“Imagine for a moment that your life is a movie,” starts Fats Timbo. The broadcaster, author, and GLAMOUR Woman of the Year is speaking at our Manchester Empowerment Summit, in partnership with Samsung Galaxy Ring.
“Not just a cameo or supporting role,” she continues, “but the full-blown, popcorn-crunching main attraction! How would that change the way you approach each day?”
Fats is fast-becoming one of the most recognisable faces in the media industry. The creator, comedian and educator has appeared on Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer, BBC’s Celebrity Mastermind, and will present the 2024 Paralympic Games on Channel 4.
In her debut book, Main Character Energy, which was released last year, Fats identifies the commandments she lives by to stay true to herself and how she became the hero in her own life story. And at GLAMOUR's Empowerment Summit, she shared the secrets to living an empowering life with all the attendees.
Are you ready to unlock your main character energy? Here's a sneak peek at five of Fats Timbo's commandments for living fearlessly…
Commandment 1: Be unexpected
Life, being life, is full of surprises, and you should be no different. When you embrace unpredictability, opportunities you never imagined spring up faster than pop-up ads on questionable websites.
I was born with dwarfism — a surprise for my mum, no doubt. Her joy gave way to uncertainty when I arrived. But here's the thing, being unexpected means breaking the mould!
Say I find myself at a club. People are already surprised to see me enjoying my life, and being unashamedly myself, so my approach – get on the stage. If people are going to be surprised by me, I’m going to surprise myself.
Commandment 2: Let love be your superpower
Love and compassion are transformative – nothing can change the world quite like kindness can, and although love might not be a Marvel movie super power, it isn’t just for romcoms.
In my journey, my family and friends were my pillars. Times were gloomy, but their unwavering support turned adversity into a series of triumphs. They forgave my mishaps and cheered for every minor victory, reinforcing that I am more than my downfalls.
As I've written in the past: “Our family is anyone who truly knows us. Seek out your tribe. These are your real-life Avengers, always ready to jump in when you’re in a bind. Love is a superpower worth wielding."
Commandment 3: Rise above
Resilience isn’t just about enduring hardships; it’s about transforming how we respond to them. Trust me, I’ve had moments where others tried to bring me down harder than a faulty rollercoaster.
Remember a time someone close to you hurled hurtful comments like confetti at a parade? Hurtful, right? But every confetti piece, I chose to pick up and examine. Their actions spoke of their pain, not my shortcomings.
Don't just endure your pain; learn from it. Be brave enough to challenge those who bring negativity in your life, and yes, sometimes, you must let go. Rise above. Elevate yourself and create that ripple of positivity."
Commandment 4: Trust the journey
Life is a beautiful tapestry of experiences. Patience and faith in the process are paramount. Invest in each moment instead of pining for a ‘fast-forward’ button.
Think of it: You’re alive! Many in history would kill for that privilege! Each struggle is just another piece of the puzzle, each day an opportunity. Embrace it and trust that every moment is forming the masterpiece of your life."
Commandment 5: Only doubt doubt itself
We all experience self-doubt, especially during challenging times — yes, even that friend who always seems to have it all together. But these moments are not villains in our story – they test our self-belief and highlight its incredible value. "Decide what you want and where you want to be, create a plan with small steps, and work towards them one at a time."
Not everyone will grasp your dreams; they might not even glimpse your world or its possibilities. That’s okay. Surround yourself with those whose opinions you trust, but remember, you must believe in yourself first. Be strong enough to doubt self-doubt itself.
But always be mindful of comparisons — I’m talking about you, social media, where everyone’s life looks more fabulous than yours! While comparisons can teach us valuable lessons, aimless comparisons can be poisonous. To paraphrase Roosevelt, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” So why let it snatch yours?
Commandment 6: Discover new perspectives
Embracing diverse viewpoints can profoundly impact your personal growth and understanding of the world. “When you see the world, your perspective grows, and when you try to see other people’s perspectives, your world does too.” It’s crucial to look at those who have less, rather than fixating on those who seem to have more than you. Often, their "more" is an elaborate mirage.
Gratitude opens your eyes to life’s richness. Exploring different experiences could reveal unexpected joys. The unhappy moments in your current situation could be stepping stones to where you truly belong. The world is vast, offering a billion answers to the question, "Where do I fit?" Venture out — whether it’s the beach, or a mountaintop, a community you know well seen with new eyes or a group of people you have never met. See what resonates with you.
Main Character Energy by Fats Timbo, Blink, released 13th April 2023, £18.99.
I had to accept that people would stare. So I decided to get used to it AND get good at it.
