I was super excited when my friend Gavin Oattes informed me he was writing his 6th book especially for teenagers, which is called A Head Full of Everything.
He had given me a sneak preview when I got him on time for a mojo injection last December. Jump in if you have not already, it is like a big warm hug. I may even rap ha ha.
I will be straight, I still feel a lot like a teenager. Age is absolutely a mindset and I could relate to all of the words. I recently got lots of my old journals from the attic and I was surprised that I still agreed with a lot of what I had written. Sometimes I think my kids are more mature than some people I know in their 60’s and 70’s. When I was unwell in 2020, I realised also that being a kind and caring person doesn’t always improve with age. Some people are just asssholes who lack empathy and understanding. They can be too stubborn to recognise they need therapy or some kind of self development. These types LOVE to put the blame on everyone else. I can highly suggest some ways to tone down that ego if you need help. Believe me, it is worth it. You are worth it. Who wants to spend their life looking for the negatives?
Gavin takes on a lot of huge subjects such as anxiety, overall mental wellness, nomophobia and of course that dickhead imposter syndrome. He took me back to being a teenager, sitting in my room just being so lost in music. I still do that today, especially now the kids are older and more self-sufficient. Music is always a highlight of my day. When I read his work, I often feel inspired as Gav makes me want to think about myself for a change. This is something I find VERY hard to do. We all pick up these old programmes but guess what? It is time for a new script and I have written one. My vision was to bring some of Scotland’s finest together to prove that we are not dinosaurs when it comes to our spiritual, mental and emotional health. Our beautiful country needs to make more noise. I recently nominated Gav for a thought leader award because he has so much to say, in a powerful way (is that another rap I feel coming on?!)
Over the past 2 years, as I was slowly writing my script, I took time to do a little research and tune into those on social media that I found to be the most authentic. Gav is 100% one of those people and has been from the first time I heard him speak in 2017. I loved his talk so much that I dedicated my weekly newspaper column to him. I remember him being thrilled to read it, he was in Spain chilling by the pool at the time, as I sent it from a rainy Scotland.
A Head full of everything had me at the first page:
For the ones who worry, the ones who dream and the ones forever being told to sort and put the washing away.
I think what I admire most about this beautiful book is Gav’s honesty about ‘trying to make it’ and what ‘making it’ means. We see the world the same way – making it simply means to find joy and fun in the journey each day. It is about being kind, open minded and grabbing life by the balls, the boobs, the heart and soul whatever word applies and feels right to YOU. The first time I heard Gav speak, he had 100% made it. I bounced out of the event BUZZING and ready to live my best life. It was one beautiful mojo injection. I also love how Gav doesn’t give a rats ass about labels. He accepts what society may dub as ‘weird’. He doesn’t just accept, he encourages and I will always love him for that. This book encouraged me to keep showing up as I am. So can you. BE YOURSELF! Allow your teenagers to be themselves. Don’t be a dick.
As the book quotes:
Don’t let other people decide who you are. Nobody has ever made a difference being like everyone else.
YOU DO YOU.
Gav, thanks for all you do and for beaming like a bright buzzing light. I am so excited to watch you continue to shine and I know MASSIVE things are ahead. But I also know that you will embrace each day because you have already made it.
Gavin Oattes is one of the most inspirational speakers in the world today, Gavin’s unique brand of hilarious, high-energy, motivational story telling ensures there is no one else quite like him to make your event a truly memorable one. An award-winning comedian, successful entrepreneur and a bestselling author, Gavin is in demand to kick off, close and even host events the world over. To ensure your event is though-provoking yet filled with laughter and energy, contact Gavin today.
Jojo Fraser is an award-winning mental health researcher, author, podcaster and keynote speaker, dubbed as ‘the Queen of positivity and a kindness advocate. She is a Tedx speaker and a regular contributor on BBC radio. Jojo is known for normalising discussions around our mental and spiritual health, making it accessible and relatable to all. She has quickly grown a reputation for having a huge impact even on the most sceptical of people.
Connect with her across social @jojofrasermojo
Listen to her Tedx talk about the power of removing our masks.
Contact – mummyjojoblog@gmail.com
