IN THIS ISSUE

Sometimes I still can’t believe I moved to the other side of the world. I was 21, I had about £500 to my name, and I was so full of excitement and optimism that I didn’t stop to think for a second of any possible pitfalls or complications. And I certainly didn’t imagine I’d be making my life complicated by meeting my future husband and so ending up with a family here and one back there in Australia. (I didn’t imagine that I’d live past 30 – that seemed so old.) Some people probably do consider that it was brave of me but, looking back, I think I was more naive. And that naivety was a gift – these days, my older, wiser self would be quick to point out all the risks and complications of such an impulsive act.

But personally, when I consider things I’d never be brave enough to do, they’re activities like skydiving or bungee-jumping. So fear is a deeply personal issue. What our fears all have in common, no matter what they are, is the possible power to hold us back from living full lives.

This is the subject of a lovely piece by author Libby Page on page 28. Reading it, what struck me was how dangerous it can be to attempt to shield ourselves from all possible risks. I found it a powerful reminder to try to reconnect with that blustering bravado of my younger days! I’m determined to channel the spirit of that girl who went travelling on her own, because I’m loath to admit I’m now the kind of person who’s reluctant even to sit in a restaurant or a cinema on her own. And that must change. Although I have no interest in conquering my fear of skydiving or bungee-jumping, Libby’s story reminds me of the well-worn saying: What would you do if you weren’t afraid? It could make an interesting conversation around the pub lunch table today!

Enjoy the issue.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WEREN’T AFRAID?”