The post 24 questions with Rachel Taranaki, author of children’s self-help book The Worries first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Rachel Taranaki, author of children’s self-help book The Worries appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Onomatopoea.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

A genuine zest for life. Being able to get out of bed is the best thing ever, because I realise that one day I’ll be too ill or too old.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

Life’s too short. Twitter is my thing. Anything else drains my time. I’m old fashioned. I have real friends.

#4. Nice. Kindles or books?

Books, for sure.

#5.  What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

I’m in the personal development (self-help) biz where the biggest challenge is getting your message heard amongst the other voices. There are a lot of shouty self-promoting self-helpers. We’re quiet, but well worth listening to!

#6.  We’re hearing ya. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Footballer. Failing that, cowboy. Thankfully neither materialised, and I’ve ended up with the best job in the world (author and happiness researcher)

#7. Love. What led you to your current career?

I studied psychology so spent decades researching illnesses, phobias, disorders, anxiety and depression. Then I realised I’d been doing it wrong, so started studying happy people. #GameChanger

#8. #GameChanger indeed. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Aladdin flew into the palace on his magic carpet but Princess Jasmine couldn’t see him. ‘Where are you my love?’ she shouted.

‘I’m on a mat up here.’ #sorry

#9. *doffs cap* Now can you make it rhyme?

Walk on Skeggy pier.

#10. *Twice*. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Dare to ask Clare Heath out. It tallies with a bigger bit of advice; instead of asking myself ‘what’s the worst that could happen’  the younger me needs to start asking ‘what’s the best?’

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

I never dared ask Clare but luckily, 25 years ago, Louise married me.

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

Delivering a keynote speech, standing on stage in Johannesburg in front of 500 people. I realised it wasn’t just the Brits who needed an injection of happiness & positivity. It was the world.

#13. Boooom to that. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My wife and kids.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

To cut your to-do list in half, simply get your to-do list and cut it in half (get a grown-up to help with the scissors).

#15. *Rofl*. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

Bigger! Muuuuuch bigger. The modern world is a great place but it also acts as a drag on happiness. People need to rethink how they think

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

Same. Happy. Building a business with people I love. Doing work that I’m proud of

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

We deliver workshops on happiness and we now deliver all over the world so the Brits are now exporting happiness! Imagine? I’ve never spoken in Oz but that’s my dream. One day a ‘whinging Pom’ will deliver workshops to the Australians. Watch this space.

#18. We’ve got our eyes on you, Mr Cope.If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

The Trumpmeister. We could have a right good chat about the environment, universal healthcare and hair products.

#19. *Crying*. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Genuine.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Here you go.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

@actionhappiness.

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

Stop hitting life’s snooze button.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

Waking up and discovering that I’m very much alive. Phew!

#24. Phew indeed. Finally, anything to plug?

Always! ‘The Art of Being Brilliant’ is an easy intro to the science of positive psychology. New books in the pipeline: ‘Happiness Route-Map (Oct 17) and ‘Shine’ (spring 18).

The post 24 questions with Andy Cope, Art of Brilliance first appeared on 24 fingers.

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Emma Goode: Emily, I understand you’ve been through your own struggles with mental health. What part did that play in inspiring you to write this fantastic book?

Emily Palmer: Yes, it inspired me greatly. I remember going to hospital as a child for minor operations and seeing children’s books about going into hospital and what to expect. They had been specifically designed to help young people understand that what was happening was normal and allay their fears, but there was nothing like that for mental health. It made me realise there wasn’t anything available to offer help and support. And you know, not everyone has the guts to ask if their feelings and thoughts are normal.

Emma: What support do you feel is missing for young children?

Emily: Again, looking back, I had struggled early on as a teenager because I had no idea what was going on really.  I’d never heard of the term ‘mental health’. I think we need to educate children from a really young age, at primary and junior schools.  We teach children how to brush their teeth, how to get dressed, that if something hurts, you go to your parents. Mental health needs to be treated in the same way; the level of education needs to be the same.

Emma: What do you feel is the biggest block stopping a child asking for support?

