Success...One Day At A Time

The Answer Is On The Tip Of Your Nose!

"Become Great Where You Are"

My apologies to the author of this quote...but I can remember who it is!

It echoes the "Acres of Diamonds" quoted by Russell Conwell in his lecture of that name in the early 20th Century.

In other words...

"Don't look at trying to be someone you're not...or find something that you don't have...just look wherever you are!"

Or perhaps, more to the point...

"The anwer is on the tip of your nose!"

Evolve...but don't leave behind what you already know. Without you realizing it, this alone could be the key to your future success.

Many people try to just change their life...instead of first working on changing (and improving) who they ARE.

Never forget that YOU are you for a very good reason (whatever that may be). There is (and only ever will be) one of YOU...so don't waste your unqiue talents on trying to be someone that you're not...or someone that somebody else thinks you should be.

Be true to yourself...and treat anything you posses that is 'different' as the key benefit that you 'bring to the party' compared to everyone else.

It's not always easy to be YOU...but it is the only way to go if you want a truly rewarding and successful life!

"Become Great Where You

"Become Great Where You Are"

My apologies to the author of this quote...but I can remember who it is!

It echoes the "Acres of Diamonds" quoted by Russell Conwell in his lecture of that name in the early 20th Century.

In other words...

"Don't look at trying to be someone you're not...or find something that you don't have...just look wherever you are!"

Or perhaps, more to the point...

"The anwer is on the tip of your nose!"

Evolve...but don't leave behind what you already know. Without you realizing it, this alone could be the key to your future success.

Many people try to just change their life...instead of first working on changing (and improving) who they ARE.

Never forget that YOU are you for a very good reason (whatever that may be). There is (and only ever will be) one of YOU...so don't waste your unqiue talents on trying to be someone that you're not...or someone that somebody else thinks you should be.

Be true to yourself...and treat anything you posses that is 'different' as the key benefit that you 'bring to the party' compared to everyone else.

It's not always easy to be YOU...but it is the only way to go if you want a truly rewarding and successful life!

If You Are French...Don't Take This Personally!

Lesley and I took Katie to Disneyland in Paris for three days this week.

Katie (being seven years old) loved practically every minute of it - apart from some of the rides!

Now...me being me...was looking at how the whole thing worked.

I've been to the Orlando Disney World and its theme parks a couple of times...and I was interested to see how the newest European theme park lived up to my US experiences.

On one front I wasn't disappointed. The attention to detail (as with all Disney 'stuff') is absolutely first-class. From the rides to the places where you queue...everything is exactly as if you were transported into that particular 'land'.

But...for me, my experience was let down by the almost 'surly' expressions on the faces of the guides...and queue 'organisers'.

It was as if they were there just to do their job...and that was all.

Now...I know that this is what they were actually doing...but, as well as not comparing very well with my U.S. experiences, it just didn't quite fit in with the "all-singing, all-dancing" atmosphere that was in abundance around the rest of the park.

In short...it almost ruined the entire experience for me!

So...what's the lesson that YOU can learn from this?

Be congruent. That is...if outwardly you appear happy...yet inside you feel miserable...then you are going to get 'caught out'. Period.

If you're giving the impression that you are listening...but you're not really...then you are going to get caught out as well.

So...make sure that your actions are completely in line with your thoughts - especially when you deal with other people...otherwise their 'sixth-sense' will tell them that something isn't quite right...and you will put them at unease withourt even realizing it.

I know...I've felt that way for the last three days!

Now...if you are French...don't take

Now...if you are French...don't take this personally!

Lesley and I took Katie to Disneyland in Paris for three days this week.

Katie (being seven years old) loved practically every minute of it - apart from some of the rides!

Now...me being me...was looking at how the whole thing worked.

I've been to the Orlando Disney World and its theme parks a couple of times...and I was interested to see how the newest European theme park lived up to my US experiences.

On one front I wasn't disappointed. The attention to detail (as with all Disney 'stuff') is absolutely first-class. From the rides to the places where you queue...everything is exactly as if you were transported into that particular 'land'.

But...for me, my experience was let down by the almost 'surly' expressions on the faces of the guides...and queue 'organisers'.

It was as if they were there just to do their job...and that was all.

Now...I know that this is what they were actually doing...but, as well as not comparing very well with my U.S. experiences, it just didn't quite fit in with the "all-singing, all-dancing" atmosphere that was in abundance around the rest of the park.

In short...it almost ruined the entire experience for me!

So...what's the lesson that YOU can learn from this?

Be congruent. That is...if outwardly you appear happy...yet inside you feel miserable...then you are going to get 'caught out'. Period.

If you're giving the impression that you are listening...but you're not really...then you are going to get caught out as well.

So...make sure that your actions are completely in line with your thoughts - especially when you deal with other people...otherwise their 'sixth-sense' will tell them that something isn't quite right...and you will put them at unease withourt even realizing it.

I know...I've felt that way for the last three days!

Now Try To Tell Me That Positive Thinking Doesn't Work!

Today...I can safely say was almost certainly the most rewarding day of my self-employed business life!

