Over the next month we are asking various women who are living life of their own terms a series of short questions. The purpose? To highlight that 'success' has a different definition for each and everyone of us, to highlight both our failures and our achievements and to start thinking about how we can each have a positive impact for the future generation....
Laurie is a twenty something Londoner living life alcohol free. She has recently launched 'Girl & Tonic', an online space for the sober curious who want to drink less and do more. Here she gives us her AW Q&A...
What does success mean to you in 3 words?
Freedom. Family. Sunshine.
What’s your biggest achievement?
It’s a recent achievement but it’s a big one for me. Starting my online space, instagram and writing on the Huffington Post. Putting my words out in the open is scary & I feel very vulnerable but the feedback I’ve had and comments from those who have suffered but felt stigma-tised has made it feel like the best achievement in my life yet.
What’s your biggest failure?
I had to think about this one and I can pinpoint a specific experience. There’s lots of things I look back on and think I wish I’d done that differently but I’m pretty happy with the place they’ve got me to so far.
What do you love about yourself most?
This is tough for me. I, like many others I’m learning, spent years not liking myself very much. Now I love myself for learning to be open and for the value I place in nurturing the people around me.
Whats’ your biggest insecurity?
I worry that I don’t have anything to offer - that what I have to say isn’t important so why am I putting myself out there and bothering to share it? I’m working very hard on overcoming this!
What advice would you give yourself to a woman half your age?
I’m 25. Advice to 13 year old me … Do what you love, ignore what school say about being creative & don’t listen to anyone who tries to tell you that assertiveness and confidence in your own ability are negative characteristics.
What is your biggest concern for The Future Generation and what would you do to change this?
I’m worried the future generation will grow up so engrossed in technology, so obsessed with likes and online connections that the importance of real life interaction may slip away. The beauty of social media, and the internet, for me is finding real life connections and friends, events and information, that can improve your life - not become it.
Inspired to drink less and do more? See Laurie's blog http://girlandtonic.co.uk/
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