This much I know: Tracy Clifford, DJ

News was always my thing. I wanted to be Anne Doyle, says Tracy Clifford.

I was messing around with tape recorders since I was seven, recording myself reading the news from Aertel.

My mother was a stay at home mum and my dad dealt antiques in Dublin. The radio was always on in our house. My mother would get us to shut up for the news at the top of the hour.

I was a confident child. My parents were only 20 when I was born. I was the first grandchild and was always in adult company. My parents were so young, and my aunts and uncles were younger again, so they influenced me greatly and got me watching things like The Tube and Top of the Pops on telly.

I was an only child for seven years and grew up being very independent. I got loads of attention and was the biggest head wrecker. Then my brother and sister came along. I wasn’t a very caring big sister, I liked to do my own thing.

I went to Maynooth to do arts and I hated it. I legged it to Cyprus one summer and didn’t come home. Then, I went to Ballyfermot Senior College to do a practical course in radio and media, which suited me much better.

I met guys who set up a pirate radio station and I got into presenting. The most nervous I have ever been was aged 18 in my friend Tony Langford’s bedroom, presenting for the first time. I kept putting up the fader as I couldn’t find the courage to speak. I did one link in a three hour show. His mam was downstairs listening.

Now, as long as I have a script to follow, I’m never nervous. I do get a rush of adrenaline before I go on air though, of course. That’s only healthy.

I worked in East Coast FM doing news and current affairs. Then Spin opened up and I really wanted to work there. It was an age thing. I was in my early 20s and I didn’t want to be doing serious news all the time, I wanted to interview pop stars. I actually got the news editor job in Spin which was like teaching news to a young audience.

I love being on 2FM but realise radio is not a job for life. I will go where the audience is. If I’m not connecting with listeners, of course it will be time to rethink things.

I’ve learnt not to sweat the small stuff. I work in an industry based on figures but I don’t think about it constantly. On days when I have felt terrible, radio has saved me. Having those three hours where you have to perform can be a godsend.

My idea of misery is a job where you have to conform. Where you have to clock in and out. I’ve never been a rule keeper.

If I won the Lotto tomorrow, I’d probably live exactly the same lifestyle - with no bank debt. I’d give half to charity and share the rest with friends and family. Life would be too lonely without other people.

The trait I most admire in others is patience.

One of my biggest challenges was finding out I’d only one kidney when I was 19. It didn’t set me back though. My most recent challenge was going to work every day when my life was falling apart all around me. Someone close to me had mental health issues and it shook my world. It also opened my eyes to the lack of education and services available to those who suffer.

The best advice I ever got was from my dad, telling me to find myself a job I love so that I will never have to work a day. That’s the key.

I have started to meditate. It’s the best thing I’ve done, learning how to quieten my mind. I didn’t know how to breathe. It’s helping me to take stock. I have discovered that our thoughts aren’t real, so it’s crazy to allow them to ruin your day.

I’m not a fitness bunny. I do like to swim.

I’m single and dating myself and loving it. It’s the first time in a long time. I have been bringing myself to see plays and movies and on trips into town. I was in a relationship for four years and engaged for three years before that. Actually dating myself sounds mad but I am enjoying not having to think about anybody else and not having to talk for a change.

The lesson from life so far is to roll with the punches and to always keep a positive outlook.

Tracy Clifford is on RTÉ 2FM every weekday, 1-4pm.