Hell...probably of all of my working life!

Why?

Well...I managed to get myself into an ideal position for ANY business. I got...

Free publicity!

Luckily for me...most of the day we were being taught about websites...and how to use them to generate credibility and as a tool to move clients through to a coaching process.

Well...as I had a website that did exactly that...I suggested to the trainers that they might want to use it as an example...which they did.

Little did I realize that...what is a fairly mundane and routine website in internet marketing terms...turns out to be an amazing effort in coaching circles!

Within five short minutes...I was deemed an expert...and my site and my email address were exposed to 200 people (and possible customers for my new 'info marketing' project that I will be working on)!

And...one of the speakers - Dave Buck liked it so much that he is going to use it as an example on future seminars around the world! Certainly excellent exposure, wouldn't you agree?

Not only that...I was asked if I would maybe like to participate in some training in the future. Now isn't that an excellent way of conquering my 'fear' of public speaking? lol

Today's events certainly opened my eyes to possibilities.

I now have first-hand proof that what is standard in one market can be classed as ground-breaking in another!

And...all because I sat in McDonalds this morning and told myself that I was going to network with more people...and I was going to find some business partners that could help me change my life!

Now try to tell me that positive thinking doesn't work!

Today...I can safely say was

Today...I can safely say was almost certainly the most rewarding day of my self-employed business life!

Hell...probably of all of my working life!

Why?

Well...I managed to get myself into an ideal position for ANY business. I got...

Free publicity!

Luckily for me...most of the day we were being taught about websites...and how to use them to generate credibility and as a tool to move clients through to a coaching process.

Well...as I had a website that did exactly that...I suggested to the trainers that they might want to use it as an example...which they did.

Little did I realize that...what is a fairly mundane and routine website in internet marketing terms...turns out to be an amazing effort in coaching circles!

Within five short minutes...I was deemed an expert...and my site and my email address were exposed to 200 people (and possible customers for my new 'info marketing' project that I will be working on)!

And...one of the speakers - Dave Buck liked it so much that he is going to use it as an example on future seminars around the world! Certainly excellent exposure, wouldn't you agree?

Not only that...I was asked if I would maybe like to participate in some training in the future. Now isn't that an excellent way of conquering my 'fear' of public speaking? lol

Today's events certainly opened my eyes to possibilities.

I now have first-hand proof that what is standard in one market can be classed as ground-breaking in another!

And...all because I sat in McDonalds this morning and told myself that I was going to network with more people...and I was going to find some business partners that could help me change my life!

Now try to tell me that positive thinking doesn't work!

The Idiot's Guide To Stereotypes

There's an old saying - "Never judge a book by its cover."

And...at the seminar I've been at today, it certainly rang true!

I sat next to a lady who by all accounts looked just like someone's mum! lol

What I found out was that she was an hypnosis expert, had published seven books, and currently ran a company!

It certainly surprised me as she didn't look the 'type' of person who could perhaps help me a lot with my business aims!.

And that's the problem...we've all been conditioned to make judgements based on stereotypes.

Of course...because our brain needs to filter out so much information...we need to have some form of 'quick' opinion on a lot of things.

But...as today proved...it's not always that right!

So...the lesson both you and I can take from this is that perhaps we should try to ignore our first impressions a little bit more...and instead get to know someone a little bit better before we decide what sort of person they are.

I'm certainly not going to be making such 'rash' decisions in the near future, that's for sure!

There's an old saying -

There's an old saying - "Never judge a book by its cover."

And...at the seminar I've been at today, it certainly rang true!

I sat next to a lady who by all accounts looked just like someone's mum! lol

What I found out was that she was an hypnosis expert, had published seven books, and currently ran a company!

It certainly surprised me as she didn't look the 'type' of person who could perhaps help me a lot with my business aims!.

And that's the problem...we've all been conditioned to make judgements based on stereotypes.

Of course...because our brain needs to filter out so much information...we need to have some form of 'quick' opinion on a lot of things.

But...as today proved...it's not always that right!

So...the lesson both you and I can take from this is that perhaps we should try to ignore our first impressions a little bit more...and instead get to know someone a little bit better before we decide what sort of person they are.

I'm certainly not going to be making such 'rash' decisions in the near future, that's for sure!

It's Not About What You Learn...It's About The People That You Meet

I'm off to another seminar tomorrow...but at least this time it's only in London, and I can come home at night!

It's about building a coaching practice.

Now...I, personally, don't want a full-time coaching practice! lol

So...why am I going?

I am going because...

- It gets me out of my comfort zone.
- It forces me to network with people.
- It will give me some ideas about other people go about it.
- It will hopefully give me some connections for the (soon to be under development) marketing side of my business.
- It gets me away from my computer for a couple of days in the real world!

And...I aim to learn as much as I can from it.

So...did you notice that the last thing on my list was the main reason why most people go to seminars or conferences?

It's no accident!

I know that I, along with most of the other participants, will probably forget most of what we are taught!

The real benefit from these things are the connections you make...and the odd 'golden nugget' of information that you may pick up from the presentation.

