Uncomfortable truths no one will tell you, but you need to hear!

Hello everyone! I’m excited to introduce my new blog. I’ll discuss the boots in more detail a bit later, so stay tuned—it’s worth the wait 😊.

I’m writing this on the day I should have been flying to Jamaica. Jamie and I have been lucky to visit this beautiful country many times; it was our favourite island for complete relaxation amid our busy, full-on work lives. For me, Jamaica has an unrivalled vibe — sunlit beaches, warm waters, reggae rhythms, and friendly Jamaicans with big smiles that make every moment feel like paradise. Tourism is crucial for their economy, but Hurricane Melissa has caused devastating damage, tragically affecting many livelihoods. Recovery will take time, and there are various ways to help. Be cautious of fraudulent websites; if you want to contribute, research your sources carefully, and the people of Jamaica will be forever grateful.

Now, let’s discuss the topic of my blog: those uncomfortable truths we uncover as we get older. I’ve kept it short, concise and straightforward. Personally, I don’t like reading long, complex sentences when fewer words can convey the point. Let’s go….

1. No one is riding in on a white horse; fix your own life. We all need to take ownership of every broken area to rebuild something stable, purposeful and satisfying.
2. Excuses don’t settle debts; only relentless effort does.  “I’m too tired, the economy is bad, my boss doesn’t like me”. Every excuse is a permission to stay broke.
3. Comfort zones feel like shelters, but they kill every ounce of your potential. Growth and development require facing challenges and embracing discomfort, which is precisely what the comfort zone helps you avoid.
4. Happiness requires effort; it doesn’t come automatically. It’s not a default setting; it’s a skill you build through deliberate effort.
5. If you can’t control your emotions, you’ll always be controlled. Emotional self-regulation is crucial for maintaining personal autonomy and not being overly influenced by external circumstances or other people’s actions
6. Not everyone who smiles at you is your friend.  Their smile can mask insincere or negative intentions, such as jealousy or a desire to take advantage of you. Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t take advice from.
7. Failure is an integral part of success, not its opposite. Every achievement involves setbacks, mistakes or failures along the way. You don’t succeed despite failure; you grow because of it.
8. Money can buy comfort, not peace. Peace comes from strong relationships, a sense of life purpose and meaning, self-acceptance, and emotional resilience.  All of which are not for sale.

I know these are harsh truths, but they’re also true. If your day isn’t going well, review these eight facts to remind yourself that you hold the power to improve the situation.

Finally, I apologise for making you scroll through all of that if you only wanted to hear about my boots. They were an impulsive purchase made ten years ago, and I’ve only worn them once. Can you imagine me stumbling down the street to the pub in St Agnes or arriving at a dinner party on a fancy wooden floor, each step leaving a tiny mark? I wonder what I was thinking when I bought them. Maybe I pictured a red-carpet event or a premiere I’d attend. It’s possible I had a cocktail dress code in mind, a fashion shoot, or a fancy restaurant with valet parking. Now that I realise I’m more the pub type —enjoying a good pint rather than a £25 cocktail —it feels a bit sad that I’ll never wear them, but you never know —watch this space!

Until next time, xxxx