The list has been compiled! I will be exploring fear and vunerabilty every day of my proposed ‘year of no fear’ in many mundane, day to day ways- but decided to set myself one monthly ‘big’ challenge to really get myself out of my comfort zone, and see/document what comes up for me as a result of that. I thought today would be a good day to share, as it’s #TimetoTalk day, which ties in nicely with the core mission of my ‘year of no fear’- to highlight #MentalHealthAwareness and work toward removing the fear and stigma which leaves so many people suffering mental health issues and problems in silence, fear and shame.

So without further ado, the list goes a bit like this:

JANUARY-VIDEO NASTY

I’ve completed my January challenge, which was to make a YouTube video introducing the year of no fear project. For those of you who haven’t seen it, lucky you 😂 In seriousness, this was very tricky. It involved confronting my discomfort at seeing myself on camera, fear of being ‘seen’ by others- and potentially judged/ridiculed. I also had to listen to the sound of my own voice, which normally i can’t get enough of, i love talking😂, but on playback sounds hideous to me!

FEBRUARY-SCOTS WA’HEY

I’m going to attempt to climb to the top of the Scott Monument in Edinburgh. I’ve tried this before-it ended with Tourists having to help me down from about half way. I don’t do well with heights in general, and if my friends testimony is to be believed it’s also very narrow and steep stairs at the top. Can’t wait.

MARCH-FLYING SOLO

Taking my first flight in about 8 years. All by myself. I hate flying and usually have to be medicated and mollycoodled all the way, so this will be an intetesting one!

APRIL-APRIL FOOL

This month I’ll be trying my hand at snake handling. For obvious reasons I’ve avoided this before.

MAY- MAYDAY, MAYDAY!!

May is still to be confirmed, so watch this space!

JUNE- PICTURE PERFECT

Getting real with the photo posting- no Instagram filters, editing, pre-screening or posing.

JULY- PEAK PERFORMANCE

Climbing Ben Nevis- exactly what it says on the tin.

AUGUST- HUMOURESQUE BURLESQUE

I have provisionally agreed to appear in my burlesque school’s Edinburgh festival show. Possibly the scariest so far 😂

SEPTEMBER- MUDDY SILLY

10k ‘Pretty Muddy’ obstacle course, in aid of Cancer Research UK.

OCTOBER- FIRE WALK WITH ME

Doing SANDS Lothians first ever charity firewalk in Edinburgh. Raising money on the side again for another great charity.

NOVEMBER- GOIN’ UNDERGROUND

Hitting the vaults under Edinburghs Old Town- dark and confined, two of my best favourites.

DECEMBER- THE FAT LADY SINGS

I couldn’t resist that one😂 Public singing- awful for me, and probably not much fun for those listening either.

Can’t wait to get stuck in to all of these, wish me luck!