WE ALL NEED SPONTANEITY!
On page 26 of today’s issue, fashion designer Tabitha Webb tells us how to be fearless – something we could all do with a bit of right now in such scary times. But this is not about how to return to life after lockdown, rather it’s taking in the bigger picture and embracing the changes that life will throw at us. I like to think I’m fearless but it’s only really in a physical sense – jumping on rollercoasters, white-water rafting or trapezing. But when it comes to the bigger things, I agonise over decisions. Move house or renovate the one I live in? Get a new car or a fancy holiday? Change jobs or tweak the one I have? I will decide then change my mind over and over again. Tabitha is lucky in that her husband is the opposite of her and helps to ground her a little when she’s getting carried away. My boyfriend is very similar to me so any joint decisions we have to make can take forever. While I admire her, i physically shook at the line that said her companies have gone into administration on several occasions – I just think the stress of that would tip me over the edge. If I owe a friend €20, I can’t stop thinking about it until it’s paid! It’s clear that being fearless is easier for some people than others, but I think we could all do with a bit more spontaneity in our lives so perhaps we could take some of Tabitha’s advice on board. Face the fear and do it anyway, right? I can’t wait to see the look on my boyfriend’s face when I tell him we’re moving to Hawaii!
One person who has no issue whatsoever with embracing fear is Mollie Hughes, the youngest woman to trek to the South Pole solo. On page 34, she tells us about her adventures and we also speak to her mam Jane. I always feel so sorry for the families of adventurers, who are so often left behind worrying about their loved one, with no contact for days or even weeks. This is especially true in Jane’s case, as Mollie takes on so many of her treks alone. Imagine not knowing when or even if you’ll next hear from your child, who is taking on some of the most savage elements known to man. It must be extremely difficult. But Jane seems to take it all in her stride and encourages Mollie as much as she can, which is so admirable. She may not be physically facing the risks but she is definitely another kind of fearless.
Enjoy the issue.