30 000 Ft And A Whizzo

Fear is the biggest predictor for not living a life well lived. I try my best to live my life as full as I possibly and humanly can - and there again lies the little nugget - as much as I possibly can - cause all our lives, hopes and dreams are so different and if you do you - you really are crushing it.

This little "nugget" really is nothing new, its just amazing what a long haul flight, some bad economy class food and a much needed whizzo can provide. Plus, when you are at 30 000 ft I somewhat always feel invincible. So here is what I promised myself, join me.

1)Feel the fear and jump in anyway

Japan was a crazy decision (one of many I have made in my life). It was something I never knew and any assumption I had about it would be re framed for sure upon my arrival, but I jumped straight in and am so glad I did - as hard as certain elements have been coupled with plenty of the personal challenges I have faced - I am in essence a "new" me. A stronger me. Regret really is something that drives me personally. I would honesty rather try and fail at something then not try at all. So if it scares you - my advice - jump head first - if you fall hard, I promise you next time when you stand back up - you will be a stronger, more resilient human and life really is that more exciting when you approach life this way anyway. As always, its about calculated risks - but you know in your heart anyway what you want to do - you just need to follow it.

2)Let Go of what no longer serves you

Humans are creatures of habit, just because we are so used to doing something one way - we keep at it! And hey, if it floats your boat, that is fab. However things change, people change and the world changes - and if it no longer serves you (as in grows you, motivates you and challenges you) - dump it! Really - life is really so short and as cliche as that sounds, it’s true. I have recently turned 40 and I look back and can’t believe how quickly life is passing by. Nurture what makes your heart happy. One Life. Just One! No dress rehearsal. This really is the real deal - surprise!

3)The right people will love you regardless

I have made some really poor decisions and been at times a difficult human (never intentionally I will have you know, as I really feel no one purposeful sets out to hurt anyone) - but it’s learning from these mistakes - and not being fearful to make more. When we learn, we become better humans and maybe if we can guide one person to either learn from our mistakes or look at things at least from a different angle or perspective, then, in my opinion it really was all worth it. I have lost some amazingly good people in my life when I was not in a good space and I have lost good people in my moments of growth too. The power lies in knowing that either these people don’t understand you, want to get to understand you, scared in what they see, outgrown you or you have outgrown them and in all honestly, its life. Life happens - people move on. That said - tell the people you care for you love them, be kind to the stranger whom you know nothing about and trust that what you put out, comes back to you - sometimes ten fold.

4)Fail Forward

embrace all your mistakes. They don’t define you. They grow you - but really only because of how you approach the response. So when you fail - fail forward. Remember we become better because of our mistakes - not in spite of them. So cut yourself some slack and lean right in.

5)Furk Ego

really! I am learning this every day (I promise I am trying) - I honestly know how important it is to try not take things personally. What people say or do, is generally a sign of who they are or where they are. It really is about taking what people say and using it to grow you - where it matters of course. We all want to be liked - but its about being loved, respected and liked by the people that matter. And if all is said and done - get a dog. They really do love you unconditionally.

So today, right here, right now - join me in living fearlessly. No one else is living your life, or your story. Make sure you are okay with your decisions, all of them - good or bad - because well, you made them - 100 percent all you! Own it, all of it and I promise you - you can’t go wrong! So try - today - do you! The universe will thank you and so will everyone else around you!

As Mother Theresa said, "Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable, be honest and transparent anyway".