I seem to have had an influx of requests for interviews lately. As I sit at my desk right now, I have two written interviews to respond to and an audio interview to prepare for by the weekend. The questions are interesting, thoughtful and inviting, but they have made me realise how uncomfortable I am with being asked questions about myself.
This is a very odd realisation for someone who has interviewed over 100 other people on TV, radio, podcast and in writing.
This is a very odd realisation for someone who has invited scores of other women to share their bravest, most personal stories on her own blog.
This is a very odd realisation for someone who has been interviewed countless times on television, radio and in newspapers in the context of previous jobs.
But the difference now is that it is about me. What do I think? How do I feel? What do I dream of? No briefing notes, company policies or ‘official lines’ to take. No media officers on hand to consult. Just me, my thoughts and my words.
It is strange, because when I created the Do What You Love e-course I managed to pour so much of me into it – through tales of adventures, musings on my approach to life and questions I asked myself. But it is as if the e-course classroom space is like an extension of my own home – warm, safe and private. Outside is a whole different matter.
Not long ago I was talking to a PR professional about my life, and she bombarded me with question after question to try to understand who I was, unpicking each thread of my complicated life web to understand how I got to where I am now, and what that really means. And then (after two hours of me answering her questions), she said something that really surprised me. She said, “You are a really private person, aren’t you?”
Really? Me? World-travelling-people-loving-beauty-seeking-wandering-adventurer me, a private person? But then I realised she was completely right.
- I would much rather tell other people’s stories than my own, even though I have some fairly crazy stories to tell by anyone’s standards.
- I would rather keep my dreams quiet until they have come true, and then celebrate with family and friends.
- I would rather only hint at the love story in my life, than spread details and photos across every blog post.
- I would rather be an ‘international woman of mystery’ (as my friends often call me when I email them from far-flung lands) than in-your-face or predictable.
- I would rather seek out knowledge out in the world, than endlessly analyse my own internal world.
- But that’s just me.
I am happy that way.
A conduit for other stories, and slowly – very slowly – opening up the pages of my own book and turning them leaf by leaf.
How about you? Do you ever question just how much to share?
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“Life-changing”, “Revolutionary”, “Awe-inspiring”, “Transformative“ – just a few of the ways former participants have described the Do What You Love e-course.
Do you fancy some of that in your life? Do you want to get closer to identifying your true passion and finding a way to do what you love, for life? Then this is for you!
The Do What You Love e-course is open for registration now. The adventure begins on September 26 but places are limited so book now to secure your place. This is the last time it will run this year.
This is your chance to join a global tribe of like-minded people who will support and encourage you to find your way.
It could be the most influential six weeks of your life…