Emily: I think a mixture of shyness and embarrassment, especially if you really don’t know what the thoughts and feelings actually are. It can be hard to explain. And there’s still a stigma attached to it. It’s not as easy to see as a broken arm.

Emma: Scrambled Heads has received a lot of support. Can you tell us a little more about who helped you along the way?

Emily: It was really important for me to know the book was as accurate as possible so that as many people as possible could take something from it. I spoke with lots of parents and educators to ask if this was something they could use. It was great to have their advice and input. They’re always looking for relevant content to use, especially content that speaks in a language that children can relate to.

Emma: How has social media helped?

Emily: It’s been one of the most vital parts actually because word of mouth can only take you so far. Lots of celebrities have come on board and lent their support including Denise Welch, Nick Knowles, Alastair Campbell, Dr Christian, Lorraine Kelly to name a few. That’s really helped open doors and increase the amount of people who get to hear about the book, across all different walks of life.  This week, it’s also been featured by Huffington Post and BuzzFeed – the reaction has been fantastic. As we get nearer to the 1,000 copies sold milestone, I keep thinking that every book sold is helping at least one more child.

Emma: That’s incredible, really great work. Has the feedback you’ve received inspired you to do more around this issue?

Emily: The book has inspired me in knowing that something so simple has made such a difference to people’s lives. I’m now thinking about how I can use my experience to help people in the future. It’s not an issue that’s going to be solved overnight.

Scrambled Heads can be purchased via Amazon here. We wish Emily all the very best with the book and thank her for her efforts in raising awareness around mental health issues.

The post Meet the inspirational teen behind Scrambled Heads, a children’s guide to mental health first appeared on 24 fingers.

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#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Awesome.

#2. Awesome. What gets you up in the morning?

My desire to improve mental health.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

Twitter, brilliant. Facebook, necessary evil!

#4. Kindles or books?

Books all day long.

#5.  *All day long*. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

A lack of education.

#6.  What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Stuntman.

#7. Just call him Evel Knievel. What led you to your current career?

A nervous breakdown.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Helping others is awesome.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

Nope.

#10. Go on, we dare you. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Choices are neither right nor wrong; they are just choices

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

Nominating me for five healthcare awards.

#12. Hi-5. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

Having a complete mental and physical breakdown.

#13. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My wife and kids, parents and most importantly my dog

#14. A man’s best friend. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Set the espresso machine ready before you go to bed

#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

More mainstream with Government help!

#16. One can but dream. Where were you 24 months ago?

Scratching my head asking, “How can I help others with this?”

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

I’ve had recognition from Theresa May and the Duchess of Cambridge.

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

12 minutes with Homer Simpson and 12 minutes with my kids to tell them I miss and love them and I’d spoken to Homer Simpson 🙂

#19. Multitasker. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

I cheated and asked my colleagues, they said “Inspirational”

#20. Cheeky. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

No problem.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Six word stories on Twitter.

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

Optimism is a happiness magnet.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

Espresso!

#24. Finally, anything to plug?

Yup, my book, The Little Book of Awesomeness. I’m not going to say too much apart from some people find it inspirational, some motivational, others spiritual or maybe it’s just a good story….. I’ll let you decide 🙂

The post 24 questions with The Mind Mentor, Martin Grosvenor first appeared on 24 fingers.

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#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Sky.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

I go for an early morning walk and I really enjoy it. That 40 minutes really prepares me for my day – lots of endorphins, planning, visualising, meditating – it’s great.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

I truly honestly think it’s very time-consuming, but at the same time, I have connected with old friends and new friends, so I think it’s a bit of a paradox. It offers both things.

#4. Kindles or books?

Oh, books.

#5. Oh, us too. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

I think there are a lot of people out there who are ready to rip someone off. People who are in a rut and need support don’t realise there are cowboys in this industry. My advice would be to choose your mentor wisely.

#6. Hear hear. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I always wanted to work in the theatre and make my way, eventually, to work in the movies, via television. Unfortunately I lacked self-belief when I had my interview with the BBC and never made it past the theatre. I had a great time though 🙂

#7. What led you to your current career?

