For the latest in our WISE WORDS interview series - where stars from a whole range of fields share the important life lessons they’ve learned along the way - we’re posing some of the big questions to HELEN SKELTON.
Formerly a Blue Peter presenter until 2013, she also presented ‘Holiday Hit Squad’ on BBC One. She also hosted the BBC coverage of this year’s European Swimming Championships and gained a whole new fanbase when she presented the swimming events from the Olympics in Rio this summer.
She lives in France with her husband and son, and is one of the ambassadors of Sun-Pat’s campaign to Fuel Your Dreams. She speaks to HuffPostUK about her own…
What do you do to switch off from the world?
Go for a walk, I have always been a big dog walker and I take my little boy with me in the pram. We live near the beach so for me walking on the beach is where I clear my head.
How do you deal with negativity?
I don’t let negativity get me down, the glass is always half full not half empty. It is exhausting being negative.
When and where are you happiest?
With my boys, my husband and my baby boy. If you’re with people that you like and make you feel good, you could be doing anything, but still feel happy because of the company you are in.
What’s the best piece of advice you have ever been given.
Regret the things you don’t do, not the things you do. My Dad always says this to me. I speak to my Mum and Dad on a daily basis and I ask them, should I do this or that and they always give me this piece of advice. I know I have probably made loads of mistakes, but it is all part of learning – I regularly remind myself of that. This is also why I am part of the Sun-Pat Fuel Your Dreams Campaign, I think it is important to help people pursue their dreams not matter how big or small they are and not regret taking that leap.
What has been the hardest lesson you’ve learned?
Buying property and losing money, that has been a hard lesson to learn. I had the chance to buy a flat in London when I lived there and it was a bargain, and I didn’t get it and lost out on getting onto the property ladder.
What would you tell your 13-year-old self?
Not to think too long into the future. When I was at school all anyone talked about was ‘what are you going to do at uni?’ ‘What are you going to do with your career?’ ‘what is your plan?’. I used to stress because I didn’t know what I wanted to be, and I’m still working this out. When you’re 13 you just have to remember to live in the moment and enjoy being 13 because before you know it you’re 33.
What three things are at the top of your to-do list?
Go to Thailand, specifically Bangkok. I want to learn the guitar. I want to teach my little boy to ride his bike.
What do you think happens when we die?
What I hope happens is that I have an amazingly massive afternoon tea with my Grandma and my cousins.
When do you feel a sense that we live in the presence of something bigger than ourselves?
All the time, you only have to look at the sky.
What do you try to bring to your relationships?
Laugher
What keeps you grounded?
My husband
What was the last good deed or act of kindness you received?
Somebody bought me porridge for breakfast today, without even asking if I needed anything – it was really nice.
Helen Skelton is an ambassador for the Sun-Pat Fuel Your Dreams campaign. Click here for more info.