In the latest of our new WISE WORDS interview series - where stars from a whole range of walks of life share the important lessons they've learned along the way - we talk to presenter and writer Ben Fogle.
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Following a posting in the Royal Navy, Ben first came to public notice in the BBC programme 'Castaway' in 2000. Since then, he has made his living as an adventurer, writer and presenter, in jobs that have taken him around the world. He talks to HuffPostUK about the benefits of travel and the new Cabinet Minister's post he'd endorse...
Ben Fogle with furry friend
What do you do to switch off from the world?
Travel. It's the greatest way to detox from social media. I spend a great deal of time in the remotest corners of the world. Far away from technology and phone signal. I love to use the time to think and reflect. We often forget to look around us. The world is a beautiful place.
How do you deal with negativity?
If im honest I'm a little thin-skinned. Having kids has changed that. Im 41 now and this is me. I can't change. Negativity is a human trait and I try to ignore it. If I became Prime Minister I would make a new cabinet seat MP for Positivity, Optimism and Celebration.
When and where are you happiest?
With my family. Marina, Ludo and Iona and our two dogs maggi and storm. Walking along a West Country beach, splashing through the surf. Happy happy happy.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
To add life to your days and not days to your life. It sounds like a cliche but we only have one life so we really must live it. Seize the moment. Have no regrets. Live your life to the full.
What has been the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
You will never please all of the people all of the time. The more you please some of the people, some of the time, you will displease other people all of the time. Also, fate can wield its mortal hand at any moment.
What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
Chin up. Straighten your back. Walk tall. Look into the eyes and greet with a firm handshake. You are you. Believe in your self. Be confident.
What 3 things are at the top of your bucket list?
I'd quite like to climb a big peak. I've done a few 6500m but I mean a 7/8000 mountain. I love mountains.
I'd love to do the Mongol Derby. A 1000 mile race on horseback across Mongolia.
I'd like to cross the Darien Gap in Panama.
What do you think happens when we die?
I like to think we became a part of the earths great habitat. I like the idea I might become a small tree that turns into a great oak.
When do you feel a sense that we live in the presence of something bigger than ourselves?
Almost whenever I travel. The world is huge. There is nothing like sitting in the middle of an ocean or atop a mountain below an endless sky to feel very very small.
What do you try to bring to your relationships?
Love. Happiness and wonder.
What keeps you grounded?
My family. I love the ground.
What was your last good deed?
I try to support as many charities as I can. I helped an elderly blind man across the road recently. Does that count?
In time for Father's Day, Ben Fogle is championing notonthehighstreet.com's Dadpreneur initiative: www.notonthehighstreet.com/dadpreneur