I want more in my life and I don’t want to apologise for that. For me, ambition is absolutely not a dirty word; nor is at a word at odds with being a woman.

I was raised to be grateful for everything I have in my life, and I am truly thankful for all that I have. I live in paradise in Queensland; I have a part-time job which is all about helping others; our office is around the corner from the beach so most days, I am able to soothe my soul by taking a cuppa across the road and sucking in the sea air as I watch the rhythmic roll of the waves; I have my health as does my mum, my son and most of the people I love.

Yes, my life is indeed good. And I am fully cognisant of this. But still I want more and I am over people telling me I should settle and simply be grateful for what I have – I won’t and I am.

I have even been told that “ambition doesn’t look good on a woman” and “you would  just be happier if you stopped wanting more from life”. I guess we’ll never know if the latter is true!

To me, there is a world of difference between being grateful for what I have and toning down the colours of my dreams to appease other people. You can be grateful while striving for more. In fact, I thrive best when I am striving. For me, not striving is being painfully stuck, so I have set my sights on “more”.

I don’t want to struggle financially anymore so I want a job which pays me well. Yes, I am very blessed to have a job in a slumbering job market; however, I also want to have disposable income and, being only a couple years shy of my half century, I won’t feel bad about wanting this. 

I want a career that allows me to use the skills I have – writing, communicating and talking with people – which challenges me and allows me to achieve my own notion of success through hard work and good fortune. And I won’t apologise for wanting this.

I have seen a lot of Asia, but have never been to Europe and the continent beckons me. Of course the fact I have had the opportunity to visit so many countries and experience different cultures is evidence of how very lucky I have been. But I want to see more and I ache to get on a plane and go discovering. So my sights are set firmly on travelling more and more and more! There is a whole world to discover and my appetite to do so is insatiable.

For those people who are happy and content with what they have, congratulations. In my mind, you are a success. For those who want more, and are prepared to work for it, I encourage them to dream big and chase it down.

As for me, I will strive and thrive and work hard because I do still want more for my life. I have more to offer and more to experience and I can’t wait to do so.