30 years ago when Ian and I parted ways I didn’t intend to become a saint…and honestly, I haven’t. He’s spent his life being a wonderful teacher, in the classroom, on the oval and in the library. He’s a loving husband, great dad and the best mate. A great role model, and if I’d had a son I’d be happy if he turned out the same. It’s really crappy he has a stage four melanoma shortening his life and career. Way too young – we’re the same age for goodness sake!
On the other hand I charged off with little plan other than following my heart, and it said Travel-Adventure-Passion. It lead me into all sorts of mischief, none of it saintly, and now I’ve followed it back to Africa to the kids at Gabriel’s 
Learning Centre & Orphanage. It makes perfect sense to me – combining adventure, kids, Africa, contribution, and it was founded by a long time trekking buddy, so it’s transparently honest. I’ve connected with kids and staff so of course I want to return. I don’t feel I’m doing anything special, I’m simply living my life my way, following my heart into more adventure, hang financial responsibility! That’s why sometimes people’s comments, including on Facebook, are surprising, humbling and a bit embarrassing – who is this saintly person they are talking about? Not me. Anyway, I only do a drop compared to others.
It took another coach and dear friend Mandy, to point out the obvious. What’s ‘normal’ to me isn’t so for others, in fact can be totally off this planet for some. (Hello!) What is a ‘drop’ to me is a tsunami to others. So even though, to me, my mate Ian is much closer to sainthood than I am, to others he’s simply lived a ‘normal’ life, like you’re meant to do. I must have been out playing when that memo came through. I seriously think we undervalue our decent ‘normal’ men in Australia, particularly after experiencing how far too many Kenyan men are like something you wouldn’t want to step in. Tragic for the society – at least there’s hope our boys at Gabriel’s will model their teachers.
Likewise, dear Susan, the founder of Nakuru Hope, is closer to sainthood through her guts and determination to make Gabriel’s exist – thriving not merely surviving. She follows her heart into mischief too, ‘normal’ in my world, not in others’. The point is, everyone has their own perspective on how you live your life, and that should never stop you or cloud your own knowing about what is right for yourself. As soon as you do, you give your personal power away, and once gone, sometimes it can take years to claw it back. Trust me, I’ve been there, done that, in another ‘adventure’.
So, you are achieving more, making the world a better place, just by being you, than you probably allow yourself to believe. Perception really does shape your reality and therefore your results. Value what you do easily, that’s your natural talent, so share it with those less blessed. Yes, smiling counts. If you need to measure your growth, compare your progress only with your progress, as only that will give an accurate picture, and the motivation to continue.
Your life is actually only right now, in the present, so enjoy it in whatever way appeals to you. Even if the task isn’t your favourite, you can choose a perspective to make it worthwhile. Remember, adventure, spice, excitement and purpose can be added to your life in whatever form you choose. If you’re struggling to do that, just ask me for help, and reclaim your personal power/life now. Life might be shorter than you expect. (I wonder, if it was, what would be your biggest regret?)
Until we speak, here are some practical tips and strategies to effectively review the past, and change your future.
http://www.growingcontent.com.au/your-mid-year-stock-take/
http://www.growingcontent.com.au/eofy-if-nothing-changes-nothing-changes/
As always, your feedback is appreciated.
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