This month I read ‘Winging It’ by Emma Issacs from 2018. I have read this book before but let’s face it you don’t remember everything and sometimes it is great to go back over things at a different time and see the messages with fresh eyes. I have thoroughly enjoyed jumping back into this book, not just because I have counted down and launched my rocket, but because there are so many messages in here that actually relate to our old mate Meno! I know, I find correlations in music, now I will share them where I find them in books too!

The magic of this book captured on every page. It is a book that is part autobiographical and part a collection of amazing stories from other inspiring women and men, who have also been winging it. It shows that you don’t have to have balance all the time and that we all have unique stories and ways that we are living our lives. What I am doing might be the same or similar or nothing like your version of reality at all. It does not matter! “the older you get the more you realise that no one has a f***ing clue what they are doing. Everyone’s just winging it!” and by winging it you keep yourself in a constant state of “Movement;” you take action, you are on the move, you make adventures and make change. Well Emma has certainly done that.

I love how Emma explains what ‘Winging It’ means, and I think a lot of these examples could be taken as a mantra on some days in Meno, like to stop second guessing yourself. Spend more time going with the flow. Believing in yourself enough to give your dreams a go. And to be in control, because only you can be in control of you. As per my mantra Emma also believes in working on your mindset, surrounding yourself with competent people (like in the Blue Zones) and convincing yourself you can do it. I love the advice to be that somebody that makes everybody feel like somebody, which speaks to living your life, like she does, with gratitude and generosity (‘GG’).

Halfway through the book there is a story told by Emma about entrepreneurship that really resonated with me, both because of the position I am in with my own business, but equally because of Meno. It is about the swim between Necker and Moskito Islands. When you start you feel alone. It is hard and there is doubt and uncertainty. People will cheer you on from time to time or listen to you, but the only way to get to the other side or to succeed is to simply keep swimming. You need to read this passage to get the full impact of her words, but I love the message. You! You! Have to keep going. Knowing you are resilient you will move though this, keep bouncing and grow.

And in leadership as in Meno, you will not please everyone and that is absolutely OK, so long as you smile and have fun, because no one looks stupid when they have fun! Towards the end of the book there is a brief recollection from Jade Warne, founder of hipstermum.com, having been to a circus where the audience were suddenly on the edge of their seats, because a ‘middle aged woman’ was on the high ropes twirling around. It was shocking and not sensible and not what society expects, it made her see the thrilling and daring of this woman and the breaking down of traditional expectations of ‘what a middle-aged woman should be.’ Most importantly it made her want to live her life like this woman, to feel free and alive. Yes! Me too! I will have what she is having!!!

There are lots of other stories and anecdotes throughout the book and it ends with a really special message on the last page……I won’t do a spoiler; you need to read the book. If for no other reason, get the book for all the beautiful quotes and short stories at the start of each chapter. But seriously this book for me is like a bible of courage, rising to every challenge and showing up and being seen. It is a call to action for all women to know that yes you can, and you will if you want to. It is most importantly a demonstration of how with your positive vibration you will attract and build positive relationships that enlighten and empower and make the world a better place.

So, what are you waiting for? Go and grab it and enjoy!