Fears are usually irrational, some are based on experiences we have had, many have no real cause. I have many fears. Heights, failure, being alone, old school FIAT Panda’s (those square ones, I told you fear was sometimes irrational). But I also have a strong sense of challenge, I like to push myself, to achieve, to constantly push at my boundaries. My fears are my biggest boundaries. Continue reading
Life
Is online you true to you?
What about me?
I would like to think, and in fact have been told by people, that my online persona and my real life self are the same. I am passionate on many subjects, have many thoughts and opinions and I share them freely.
Clearly I write this blog, but I also post a lot on all kinds of different social media platforms. But it mostly mirrors the conversations I have in person, maybe a little more jokey, maybe not, depends on the subject. Continue reading
My socks – what they tell you about me …
There have been a couple of blog posts that I have written that relate to image, clothes etc (Hiding in plain sight, Personal Brand, Egos) But this one is slightly different.
I don’t really suffer with Mental Health issues any more than anyone else, but I do believe that we all manage our mental health on a daily basis. Continue reading
Egos
Egos – where to start. I guess with saying that in my opinion I am not an egotistical person. In my own head I like to think that I am a fairly even, balanced person, that I only give input when necessary, and that actually I personally place little value on most of my input, even when others tell me otherwise.
However, I write a blog, so I have decided that my opinion matters and should be heard. Alongside that I tweet prolifically. Again me deciding my thoughts need to be shared. So I must have a slight ego there. Continue reading
All the fun of the (Steam) fair
Ever since I have been a child I have loved the fair. As a youngster growing up on the North East coast we had a lot of static fairgrounds at the seaside resorts. But visited a number of travelling fairs also.
Fast forward to today and I still love the fair. The sights, sounds and smells bring back such wonderful childhood memories.
Reading has lots of visiting fairs in the course of a year, those at events like Pride etc, some travelling ones. But, always the best for me is Carters Steam Fair Continue reading
My future – my career, my choice
This week I did something new. For what I think is the first time I made an active choice about my career.
In the past I have made active choices to leave jobs, organisations and managers. Also I have had choices made for me through redundancies.
Though, as I suspect is the case with all of us, these changes have just led to me choosing the least worst option from roles I see at that time. Continue reading
The buzz after stepping out of your comfort zone
There is the road well travelled, a pair of comfy shoes, our spot on the sofa, a favourite jumper. Our comfort zones, so well named. What good happens in them?
Security. Peace of mind. Normality.
But what happens when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone?
When we take a chance and do something that challenges us? Continue reading
Cruising on the Thames
I often walk or run down the side of the Thames in Reading. From my house I can run 5km with a great portion of it by the river. Often I will go for a walk on a weekend morning, usually around by the river.
As a result I am very familiar with Thameside Promenade. The houses, fields, river and nature. In the winter seeing the snow, the early morning mist rising off the water. Sunrise over the fields, and the sound of rowing clubs practising on the Thames.
As a result I have never been on one of the cruises run by Thames Rivercruise although I know lots of people who have. One year I almost attended a Christmas Party cruise, but I couldn’t make it. Among the options are a number of different cruises around the area, some with food, afternoon tea or live music. Mapledurham, Goring and Abbey Ruins are amongst the destinations
Where are our (senior) role models?
There has been something niggling away at the back of my brain for a while now. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was. Until this week. Something happened which finally freed the thought and brought realisation.
It was something that I used to take for granted, but which seems to have disappeared. My role models are no longer at a senior level, some are but not many. Continue reading
Imposter Syndrome – When will I be found out?
I’m starting this blog by doing the thing you aren’t supposed to do – going off topic. Slightly.
If you speak to people who know me professionally, they will tell you I am confident, opinionated, passionate, tenacious and fight my corner to achieve and be the best I can (I hope). That’s my work persona, Professional Pete. Continue reading
Pete Greensmith 