What does success mean to you? In the last blog post of my Careers Advice section I discussed how you need to be determined to get a creative career. Just under two months a go I finally obtained a role which fingers crossed will be the first steps towards my dream job (I want to a run a theatre, I love the buzz and diversity of the entertainment business). So you may have seen from my social media channels I am now working as a Digital Marketing Officer for the Grand Opera House. I have wanted to work in a theatre since I was 18 and I’m chuffed.

You may have also seen I was asked by BBC music to speak on a panel at the Biggest Weekend Fringe talking to a group of 18-24 year olds about turning passions into careers. This was an eye opening event, I was amazed at how these young people knew exactly what they wanted to do and how they are going to do it. I hope myself and fellow panellists gave them a dose of reality but also the confidence to move forward, get involved and make it happen. So all these events over the post few weeks got me thinking what would you define as success?

I think success is something very personal to the individual. Some strive to obtain awards, titles and public acknowledgement. I won’t lie it was a pleasure to receive my DANI Award last year and to be shortlisted this year. I was also over the moon when I finally received my degree and postgrads. After years of working for my qualifications and on my blog it’s nice to be acknowledged. But I also think success has a lot to do with being happy and personal development. I loved to see my siblings get married and have kids. That’s something I’m still striving for.

I also think you change/develop your wants/needs and definitions of success as you grow. It’s coming up to exam time for school kids and university students; I always like to repeat to students what my mum said to me you can only do your best. Exam success is just that, your best academic you. Give it some importance but it’s not everything. Some people like me just aren’t fantastic at maths or spelling but I’m doing my best and making my mark in the world. I am super proud of my new career but I’m still finding my feet and settling into a new team. I’m also super proud of this blog but I know the website needs an update and I’ve been concentrating on my social media channels instead of content on here something I will be addressing over the next few weeks but I still think it’s still a success by all of you lovely people who still read these posts.

Anyway the point of this blog is to give you hope and confidence to move forward. To challenge your perception of success and ultimately to remind you that your life is for living and do what makes you happy and that truly will be a success!!

Have a great Sunday guys

Emer D xx

Fancy something different for this Easter Bank Holiday how about jumping out of a plane at 24,000 ft. Not for you?  Me either I don’t think my Easter Eggs would stay in my stomach for long. BUT What if I told you you didn’t actually have to physically jump out of a plane, but you would get to tick skydiving off your bucketlist without flying anywhere.

PLUS It’s the biggest adrenaline rush I’ve had all year and I’m dying to get back. Want to know more read on and find out why I highly recommend Indoor Skydiving with We are Vertigo!

Ok I’ll be honest I have a really big fear of heights and it’s more that I don’t want to loose control, than where I stand  or how high up I am so when Jeff from Belfast Times asked me to come along to We are Vertigo as his plus one,  he almost had to dare me to take up the challenge and I almost chickened out. But I am so glad I didn’t so here’s how I got on and how the experience goes.

We sign in,  get our helmets and sign away our life’s (well a health and safety form to say we know what we are getting into) all very quick and easy with  very friendly staff but my nerves are growing.

Our instructor for the day welcomes us and brings the group into the training school. Here we watch a very funny but informative short video on the signs we need to use and the shapes we need to pull. I’m still extremely nervous and my anxiety levels are building. With nervous shaking hands we jump into our boiler suits put in our ear plugs and fit our helmets.

We walk into what can only be described as a large plane hanger with on oversized hairdryer. I am still incredibly nervous. When asked who’s going first there is no chance my arm is going in the air. So I let a few kids go ahead and then it’s my turn. No turning back now it’s like being at the top of a BIG slide you can’t chicken out you have to go with it (you can of course turn around and the guys don’t push) but for me it was now or never.

I walked out onto the bouncy castle material surrounding what looks like a big safety net. I stumble on the way out, yes I’m that clumsy and nervous but I had absolutely nothing to fear. I get myself into position facing the wind and my instructor helps me launch myself into the air and from this point on I am weightless.

I feel like Peter Pan and I am loving every single moment. My instructor is by my side keeping me right and moving me into positions to make the most of the experience. I’m just happy to be flying every nerve is gone and there is a massive smile on my face. If this is the rush you get from jumping off the edge and facing my fears why have I not done this before. I’m disappointed when my times is up but I will definitely be back for another go very soon.

So if you fancy something different for you,  the kids or how about recommending it  as a fantastic hen/stag do or Birthday celebration don’t delay. Give it ago this bank holiday I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Emer D xx

For further details check out http://www.wearevertigo.com