April.

Just over a year of lockdown and the beginning of the month where things start to return to “normal”. I wonder how many of you are unleashing a brand new version of yourselves?

Change can be a really challenging thing for so many people. It is going against the norm of what others have come to expect of you. It is a brave but necessary process we have to go through in order to stay true to who we are.

I’ve never really been one to ‘fit in’.

For the longest time I just thought that was me and that’s who I am. I’ve even managed to convince myself that it’s the way the stars aligned. I’m an Aquarian and aloof as f***. I’ve left jobs on a whim without anything to go to next simply because they do not set my soul on fire. I built a business over the course of five years then subsequently closed it because I recognised that I was becoming a shadow of myself and my own mental health was more important. I’ve changed career direction more times than I care to admit only to be met with an eye roll from others suggesting ‘here she goes again.’

Now I’m at stage where I recognise that actually this is ok. Re-invention is a wonderful thing and, contrary to what we’ve been taught- it is actually ok to quit things that no longer align with you.

We have a hustle culture.

You must never quit, you must grind and hustle so hard or else you will not be successful. For some, this language might be the very thing that gets you pumped and going however for me, I find it overwhelming and noisy. I need time to process things. I am motivated mostly by the energy surrounding me rather than being told what to do.... another Aquarian trait - don’t tell us what to do. However for the longest time I tried so hard to fit into that box. I thought you had to keep going... in friendships, relationships, jobs, careers no matter how soul sucking they were, because you know, you never quit.

Life is not a one size fits all.

Yes, let’s celebrate those who find there passion early on life and work their way up the ranks of company. Their tenacity and grit has to be admired.

Equally though, we need to applaud those who change the course of their lives several times in search for that thing that makes them leap out of bed in the morning. The courage and bravery these people show by going against the grain gives hope to others that they too can do the same, should they wish to do so.

‘I have looked at myself in the mirror every morning and asked myself “if today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what am I about to do today?” And when the answer has been “no” for too many days in a row, I know something needs to change.’

Steve Jobs

Let’s take Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Arnold has had two successful reinventions so far; he transformed himself from a professional body builder into one of the most successful actors in Hollywood. Then he followed his political hero, Ronald Reagan, and became the governor of California. After serving two terms, he returned to the big screen at 65. (Credit - Forbes Magazine)

When researching this blog post, I found lists upon lists of inspiring individuals who have reinvented themselves over and over. I judged myself so much for not having my shit together as I approach my mid thirties... I still don’t and wonder, will I ever? One thing is for sure, I will never stop being true to myself and will work on having the courage to follow whatever calling comes to me without the fear of judgement from others.

So here’s to you all-

• To the Gary V type hustlers that work and produce phenomenal results in both your business and personal lives. Thank you for showing us what’s possible when hard work is applied.

• To you, who has worked with your company for over a decade and are climbing the corporate ladder. Thank you. You are showing us what is possible with tenacity and grit.

• Lastly, to you. The re inventor. Thank you for never settling. You show us the importance of following your heart.

May you all have the courage to live the life of your dreams and no one else’s.

Steph xxx