Chumbawamba

In the immortal lines of the song by Chumbawamba a decade or so ago, "I get knocked down but I get up again - you ain't ever gonna keep me down...."

This is a wise philosophy for anyone who is pursuing their dreams or Life Purpose. I frequently have to remind myself of these words as I put the message of Walk Innovation out to the general public. It has been a long hard lesson in what doesn't work for me in the marketing arena over the past months in St Albans as only a few people have trickled into my events.

However, as Thomas Edison once said, "I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."

Pursuit of a Life Purpose is a quest of belief, congruence and persistence. Today I have been in contact with the local business agency, radio station and networking group. All have offered to help me publicise my events. This represents a nice step in the right direction.

Keeping focus on the bigger picture of what Walk Innovation aims to do - helping attendees to help themselves, have fun and help the planet for our future generations - is where I always come back to. Nobody has achieved great things without challenges. It is how we respond to such challenges that will ultimately dictate the quality of our lives.

Right now I have had a huge rush as a downward turn of life's rollercoaster hits the bottom. Fortunately, the next part of the ride necessitates a swift movement up - I'm ready for that. Indeed, it just adds to life's rich tapestry.

Transforming negativity into hope, focus, purpose and action is a perpetual path. It may not always happen instantly but it always happens to me. The alternative is misery and my years as a nurse have shown me where that path leads - not for me thanks!

As long as I still have my health I am a happy man. It is an unfortunate truth that many people may never realise this until their health has gone. It will never be enough to make them happy when they have good health but it will certainly compound their misery when they do not.

Being grateful for what we have is the easiest route towards changing stress into happiness. Alternatively, you could just complain to someone about life's trials and tribulations - this is a great way to drain the energy of those who you care to share such stories with.

When a Woman You Don't Know Suddenly Gives You Flowers.....

I am currently feeling most grateful to life and pretty much all aspects of it. How long this perpetual feel-good buzz will last, I don't know. I do know that I like where it's taken me over the past few weeks.

Much of my focus for the past few weeks has been on Gratitude. I have taken time to phone and write to friends and family who have changed my life in a positive way. It has proved to be a most powerful and rewarding exercise.

A few days ago I arrived home to find a note through my door telling me that a bunch of flowers had been left around the back of my house. By my back door was indeed a large bunch of flowers. Unfortunately, they were not for me. The address was mine but that's where it ended.

Being a little dubious of flowers as a gift I wondered what was going on. Despite the romance that goes with them, the thought of giving someone flowers as a token of my love and/or appreciation fills me with confusion. Why give such a token when the roots have been cut off and they will soon be dead? It's not a good metaphor for a lasting friendship/relationship. Maybe that accounts for my single status! The ephemeral nature of flowers has never endeared me to them as a gift of love.

I phoned the flower shop and spoke to a very nice lady who was most thankful that I pointed out the mistake and said that she would send someone to collect them. I went out that afternoon and returned to my house this morning to find another card through my door, informing me of another flower delivery at my back door.

I opened the door to find a potted lavender plant from the girl at the shop. I phoned and thanked them before planting it in my mini garden. I received a big thank you, tips on how to grow it and a huge smile as my flowers now had roots.

Such a serendipitous occurrence started my day well and it has just gone on to get better and better as the day goes on. My profound thanks go to Cindy and Samantha from (the oh so appropriately named) Perfect Moments Florist in St Albans - I highly recommend their services and the feel-good factor of being grateful

What is Purpose and Why Do We Need It?

  As a nurse I spent many years working with people in the twilight of their lives. Some were not too happy with the cards that life had dealt them. Others were the embodiment of joy, awareness and compassion. What was the difference between them?

  The recurrent thing that was present in those who appeared happier was a greater purpose in life. Some people knew exactly what their gift were - and how to use them. So, what is purpose?

  According to Dictionary.com, purpose is...

pur⋅pose

  [pur-puhs]  Show IPA noun, verb, -posed, -pos⋅ing.

