The Penny Drops - But I Don't!

Life certainly has a laughable habit of leaving questions unanswered for years. Indeed they usually get forgotten until the answer finally pops up years later!

As a young lad my Grandad used to walk behind me and randomly trip me up. This gave him much amusement and me a few bruises along the way. Indeed, in today's climate of political correctness and rules gone mad, he may well have ended up in trouble!

Despite his penchant for practical jokes at my expense that gave him much amusement, he was always very good to me and I loved him dearly. I also, over time, became very good at adjusting my body to unexpected trips. That is not to say that I don't fall occasionally!

Last night I found myself at a country club, in the relative wilderness, when the snow decided to come down very fast and turn things very slippery and treacherous in just a few hours. When we finally left it was time for a very slow trip home on some very slippery paths.

Fortunately, my friend managed to get me almost home before I opted to walk up the final hill, not wishing him to get stuck, as happened with a few cars as I walked up it. I decided to push one out of a slippery spot and watched people fall over all around me.

On a few occasions my feet slipped on slippery patches, catching me off-guard. However, I managed to compose myself quickly and avoid some potentially nasty falls. When I finally arrived in I sat down and contemplated the gift that my Grandad gave me. It may have taken the best part of 30 years to unlock the true gift that he gave me, preparing me from a young age for such freak weather conditions!

I have been smiling all day as I remember my training all those years ago that prepared me so well for last night. I am feeling very grateful since getting in last night and loving the quirky sense of humour that life serves up on such occasions.

I dedicate this entry to the memory of my grandad, who I loved very dearly when he was alive - and even more so after my penny drop moment last night. Thank you :-)

Magic, Fairy's and Breaking Comfort Zones

I have just spent 11 days training with my business mentor, Clinton Swaine. This has been a vastly rewarding and beneficial experience. Many concepts are taught as he hones his students business and presentation skills.

One of the sections involved us dressing up in different costumes to add different aspects to our stage presence. We became 12 different archetypes during this 3 day section, including executive, motivator, commander, majician, majesty, channeller, pirate and fairy.

Much as the course taught us many things about breaking through our comfort zones the highlight of this section came when about 30 students, dressed as fairy's, went dancing on the lawn of the hotel where the training was based.

As we danced we were seen by a small child, no more than 3 years old. His wide-eyed expression was priceless and made the experience truly magical. Convincing this young lad that fairy's and magic aren't real may take somne doing!

Letting loose, breaking comfort zones and having fun is part of life's rich tapestry. I encourage all of you to give it a go one day!