The death of my father; he committed suicide. I was saved by the principles that I teach, rather than a doctor or anti-depressants and medication. Things happen in our life that can turn it upside down on a hairpin. You need tools to deal with it and to be able to learn them quickly.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

For me sky means infinite possibilities. The sky is your limit.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

The infinite potential of the sky can give you wings to fly.

#10. YES!! What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would say not to worry because it all turns out alright in the end.

#11. Amen. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

Broke my heart, because it allowed me to find the true me and my own true happiness. That’s the greatest gift of all.

#12. There’s a song there somewhere. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

I would say launching my book on International Day of Happiness this year.

#13. Go girl. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My children – they’ve helped me and pushed me of my comfort zone.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

I leave all my dishes till the end of the day and I never iron.

#15. A woman after our own heart. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I see it growing because more and more people are realising to lead a happy and fulfilling life, you can’t do it on your own, and that life can be better than it is.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

I was in my attic office writing my book. My nickname was Rapunzel.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

It’s got a really unique name. That was due to a Skype call with a friend in Canada, just after my divorce. I may have not have had a material fortune but I was a happiness millionaire.

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

It would be my dad.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Inspiring.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Here you go.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Richard Branson. I find his posts inspiring and full of possibilities. They make you feel uplifted and that you can do things.

#22. #ThisWomanCan. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

If you go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

My morning walk – so beautiful to see the sun rise – oh, and this phone call.

#24. Finally, anything to plug?

Click this link if you want to achieve a really fulfilling life in both your jobs and relationships.
www.thehappinessmillionairebook.com

The post 24 questions with the Happiness Millionaire, Janet Jones first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with the Happiness Millionaire, Janet Jones appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Purloin. Some words instantly take you to another world or time period. Purloined always takes me to the smog-laced cobbles of Victorian London.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

Purpose is a great motivator. It takes a long time to build your dream career. Most of the groundwork has to be done at dawn, particularly if you’ve just started out as a creative professional and you’re still working a day job to fund your passion projects.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

I love it! Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it can seem like a chore if I’ve been without the internet for a few days and I’m greeted with a backlog of unopened notifications. However, I’ve made so many friends and great business contacts as a result of social media that I couldn’t give it up. It’s just too valuable!

#4. Gold dust isn’t it. Kindles or books?

Both. I’m a modern author so I appreciate ebooks and paperbacks. I first got a Kindle to check my own work and now I couldn’t do without it. Every alcove in my house is already crammed with paperbacks so getting a Kindle has meant I can continue to expand my library without having to throw out some of my favourite titles.

#5.  Bosh. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

Time is the biggest challenge. The great thing about being an indie author in the publishing world is that you get to control every aspect of your work, from writing the book, to designing the cover and marketing it to readers. It’s rewarding work but every new skill you acquire takes time to master, and nobody has enough time as it is in this industry.

#6.  What did you want to be when you were growing up?

For a short time, I wanted to be a zoo keeper. I loved animals. However, I was also a bookworm and quite academic as a child. Ultimately, when my two great passions fought, writing won the battle. I still love zoos, but I think I’d rather be a visitor than an employee.

#7. Roger that, Dr Dolittle. What led you to your current career?

I’ve always liked creative writing. It was a hobby I started aged nine and never stopped. After doing an English Literature degree at Cardiff University, I got a job at a publishing company. Due to learning a lot of the publishing process, I decided I could combine my publishing knowledge with my love of creative writing and become a self-published author.

#8. And the rest is history. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Someone’s purloined my family jewels!

#9. Sounds painful. Now can you make it rhyme?

Absolutely not. I can’t coin a rhyme for purloin with no time.

#10. See what you did there. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Stop worrying so much. You realise that nothing is as important as it seems when you look back a few years later.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

My parents never pushed me into a particular career path, even when I excelled at certain subjects at school that would have led to big money. Encouraging me to find work I enjoy was very generous of them, especially because they’ve had to back up their support with cash in the past. After all, a creative career can be a slog in the early days.

#12. True dat. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

October 2016 was the first time I hit a US top 100 bestseller list. Up until then, getting on any sort of list seemed like an impossible task but now I know it’s achievable. That means I can do it again!

