Me, Myself, and I: A Starter for 10

Honestly, I think this challenge thrown into the ring by Kayleigh Fraser is brilliant. I love reading about other writers. Her advice...Don't overthink it... Just 10 things that spring to mind that nobody will know about you. Get it down, quick list.

My days!

Okay, buckle up... here we go... in no order... just stuff about me you may not know or even want to!

1. I overthink everything. It's not debilitating, and it is never a negative cycle. My overthinking forms the shape of streams and streams of ideas. You will say to me, "I have had a thought on this." I, in response, will build on that little idea like you have presented me with the first stone of the Taj Mahal. Genuinely. Let me give you an example: From this challenge, I already have 5 chapters of a new book scoped out. I just had to break away from the snowstorm of ideas to get this list done. Thank you, Kayleigh - you fired a light within me when you started me thinking about this.

2. I get stuff done. A boss of mine once said to me that I could organise the life out of anyone. Charming, eh? True though. I am a bullet of a human. If I see the merit in something, I am all over it. I stay the course. I ensure nobody fails or gets left behind, and yes, it can be a self-sacrificing fault.

That said...

3. I can say no. I am not a pleaser. If I don't like something, I say so. Over the years, I have developed ways to do this quickly and effectively. Telling the truth is an art that too many people avoid. I am not a coward. I find ways to hold up mirrors, and I have the utmost respect for those who find a way to say stuff to me that needs to be said. Choosing words and getting your truth out is so important in a world that has "impact over intent" on a pedestal, like it could be the next great religion.

4. I am hugely tolerant, caring, and understanding of others, but I take no prisoners. I am at peace with the fact that I cannot be liked all the time. Nobody can be. I will stand up for what I believe in, and yes, I have stood alone a lot. If the cost of that is somehow personal to you, sorry, it is not meant to be. Like I said, I won't lose myself or my truth for fear.

5. I am the most optimistic person I know. When I was younger, another boss of mine told me that I smiled too much and that I clearly didn't understand the seriousness of the job because I was far too happy. Incredible, but true. I have had cancer twice, struggled with infertility, and gone through other shit I won't go on about (there are stories if you want to read them), but as I always say and maintain: Life is really, really hard and when faced with the hardest parts you only ever have 2 choices. 1. You do and get on with it. 2. You don't, and you spiral into negativity. Now don't get me wrong, I am not immune to anxiety, I feel the insidious clutches of that horrific condition every day, but as far as I am concerned, in that battle, the fucker can fuck off. I pray it never gets me, I feel for everyone it does.

6. My energy is off the charts. I have no idea why. Sometimes, I wish I could run to burn some of it off, but I have never been able to. What I can do is dance, which I do a lot, but not as often as I wish I could. Slowing down is a conscious effort for me every day. I am aware of how annoying and exhausting I can be. I have got better with age. Writing helps.

7. I am an amazing cheerleader. Nope, I am not jumping up and down with pompoms I am far too much of an archetypal tomboy for that. What I mean is that if I see potential in you, I will cheer you on with all my heart. I love seeing other people win.

8. I am fascinated by how people react and why. The range of emotion that falls out from seemingly banal events is endlessly intriguing to me. There is a beauty in this range of reactions that fills my heart with joy. It tells me, assures me, that in a world where everyone is clamouring to find their tribe for safety and survival, that there is still a cavernous and diverse array of echo chambers, and I love listening to the whole range; they are like music to me. I don't like all of what I hear, but they are fascinating.

9. Time is my life's antagonist. I am at war with it every day. There is so much to do. Life is wonderful, rare, and beautiful, and with every passing day, I feel it slipping away.

10. If something is worth doing, I want to do it well. I want to be a wonderful friend, a great mother, a fabulous partner, a caring leader, and a fantastic team player. I want to cook amazing food, write with all of my heart, love unconditionally, and be absolutely present for everything. I don't care if I fail, trying is everything. I just want to become the best that I can be.

And there you go. My quick fire ten things... Bet you wish I had never accepted that challenge now! Ha!

Here is a link to Kayleigh's challenge:

Thank you Kayleigh.