For those of you who follow us on Facebook you will know that I have had some pretty massive news that I have been (not so) patiently sitting on for the past few weeks. Three weeks ago I got a little email inviting me to talk about my Nothing New Project at TEDxPerth to a sold out show boasting an audience of 1,700. I am unbelievably excited and nervous and I expect that I will be a bundle of nervous energy for the next week until Saturday when I stand up on that stage and give the talk that I’ve been preparing.
It’s an exciting time when someone hears your ideas and is excited by them, thinking they are interesting enough to share and even inspire on the TedxPerth stage. I’ve been very overwhelmed by the media attention that has come after the announcement, with newspaper articles and radio spots… there are a few potential tv spots coming up in the next week or two and if you really want to see me being totally awkward on camera – I’ll publicise the dates/times on the Facebook page when I know more.
I could say that I’ve been staying grounded by doing some gardening and planting seedlings that Bo grew from seeds in the ground at a friends property – but it wouldn’t be true… I mean sure, we did DO that… but grounded I was not. I’m a bit of an air head at the moment, cleaning the house to the sound of my own voice as I listen to my talk over and over again through my ear phones trying to condense the ideas and cut down the blab to a short, concise talk…
I’m strapping myself in for what is going to be a short whirlwind adventure over the next week or so – and I’m trying not to think too much about freezing on stage in front of the world.
I have been really lucky to get to work with an amazing speech coach who has been helping me shape my talk (mostly he has been helping me to stop being so damn verbose – ‘One idea, Sash, you only have time for ONE idea’) and he mentioned to me the other day that historically in literature 28 was a year of great transformation – where something drastic changes.
It’s funny to think that as today is my 29th birthday… and when I look back on 28 it has definitely been quite a ride.
I’ve always been an obsessive watcher of TED and TEDx talks, with all the diversity and the stories and the brilliance in the world I find it totally bizarre that I get to share my ideas in that forum. But then I remind myself, that every story deserves its voice, don’t you think?
We’ve all got a story in us.
What story would you tell?
emma - Ya! to you i hope it goes awesome and so very much deserved. Enjoy your the ride and have fun i hope it opens new doors and opportunities for you and Bo. Good on ya mate! xxxx
Snappystreet - Congratulations! What an achievement! TEDx is an amazing platform and the fact you’ve been asked is wonderful. Harness that nervous energy on the day and you’ll smash it!
Life With The Crew - Wow, that is big and exciting! Congrats and good luck. It is something that you’re passionate about, so despite any potential awkwardness, the audience will remember the good stuff.
Myfanwy Hood - That’s amazing news! Congratulations! 🙂
Mandy - Well the best bit about all this media attention is that more people here your story, connect, and create a bigger community with similar ideals. Look forward to hearing your talk and best of luck.
bron - I’m so excited for you sash! wish I could be there to hear you, you’ll be amazing. x
Sash - Thanks bron! Wish you were there, would have loved to have a glass of bubbly with you afterwards! x
Lila - I’m so pleased to see this! You have such a powerful message to share (and not the nothing new message alone), I’m glad to see the world is taking notice.
Sash - Thanks Lila! x
Lucy - Sash, I have just watched your channel 9 segment and I just want to say I am totally in awe of you! So many of the values you hold and the ways in which you live your life I aspire to but don’t have the courage to take the plunge and radicalize the way I live my life, I constantly make excuses. I am also 28, and have a two year old daughter, I find myself nodding along in agreement to every word you write, and reading your blog constantly reminds and inspires me that I should take hold of my values and change my life for the better! I can’t wait to hear your TED talk!
Sash - Thank you Lucy! Do whatever is right for you! That’s all that really matters, I think, to live a life that you are proud of – whatever that means to you. I’ll get the link up as soon as I have it. x
Zanni Louise - Amazing. I love TEDX. You must be blown away. x
Sash - Totally. Feels like a strange (but wonderful) dream!
Beth House - The Nothing New project is definitely worth sharing, what an awesome idea and so needed in this world of too much. Would love to give it a try and will be going back to your TED on a regular basis to work out how to live by these rules in an East End of London context!
Sash - Thanks Beth! I’ll get the link up on the blog when the final edit is all done. Thanks for your kind words!