Choose to Challenge

This month marks a big milestone in my life … I turn 40!

I’ve been battling with this reality for some time now, I don’t feel 40 and I don’t think I’m ready for 40! But that’s not helpful and I’ve been working on conscious ways to reframe my thinking to move to a headspace in which I appreciate and value being 40! 

Coincidentally this month also marks International Women’s Day and over the last few weeks much activity has been taking place in preparation for acknowledging this important international day. I have been contacted by a variety of people in my network, who I respect and follow for inspiration, to invite me to participate in different International Women’s Day initiatives; from photo montages to videos and from providing quotes to sitting on a panel talk. All these invitations got me thinking… Why are they asking me? What have I got to say that’s going to make a difference? Who’s going to listen to me? Again all unhelpful thoughts, then I reminded myself why I started DREAM BIG : BELIEVE BIGGER, and that I’ve got a passion for coaching and mentorship for those that have a desire to go after their dreams, so why not offer support during this months focus on the power of women. 

These invitations have helped me to learn to recognise that the more life experiences we have, the more we can share those experiences with others to help them rise up. I’ve always been a believer that no one needs to tread upon others in order to successfully achieve their own goals, more so that by helping others achieve their goals that we in turn live a more fulfilled and meaningful life, and are more likely to achieve our own dreams and ambitions.

This years International Women’s Day theme is #ChooseToChallenge. With an emphasis on challenging our thinking and that’s just what I’ve needed to do these last months, on reflection, not just because I’m turning 40 but also on how to approach some recent frustrations I’ve faced in my work.

“A challenged world is an alert world. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can all choose to challenge and call out gender bias and inequality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. From challenge comes change, so let’s all choose to challenge.”

So what do you #ChooseToChallenge? How do you need to adjust your thinking to allow yourself the success you desire and deserve?

For me … it’s about appreciating life’s rich tapestry and valuing every day, and every year I’ve grown into the person I am, and realising that’s what makes turning 40 a wonderfully positive thing. Bring on the future and everything ahead, I’m committing to myself to DREAM BIG : BELIEVE BIGGER 

If you want to know more about this year’s International Women’s Day you can read here  https://www.internationalwomensday.com/theme