#13. #YesYouCan. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My Twitter followers. Some of my first fans came from Twitter. Every fan is appreciated by the first handful, the ones that turn up even when they don’t know you and nobody else cares that you wrote a book, are particularly special.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Break down your big goals into small, manageable chunks and then tick those chunks off your to-do list every day. Don’t break the chain. Working a little bit every day makes far more progress than having infrequent, hard-core work days.

#15. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

Some of the most successful indie authors have already set up small presses to publish other authors under their brand. I think more of that will happen, and those small presses will continue to take market share from the Big Five traditional publishing companies. Eventually, the underdogs will become the new mainstream.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

Back then, I had two books and virtually no sales. Now I have four books with a fifth, Last Crawl, coming out at the end of April, and I’m making a reasonable passive income from my creative work.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

It’s not a “proper” company. It’s a one-person publishing machine that outsources work to freelancers. I think that’s how a lot of companies will look in the future.

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Probably Terry Pratchett. He was one of my favourite authors and someone whose writing style I’ve always admired. If I could get just a few of his secrets in that short conversation, it would be worth it.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Inspirational. Oh, and handsome. If only there were a word that combined the two meanings!

#20. Inspohand.  No need to thank us. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Not at all. I’m bad at taking selfies but I’ll inflict one on you nonetheless.

#21. Looking forward. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

One of the coolest social media campaigns I’ve ever seen was the one that accompanied the Batman movie The Dark Knight. In essence, it was a worldwide scavenger hunt to search for clues about the upcoming movie. Cities all over the world were filled with fans in costumes, searching for stuff after clues were “leaked” by the Joker online.

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realise how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

Waking up early and being able to think clearly before the rest of life gets in the way. I think anyone can be an early bird. They just have to fight through the first five minutes to see how rewarding it can be.

#24. We’ll take your word for it. Finally, anything to plug?

Lots of things! This year so far, I’ve released my first two audio books, The #ArtOfTwitter and Necroville. Plus, of course, Last Crawl, my latest comedy zombie book, will be out in just a few weeks.

The post 24 questions with author Daniel Parsons first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with author Daniel Parsons appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Guacamole is fun to say, I like the way it sounds.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

I like to have some me time; time to read, time to meditate before anyone else in the house gets up.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

I think that it can be bad if it’s taken in too deeply. You have to recognise that everyone is sharing their best stuff. Don’t compare yourself to anyone.

#4. Kindles or books?

I love books, but you can’t beat a Kindle when you’re at the beach.

#5. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

There’s a lot of information out there. Most people are looking for validation on what they already think and if they could just get quiet with themselves, they could have clarity on their own.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a teacher, which is really what I am.

#7. What led you to your current career?

My daughter had severe anxiety and so in learning how to help her, I realised that skill of starting small could help many. I noticed that if I used the same methodology with my clients, I could help ease their resistance to change.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Holy Guacamole!

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

I did that!!

#10. Told you she could multitask. What advice would you give to your younger self?

You are enough.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

I had a mentor who really listened to me. It helped me gain such clarity on what my beliefs were and which ones were holding me back.

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

That moment of realising there was something bigger for me, outside the corporate world, was incredibly exciting, I just needed to follow that intution and see where it took me.

#13. If you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

My husband and my daughter.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Take three things out of your list that you can accomplish. That way you don’t get bogged down and make sure the things you do that day have the biggest impact.

#15. Three’s a charm. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

As so much has gone online, actually I think it will go back to more personal touch points, events, workshops etc.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

I’d just sold a business  and was prepping to compete in the Pan-American Masters of Weightlifting. I won bronze.

#17. Go girl. What’s an interesting fact about your company?

I’m developing a new course in line with my book Start small, live big with accompanying workshops around the country.

#18. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Vishen Lakhiani, founder of Mindvalley, AwesomeFest and author of The Code of the Extraordinary Mind. He sees the world in a way I find interesting and inspiring.

#19. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Integrity, you want people to see that you live in alignment and are congruent. So what I say is the same as what I do.

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Sure thing.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

#journorequest – I use that a lot.

