Firstly I’d like to thank the Sydney Morning Herald for their front page story involving the story of 100 Things- it’s always funny and surprising to see my little face on a magazine or on the TV.
I would though, in the hustle and bustle of what is a very busy website today, like to explain a few things that the article missed out on. It’s very hard to cover every point in a short article but this I feel needs to be addressed.
The Full Story
As with every journey, there is always a beginning. When given the opportunity to write my book ’100 Things’, I enjoyed so much telling the of the reasons why it was I set off on a trip to try and achieve my list of 100 Things. Today’s article certainly highlighted one very important reason of why it was I decided to pen down a list of goals; the loss of a close mate, but this was one of a few important points that were sadly missed in the article. When grabbing the attention of the public, an article may focus on the more dramatic points in a story and with the thoughts of my friend’s family in mind, I feel I should mention the other points that equally pushed me in the direction of starting this list.
Immediately after school I had no idea what it was that should do. Upon asking my careers advisor for his advice, he suggested that attending university was a good option. Consequently the next three and had years of my life were dedicated to something that although seemed unimportant to me, I thought would head me in the right direction- after all; my careers advisor would know best, right?
Sadly on graduation day I felt no different to how I felt the day I left school and with almost $18,000 of debt to my name, I questioned why it was that I was suggested to go to university without even knowing what it was that I enjoyed (he never asked me). This question prompted a backpacking trip overseas. Fueled by the smell of an oily rag, I made my way around a number of continents and home again without finding my answer as to what it was that I loved. I enjoyed traveling but enjoying traveling was not a career! Worried that I didn’t fit the norm but sure I was useful to someone, I flew to Canada to help a friend of mine start his business. Six months into this adventure, I received a phone call from a friend back in Sydney. As highlighted in today’s article, it was the news that a friend has passed away over night.
As with most people, the news of a loss prompted a barrage of questions all focused on the topic of purpose and why we exist. Although not finding an answer, it did dawn on me that happiness was a crucial element that a lot of us aren’t encouraged to purse, and with the thought that my mate had a life that he enjoyed, I decided to pen down all of the things that I thought might make me happy. The was the conception of my list.
Although momentarily energized by the thought of my list (and the subsequent marriage with a complete stranger n Vegas as a way to tick off Number 2!), I soon found myself back in Sydney trying to start a business with a few friends to make a few quick bucks to travel. Sadly for me, one thing my university didn’t equip me with was understanding of business and so I soon found out that my company would take time to pay off. Two and half years later, with my list of 100 things just a distant memory, I broke down in the back of a taxi when it suddenly dawned on me that I’d focused 100% of my time on the accumulation of money (something I didn’t care for) and as such was desperately unhappy. This was the exact moment that I decided to start my unplanned trip to travel the world with little money and only a list of 100 things as my driver.
Having written all that, I now understand why it was the article this morning only mentioned one of the catalysts to my trip, but certainly I feel better now having explained in full. It’s only fair.
Criticism
Now if you managed to read today’s article in the Sydney Morning Herald, you, like me, may have found some very interesting comments at the bottom of the page. I should say that the majority were splendidly supportive of me (thanks!) and the other incredible people mentioned in the article, but there were a few negative comments that I’d like to address.
I’m certainly open to criticism as I think it helps to grow you in the right direction but sometimes perhaps it also acts as a good way to explain things in full to those who may have missed something along the way. Today’s negative comments were mainly centered around the idea that I lack responsibility and am a big kid who offers nothing to society. Not the nicest things I’ve read about me but I think a longer article telling the full story of 100 Things may have helped these people understand the full picture.
Have you ever noticed that when listening to the emergency procedures on a plane, they say that in the event of an emergency oxygen masks falling from the ceiling to put yours on first before helping others? Well I believe that is so true to life. I do believe that the best thing we as people can do is to help others, but in order to do this I think it’s imperative that you as an individual have a solid foundation and understanding as to who you are (‘big kid’ or ‘sensible adult’). Whether this means you chose to start a family, makes some money or skydive with no clothes on; it’s all relative to the individual. This, as a metaphor for life, is the act of putting your oxygen mask on. When you have your supply line anchored on and are happy on a primal level, this is when you can help others to the best of your ability. For me, my list (certainly the first few years) was all about me finding myself through ticking off items that were important to me and made me happy. I can see how this may seem selfish but I believe that this is what was needed at this stage for me. The outcome though has been the development of my own journey into something very different from what it started. 100 Things now is moving towards the notion of helping others. Not only this but it seems that my own antics (some of them certainly the behaviour of a big kid!) have gone on to act as a positive catalyst for others to realise their own dreams and goals. I’ve been thankful to be involved in many acts of helping others and having now spread the word and developed this idea within the website, I can now see that many people are in fact reaching out to help others and ultimately lives are being changed. In this sense, I am now trying my best to help others with their oxygen masks and so too are others. It’s a wonderful ripple effect.
I think in this way I am showing responsibility; my life is one that I have chosen, and this natural progression now explained in slightly more depth I hope shows that this journey proves that even a big kid can contribute to society in a positive way. The most exciting part is that it’s only just began.
I’m excited! Oh, and the Sydney Morning Herald mentioned that I’d raised $71,000 for Camp Quality which was lovely…it’s actually $91,000. Thanks to everyone who’s donated so far!
p.s in response to comments labeling me as a ‘rich brat’ (no offense taken, thank you), I think a read of my book ‘100 Things‘ will give you some insight into how little money I actually have. It might even make you laugh… ‘might’.
100 Things… What’s on your list?