Yesterday the squirrel and I were at the Cheltenham Literary Festival to see Simon Reeve talk. He is a great speaker, natural, charming, and funny. These qualities alone would have been enough for a fabulous evening. However, I also found him deeply inspiring. Of course, he talked about his trips and adventurous lifestyle, but he also shared how lucky he felt.

Again and again, this came up in his conversation. He didn’t claim any great talents. Instead, he described, saying yes and yes again when asked to do odd tasks working as an eighteen-year-old postboy for the Sunday Times.

Completed tasks led to more opportunities to say yes, and through work and dedication, he built the incredible catalogue of TV and books we know today. So, next time you receive an opportunity that feels a bit scary and out of your comfort zone, be brave and say yes. Take on the challenge, and you too, may look back and say how lucky you have been.

Together, we climb the mountain, not in giant leaps but one small step at a time.