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

Perfect is the enemy of the good (Voltaire). Don’t wait to start, for things to be perfect. Don’t let opportunities pass you by.

#23. What’s been the best part of your day?

Getting to see my family this morning. Everyone left happy.

#24. Finally, anything to plug?

Check out my new free 30 day challenge here.

The post 24 questions with Betsy Pake first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Betsy Pake appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. So, what’s your favourite word?

Fantastic.

#2. What gets you up in the morning?

Having a purpose, my family, my job. Knowing I can make a difference.

#3. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

It’s brilliant for businesses, allowing people to reach a massive audience but on the negative side, people are forgetting to talk, forgetting the art of real communication.

#4. Kindles or books?

Books definitely.

#5. We know of a good one. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

Making people realise they can change; there’s been a real lack of that in terms of what we’re taught as children, and adults actually. We need to educate people at a younger age before all that conditioning sets in.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I didn’t have a clue! As a teenager, I was really good at sport – a teacher told me I should become a PE teacher and so I did. That lead me to a career in the fitness industry but I always knew I wanted writing in there somewhere. I’ve always enjoyed it, plus having those kind of deep conversations you have.

#7. What led you to your current career?

I think working in the fitness industry; I became really interested in seeing the transformation of their bodies.On top of that, I started enjoying giving people my time, seeing them grow, being kind, listening to them. I gave them an outlet. This insight led me to being a life coach.

#8. Can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Your life can always be fantastic.

#9. Hurrah for that. Now can you make it rhyme?

Your life can be fantastic, your brain is neuro-plastic

#10. Indeedy. What advice would you give to your younger self?

Believe in yourself and your abilities; you are enough just as you are.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone’s ever done for you?

My husband has been there 100% of the way.

#12. Tell us, what’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

Meeting Nick and Eva Speakman. I realised there are others out there who felt the same as me. They became my role models.

#13. If you won a big award of some kind, whom would you thank?

I’d probably thank my family for being there, all my coaching clients (I get so much back from them) and some of my oldest friends, my 80-90 year old wise owls.

#14. Can you give us a timesaver of the day?

Limit your social media time – give yourself 30 minutes, twice a day. Have a curfew and be strict with yourself!

#15. Must we? Really? Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I think it will just keep on growing. I’ve already seen a massive change. More schools, more businesses, more establishments are now taking this kind of thinking on board.

#16. Where were you 24 months ago?

I was still thinking about writing a book and coaching full-time. I was in a really amazing place, but I knew there was more.

#17. What’s an interesting fact about you?

I love to monofin.

#18. That’s swimming with a monofin for the non-water babies out there. If you could have a 24-minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

It would probably be Barack Obama or Tony Robbins.

#19. We hear Barack’s got some time on his hands. Unfortunately. What’s one word you’d want people to describe you with?

Positive

#20. Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Sure.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

I can’t choose! I like a little bit of everything!

#22. What’s one quote that defines your work ethic?

What happens to you, doesn’t define you, it finds you.

#23. BOOM. What’s been the best part of your day?

Having coffee and toast in Costa Coffee with my husband.

#24. Sweet. Finally, anything to plug?

My book came out in January; my aim is to open people’s eyes and hearts to live a truly happy and exceptional life.

The post 24 questions with Maria Hocking first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post 24 questions with Maria Hocking appeared first on 24 fingers.

#1. What’s your favourite word?

Onomatopoeia. I learnt it at school and just thought it was a very strange word. It means a word that sounds like what it describes, like ‘boing’, or ‘woosh’!

#2. Boom! What gets you up in the morning?

Porridge. With blueberries and honey.

#3. Mmmm. What do you truly, honestly think of social media?

Honestly? I find it baffling and I don’t really understand it or how it works… so that’s why I think I need experts to help me!

#4. Kindles or books?

Books, definitely. The romance of having a paper book in your hand it lovely. Especially a nice, old, musty book that you’ve found in an ancient book shop.

#5. You work is around personal development and self-help. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

I think it is a very big industry and I think there are lots and lots of people who have got wonderful ideas to share. I think the challenge is making sure all those ideas are heard. Some real gems can sometimes be overlooked, because there’s just so much on offer.

