Let Me Live and Learn

Tree Graffiti in England

Dear dirty duchesses: These past few months have been insane. I'm in a new role at a new company. I'm working on my blog, a business and a book. And I'm working on my new boyfriend too. How come no one ever told us we have to turn them into Prince Charming?! Call me a fool, but I thought they came that way.

You see, I want big things, kittens. I want to live my fairytale and inspire others to live theirs too! The trouble with scatter-brained (or rather well-rounded) people like myself is they’re constantly trying to master the 10,000 hour rule in too many areas. I discussed this with one of my guy friends last night. According to the insight guru Malcolm Gladwell, the key to success in any field is practicing a specific task for approximately 10,000 hours.

Victoria Memorial Angel in London

According to this rule, if I did nothing but sleep (8 hours) and write (16 hours) every day for 625 days, I would then be an excellent writer. Sure, that’s less than two years, but how boring! No hour-long hair straightening sessions for kicks and giggles. No trips to Paris, Bergdorf’s or even the Bronx Zoo. And forget about palling around with the boy next door! What if I dedicate myself to 5 tasks for 2,000 hours each? Could I then pass as a generalist and call it a day? Or maybe I’ll become a sexpert!

My point, kittens, is forgiveness. With all of these new ventures, I’m challenging myself and learning so much. I can glare at the girl who practically gets promoted every week or who’s business just received VC funding. I can envy the woman who’s blog has turned into a book or whose book has been made into a movie. Tonight, I can wish for more happiness, more money or more love. But tomorrow I’m still me.

Street Art in New York City

Taking a step back, I look in the mirror: Let yourself be. Let yourself learn. I repeat these mantras because they’re necessary. I've already lived in so many places, and if I'm open, life can take me to so many more. I’m casting a wide net, figuring out what I like and seeing what sticks. As an FBCW, my prayer is that dreams really do come true. Mine and yours, baby!

What is brave? Being yourself. The FBCW Diary