DEFINITION [if possible] “If you do something for the craic, you do it because it is enjoyable, especially when the conversation is entertaining and funny”
I like to add in – “just because it makes you feel happy!”
When was the last time you did something that made you really happy? Just for the pure enjoyment of it?
Imagine a child playing with their favourite toy; the look on their face. They are in the moment and entirely focused on how that instant represents EVERYTHING to them. For most people that is the physical embodiment of not only pure enjoyment but true happiness.
It would be fair to say not enough adults in this world approach life with that kind of spirit, I know I can lose it at times. I was wondering on the walk to the train station this morning about how often we do something for the pure fun of it… The sheer bliss that it will bring us…
I’m not talking about the defaults that we all go to;
Eating, Drinking, Shagging or Napping
I’m talking about a challenge, something ridiculous just for the “shits and giggles”,
something outlandish but you’ve always wanted to do but never risked it?
Or that thing you’re great at but you only do it for people that you feel safe around, maybe you have a voice like Freddie Mercury but you don’t how to start?
I know I have certainly felt like that at times – but not about singing (don’t worry…)
On Wednesday last week – I did that thing that makes me happy but for no other reasons than I find it fun, enjoyable and rewarding. It is however, that thing most people would have genuine nightmares about; getting up and talking in front of a large(ish) group of people.
I wasn’t paid for it (although my expenses were covered) and I did it because giving my time to the activity has made me better at my job (purely by chance) but also has provided fulfilment in ways I could not have possibly expected.
8 years ago, I was asked at short notice by a friend to give a presentation on Gin – for the Tooting Women’s Institute; my dear friend is a member of the committee and they had a presenter cancel for the event and asked if I could step in…
I said yes, because why not… and ever since I have found contentment in that thing which most people hate.
Peculiar yes, but thrilling nonetheless
(Unintentional rhyming win!)
In the intervening years, I have delivered a food and or drink tasting for the Tooting W.I. on Gin, Chocolate, Cider & Cheese, Wines and most recently Rum, we even managed a lockdown online cooking course during Covid.
It makes me immeasurably happy every time I do it!
I have since 2016 carved out a pretty nice career in tastings which might even be an understatement all because I took that chance to talk about 6 gins I found interesting from starting a new job in Retail.
I wonder why delivering tastings and talking in front of people makes me so happy?
The task itself is always fun as it requires a development of a theme. I do not like to repeat myself too often. It requires research and practise; then it’s just about getting up there and talking about food and drink with passion & commitment knowing you are one heckle or comment away from success or failure
Simple in idea, difficult in practise, thrilling if you like that kind of thing.
This week for Associate Appreciation Week I did the same thing for my hotel; A Wine Tasting on my favourite wines from our Wine List at County Hall.
And from all of these moments it has taught me one fundamental truth about myself.
“Hi, I’m Goose / Andy; I really love public speaking and I might even be quite good at it”
I may be strange & unconventional in this sentiment; as most people would find the idea of commanding the attention of 30, 40 and on occasion close to 100 people, fear inducing.
However, for me the challenge, the excitement and the delivery is in metaphorical terms;
“The Full Roast Dinner” … It’s great and almost unbeatable
I guess i'm just writing this as well, just for the Craic, just for the pure enjoyment of it!
So if you ever want a tasting or someone to talk about food & drink – I will happily do it.
Not always for free mind you…
That person gets it free because she was my first friend I ever made when I moved to London and if anything, I owe her this exciting direction my life has taken simply because she knew I wouldn’t let her down.
For that I will be forever grateful… thank you W x
Much love and cheers
Goose
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