#6. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be on TV! Actually – I was a huge fan of Doctor Who so to be honest I just wanted to be a Doctor Who assistant and just travel around the Universe, having fun.

#7. What led you to your current career?

Well, I was a teacher for a long time, teaching English and a foreign language and I loved working with adults. I love working with children, too, but I felt that I really wanted to work with adults and look at exploring ways you can just have a normal, lovely day each day of your life.

#8. Awww, what a lovely sentiment. Now – can you use your favourite word in a sentence?

Crash, bang, wallop! is a great example of onomatopoeia, I think.

#9. Now can you make it rhyme?

Onomatopoeia could be used in Eretria.

#10. Very good! What advice would you give to your younger self?

I would say don’t miss out on anything, just be here for each day. Because if you don’t, if you let your mind just race off with all the worries and concerns that you can get caught up in each day, I think you tend to miss your life. You’ve not really been present for it. So I would say, be present for every single experience. Be fully present.

#11. What’s the best thing anyone has ever done for you?

Ask me to marry them. I think everyone should ask somebody else to marry them – we should have a National Ask Someone to Marry You Day!

#12. We’ll get it trending! What’s been your ‘career-defining’ moment?

When my book was published. First, I thought to myself ‘Phew, I’ve actually finished it’ and then I thought, ‘Wow, I am actually an author now’, so that’s been really exciting ever since.

#13. And if you won a big award of some kind, who would you thank?

I’d thank my lovely husband, Martin, and all of the wonderful people who have supported me on this journey so far. I’d probably be there for hours!

#14. Can you give us a time saver of the day?

This is going to sound strange but I think a good time saver is to slow down and to not look at the clock. I am a firm believer in that the slower you go, the slower everything else goes and you actually have more time to get everything done – if you slow down, time slows down.

#15. We’ll have try that one out. Where were you 24 months ago?

Physically? I was working for UNICEF on a wonderful programme called Rights Respecting Schools. It’s all about teaching children to understand how important it is to respect everybody else and to see themselves as all equal.

#16. Where do you see your industry in 24 months?

I think it will move a lot more towards social media, so I suppose I need to find out how all of that works. I also think it’s growing so much and there are so many wonderful events that are happening now. You can go to something, somewhere throughout the year and I think that’s really great because I love meeting people and being with people. I think there will be a lot more events that are accessible to everybody, especially on social media.

#17. We’d agree with that ;). Can you tell us an interesting fact about yourself?

Um, the old Swedish film star, Britt Ekland, kissed me when I was 18 months old! That’s my claim to fame. I also met the Queen Mother at my school; that was my royal moment.

#18. If you could have a 24 minute Skype chat with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

I think I would choose somebody like Louise Hay. Just to have 24 seconds of inspiration from Louise Hay would be great, so 24 minutes would be even better!

#19. We’ll try and organise that for you, Moon. What is one word you’d like people to describe you with?

Open. Open to new ideas because I like to explore lots of different spiritual ideas and then mix them all up and see what comes out the other end.

#20. Like a virtual washing machine! Would you mind taking a selfie for us?

Brilliant! Yes, I am a virtual washing machine. And a selfie? Absolutely! No problem.

#21. What’s your favourite Twitter handle or social media campaign?

Well, All Identity Is Constructed was a great campaign which was all about everybody being able to choose how they wanted to present themselves to the world and I think that is really, really important. That has been an absolutely fantastic campaign, not only on social media but on billboards and out on the streets as well – I think it’s great when the virtual links up with the real.

#22. What do you think is the biggest challenge to your industry right now?

Relaxed, really. Coming back to the slowing down thing, I think it’s very easy to speed up and try and get through lots of things but I think the more relaxed you are the more you’ll get things done.

#23. Nice. What’s been the best part of your day?

Talking to you! 🙂

#24. Bless you! Finally, do you have anything to plug?

I do… check out my Facebook page: Moon Laramie Official.

The post With love to the Moon and back first appeared on 24 fingers.

The post With love to the Moon and back appeared first on 24 fingers.