Interview with Becky Goddard-Hill
'I would be Boris Johnson; Always be a rainbow..'
Becky Goddard-Hill, renowned UK parenting blogger, draws inspiration from powerful ideas, notably the poetry line "Live by Love though the stars walk backwards." The author of "Create Your Own Calm," empowers children for emotional well-being. Influenced by her mum, Becky advocates bravery, gratitude, and self-kindness for a happier life. Facing challenges in managing her prolific ideas, she cherishes passing her driving test and overcoming heartbreak. Passionate about travel, she recommends living abroad for compassion. To aspiring writers, Becky advises bravery and belief in their ideas. With abundant goals for the future, including celebrating her 50th birthday, she continues to be a rainbow in others' lives.
Who or what influences your life?
Not people really but ideas, little scraps of ideas that move me or touch my heart and I just think oh yes! I love poetry – my favourite poem has a line that says ‘Live by Love though the stars walk backwards’ and that inspires me hugely. Live by love no matter how crazy things may be.
On your recent book launch: were there any nervous moments?
Create Your Own Calm is my 3rd book in 2 years so not so nervous this time. Create Your Own Happy came out in 2018 and Be Happy Be You – A Teenage Guide to Happiness came out earlier this year.
What was the motivation behind the book?
I am a firm believer in empowering people to help themselves, especially concerning emotional well-being. I want kids to know how to take really good care of their mental and emotional health so when life gets tricky they can be robust and resilient. Being able to calm yourself down when you have big overwhelming feelings means you can think more clearly and don’t just react. I want children to feel strong and in control and be super kind to themselves – hence create your own calm.
Did you always envision yourself in the career you have found yourself in?
Yes, I studied literature and social work in my degrees then I took a postgraduate diploma in psychotherapy. I always thought that one day I’d write about ways to help kids be emotionally healthy. It ties all my main interests together.
Who or what are the main influences in your life?
My mum believed in me so much that I always believed in myself – she was the best brightest and biggest cheerleader I have ever had.
What three main tips would you give to those trying to lead a happier life?
- Be brave and try and cut loose the stuff that makes you unhappy, the people, the job, the responsibilities. It’s not easy but the lighter load will help you rise.
- Be grateful for the good stuff, acknowledge it and say thank you for it, it means you get to experience it twice.
- Treat yourself as you would your best friend, be your own very best friend and you won’t go far wrong.
If you could be somebody else for one day, who would you pick?
I would be Boris Johnson and I would find a way to end people sleeping on the streets, going hungry and getting lost in the benefits system. I would have a very, very busy day.
What do you find to be the most challenging aspect of being a writer?
I just love being a writer but I find ideas rush out from me so fast I make a zillion typos. The challenge of correcting my typos is painful.
What is your proudest achievement?
After 17 years I finally passed my driving test. That was BIG! My biggest achievement though is surviving losing my mum and still going on to have a good life. I was broken–hearted but it didn’t break me.
If you could influence the past or future, which would you choose and why?
I would influence the future and make my children’s lives as amazing as possible filled with good health and good people, oodles of love and fun and smart and healthy life choices.
Is there anything you have done in your life which you recommend everyone to do if possible?
I have worked on a kibbutz in Israel and as a music therapist on a summer camp in America. Working abroad really opened my eyes to so many things but mainly to how we are all family and we should never turn our backs on our brothers and sisters. I recommend travel to everyone but living somewhere else for a while and getting to see how small the world is vital to developing true compassion.
What advice would you give to someone trying to start a career in writing or publication?
Be brave! Believe in your idea, know your subject inside out, make sure it’s different to your competition and then go for it, whether you self-publish, blog, or aim to get a book deal don’t wait for the perfect moment get your ideas out there into the world.
Fire Round
What challenges did you face through the process?
I had so many ideas I had to boundary myself I could have written double the size of the book!
How did you feel when it was finally finished?
So happy to have my ideas out and ready to share with the world.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
Montana – horses, big skies and lots of space.
What do you do to detach yourself and wind down from the outside world?
I read, how I love to read stories, in the bath, in bed, in a cafe or in the garden. I’m always happy to escape into a book.
Describe yourself in a few words.
Warm and friendly, busy, full of ideas, creative, romantic, productive, a solid friend, young at heart, kind
Do you have a spirit animal?
Probably a buzzy, busy bee.
Do you have a favourite season or time of the year?
I love summer, I like my kids to be off school, and I like sunshine and beach holidays and heavily scented roses filling the air.
If you were granted the power to either copy and paste things in your life or undo them, which would you choose?
Copy and paste.
Are there any mottos or quotes which you follow or lead your life by?
Always be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud – Maya Angelou.
What are your goals and aims for the next year?
My goals for the next year are abundant! I will be 50 next year and I have written a 50 before 50 list which you can see here.
Follow The Journey!
Images by Becky Goddard Hill