for me.
To the extent that I gave up my job in 2011 and headed off into the sunset.
At the age of 43 – I took my first ever ‘gap year’ (and a half)!
In 2013, I went back to work in London – great job, interesting company…. but I just knew that way of life wasn’t right for me anymore.
And so, I made the courageous decision to quit and re-train, and to design my life around the things that I LOVE.
A life in which I can live and work from anywhere in the world. Where I can take my camera, be fully present and experience every single moment of the adventure.
The sports car is nice, don’t get me wrong, but I would trade it every time for the next adventure. For when I am travelling, discovering and connecting to those I meet along the route, I feel alive and so much more happy & vibrant.
I feel Alive. Fulfilled. And that is when I feel most like ME – the real me.
When do YOU feel most alive?
Is there something that you could do, some changes you could make that would allow you to feel this way more often? It is so important to make time to do the things that you love the most. The things that make you feel most alive.
If COVID has taught us anything, it surely must be that life is short, and we must live fully every single day.
Don’t waste a single moment.
x Until next time, sending you love x
I would love to get to know you more, connect with me here.
