The life I’d keep

On a cold December evening when I was 23, I filled my smart car with about 30 Christmas presents.

My old boss had made me operations director of his local charity. We ran a Christmas gift drive where families could request presents from a wish list. I spent a couple of evenings driving out to council estates and high-rise buildings to deliver them.

Some people had forgotten they’d signed up. Others hadn’t believed it was genuine. Then I turned up with the presents.

A couple of people broke down in tears. People hugged me, offered me food, tea and coffee, and invited me inside to meet their kids.

It was some of the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.

I helped run the charity for three years and got to see what the donations made possible. I visited food banks, spoke to volunteers and spent time with the families receiving help.

I appreciated it then. I think I appreciate it more now.

In April, I was asked what enough looked like. I said complete time freedom, then talked about selling a business for £50 million.

That’s a big number to put beside a fairly simple description of a life. But I had thought about where it would go.

I’d invest some to support myself. I’d give money to my parents and sisters. I’d want homes in different countries so I could travel between places I owned. And I’d put money into a charitable foundation, because I’ve already had a small experience of what I’d want to do with it.

£5 million would be an extraordinary achievement. I could absolutely enjoy the freedom that would give me. £50 million is the figure I imagine when I include security for future generations and the ability to give on a much larger scale.

The strange thing is how much of my week I’d keep.

I’d still train every day. I’d still coach people close to me. I’d still make films with friends, write and play guitar.

I’m content with a lot of what I have. I’ve structured my week so I already have quite a lot of freedom, and I’m grateful for that.

What I’d change is having to depend on class hours to pay rent. Checking my bank account before deciding whether I can afford something. Wondering whether there’s enough coming in to cover the bills that week.

I’d like to travel more. I’d like more time with family and friends, and I’d like them to have more freedom too.

I’d also like charity work to become a regular part of my week again. At the moment I give where I can, through donations, charity shops and money directly to people on the street. I want to be able to contribute my time consistently as well.

I keep thinking about those Christmas deliveries. The car full of presents. Someone opening the door who hadn’t expected us to come. Being invited in to sit with their family.

I’d like to have more evenings like that, and know I could still pay my own bills.