–noun

1.	the reason for which something exists or is done, made, used, etc.

2.	an intended or desired result; end; aim; goal.

3.	determination; resoluteness.

4.	the subject in hand; the point at issue.

5.	practical result, effect, or advantage: to act to good purpose.

–verb (used with object)

6.	to set as an aim, intention, or goal for oneself.

7.	to intend; design.

8.	to resolve (to do something): He purposed to change his way of life radically.

–verb (used without object)

9.	to have a purpose.

  If, as suggested, purpose is the reason why something exists then surely it is our duty to know exactly what our purpose is. If we don't know why we exist then things are likely to get confusing, upsetting or even dangerous. If we are not focusing on our purpose and our gifts then we are probably focusing on our irritations and faults.

  It's been an interesting few weeks for me. I have been stretched on many fronts as I piece together the elements of my vision for Walk Innovation with the practicalities of operating in the world of business. 

  The fact is that during my career as a nurse I just hadn't considered entering the business world and what it would entail. Fortunately, I have been focused on my purpose in life and why it is important for me to keep going, regardless of any obstacles.

  I have been asked on numerous occasions "What is Walk Innovation?" I have yet to give a consistent answer as I don't believe that it can be described. Through contemplating this question for many hours I finally feel that I can express Walk Innovation through words alone.

  Walk Innovation is a process where gratitude and positive focus meets action. Our ability to get results in our life is directly proportionate to our belief in our life's purpose. When we have a big enough purpose it is possible to be totally present in the moment much more often. This state of presence is the key to loving life.

  When we strip away all of the filters and negative programming that has gone into our subconsciousness there is only love. Love comes in the shape of all the things that we have to be grateful for. Here is a list of things that I am grateful for right now....

  My family and friends, who have supported me through many testing times and taught me numerous lessons throughout my life. The fun and laughter that I experience regularly. The times that have stretched me to my limit and forced me to find resources from within that I never knew I had. The complete collapse of my business, personal relationship, finances and happiness last year. This brought me the most amazing insights into my own life that have catapulted me on my journey. The resulting awareness and congruence of my purpose have left a trail of positive outcomes and resolutions.

  I am grateful for the traveling that I have done and for the conditions that I live in. Having food, shelter and choice of how to spend my time. The sun is out today and when I focus I can hear the distant singing of birds. My health is good and I'm feeling great at the moment. The beauty of the trees and plants as I look outside is a gift.

  Of course, I could list the things that are not yet right in my life, which I'm sure could make an impressive list. However, this is not where I choose to put my focus in this moment in time. Instead I choose to see the beauty and wonder of life. I choose to set myself a purpose of bringing together a global community of people who will discover how to love their lives through the Walk Innovation process.

  This blog entry represents the start of a journey. I know my purpose and it's about helping myself through helping and connecting others. Walk Innovation works and I am excited to watch it unfold. It will not necessarily be the most easy task but it will unfold somehow. I don't know how but I don't need to because when the why is big enough the how will unfold as action is taken towards it.

  The difference between those who love their life when they get old and those that don't is the ability to live in the moment and accept the potential gifts that every given moment presents us. Whether that be through a compliment or the appreciation of the wonder and beauty surrounding us. 

  Put very simply, gratitude + purpose = Living in the moment + Happiness

It's Not the Destination - It's the Journey That Counts

  What great weather we are getting at the moment. At this time of year it is a pleasure to be out and about. Over the past two days I have walked over 20 miles and witnessed numerous things of beauty.

  

  Not having a car has some distinct advantages when the weather is this good. Today, as I walked to meet a client, I was able to witness the numerous flowers in bloom and the occasional butterfly brightening up the path.

  It is in such moments of gratitude for the things that are sometimes taken for granted that life becomes enriched. I can honestly say that, apart from the obvious physical benefits that go with walking, I'm feeling fantastic at the moment and look forward to utilising any further good weather that I should be gifted with.

  Ultimately, for me, it is the small things in life that make the biggest difference and I am feeling very grateful at the moment.