I am sure there are times when we all wonder whether what we have achieved is enough or whether we are wasting this precious life. So, rather than simply doubting myself, I stopped to make a list – I do love a list – of the things I have achieved.

It proved to be quite an eclectic collection of moments from the last twenty years, some things pretty huge and some very tiny, but all are mine to hold dear, reasons to hold my head up even if I am doubting myself, feeling small, shy, introverted, scared about the future, or sad about my past.

I found it refreshing, and was surprised by how many things I could think of almost immediately. I encourage you all to do your own. It is easy to big up your friends and loved ones; it is much harder to be proud of yourself. So, here it is.

I have:

– Posed for a naked charity calender
– Starred in a music video
– Saved someone’s life
– Sailed over 5,000 miles
– In two years out of the City got eleven new qualifications
– Been a key participant in a multi trillion dollar market
– Bought my first property at age 23
– Been head hunted twice before the age of 35
– Been part of a six man team which won a national competition (including an assault course and shooting) as the only girl who has, still to this day, competed
– Run a 5km race in 23 minutes
– A touch typing speed of 69 words per minute and 99.9% accuracy
– Won two internships; one government sponsored, the other in New York
– Moved twice to islands in the Atlantic on my own
– Been informed more than once that I am a superior taster by sommeliers
– Read at least 2,000 books, some up to fourteen times
– Lived, loved, explored, travelled, made mistakes, no debts, only a few regrets, determination, courage.