That's why I think that it is important to invest in going to these things...as you never know who could meet who might be a huge help where your future success is concerned.

Now...isn't it worth feeling a little uncomfortable in return? I certainly think so.

I'm off to another seminar

I'm off to another seminar tomorrow...but at least this time it's only in London, and I can come home at night!

It's about building a coaching practice.

Now...I, personally, don't want a full-time coaching practice! lol

So...why am I going?

I am going because...

- It gets me out of my comfort zone.
- It forces me to network with people.
- It will give me some ideas about other people go about it.
- It will hopefully give me some connections for the (soon to be under development) marketing side of my business.
- It gets me away from my computer for a couple of days in the real world!

And...I aim to learn as much as I can from it.

So...did you notice that the last thing on my list was the main reason why most people go to seminars or conferences?

It's no accident!

I know that I, along with most of the other participants, will probably forget most of what we are taught!

The real benefit from these things are the connections you make...and the odd 'golden nugget' of information that you may pick up from the presentation.

That's why I think that it is important to invest in going to these things...as you never know who could meet who might be a huge help where your future success is concerned.

Now...isn't it worth feeling a little uncomfortable in return? I certainly think so.

Are You A Human Being Or A Human 'Doing'?

I've spent a lot of time over the last couple of weeks working on my business.

But...I haven't spent as much time working on ME as I should have!

It's easy to fall into becoming a human 'doing' rather than a human 'being'.

I have been really involved on the 'output' of my business...instead of the 'input' of knowledge and learning about myself.

And...I'm beginning to feel the 'strain'! lol

I am an avid reader...but my reading time has been cut short by the call of the voice in my head saying

'You need to work..."

And I have done. Very hard!

Have you ever felt that you are just going non-stop without much of a break?

Well...I'm in need of a mental (and not physical) break!

I'm slowly learning that I need to 'create' in my mind as much as I physically need to create words, documents, files.

So...I am scheduling some 'learning' time into my work day in the future...time that I will use to read or listen to personal development stuff without feeling guilty that I should be working!

You, too, should try it...and even if it is only five minutes a day...it is essential that you fuel your mind as much as your body!

I've spent a lot of

I've spent a lot of time over the last couple of weeks working on my business.

But...I haven't spent as much time working on ME as I should have!

It's easy to fall into becoming a human 'doing' rather than a human 'being'.

I have been really involved on the 'output' of my business...instead of the 'input' of knowledge and learning about myself.

And...I'm beginning to feel the 'strain'! lol

I am an avid reader...but my reading time has been cut short by the call of the voice in my head saying

'You need to work..."

And I have done. Very hard!

Have you ever felt that you are just going non-stop without much of a break?

Well...I'm in need of a mental (and not physical) break!

I'm slowly learning that I need to 'create' in my mind as much as I physically need to create words, documents, files.

So...I am scheduling some 'learning' time into my work day in the future...time that I will use to read or listen to personal development stuff without feeling guilty that I should be working!

You, too, should try it...and even if it is only five minutes a day...it is essential that you fuel your mind as much as your body!

The Secret Of Beating 'Action Paralysis'

I currently have eleven projects that I have either started or want to start!

And...this doesn't include the ongoing 'tweaking' of my current sites...and the publication of my ezine.

After writing a couple of days ago that I only had half-a-dozen or so projects...it surprised me that in fact I almost have twice as many!

In my opinion they are all worthy of some effort...and are worth varying degrees of income to me.

As long as I actually 'bring them to market!' lol

The easiest thing with eleven projects lined up on a sheet of paper is to get 'action paralysis'.

You know...that feeling where you have so many different things that you feel that you should be doing that you can't actually sit down and move forward on any of them!

Ever been there?

There IS a cure. Just start SOMETHING!

So...I have decided roughly which priority I should place each project...and then I just make sure that I do at least something of ANY of the top three EVERY day.

Why not just focus on #1? Well...I'm the sort of person who needs some variety...and each of my projects are slightly different in some respects.

So...one day I might be going all-out on my new E-class...the next I'll be updating my new ebook...and the next working on the website for a joint venture I have with my brother.

Remember...just because you FEEL that you should be doing x...it doesn't necessarily mean that you should HAVE to do it if you are not in the right frame of mind to do so.

If you do...then you'll only end up doing a sub-standard job, and hate the project anyway!

So..next time that you feel 'bogged down' with too much work...just try to vary it a little!

I currently have eleven projects

I currently have eleven projects that I have either started or want to start!

And...this doesn't include the ongoing 'tweaking' of my current sites...and the publication of my ezine.

After writing a couple of days ago that I only had half-a-dozen or so projects...it surprised me that in fact I almost have twice as many!

In my opinion they are all worthy of some effort...and are worth varying degrees of income to me.

As long as I actually 'bring them to market!' lol

The easiest thing with eleven projects lined up on a sheet of paper is to get 'action paralysis'.

You know...that feeling where you have so many different things that you feel that you should be doing that you can't actually sit down and move forward on any of them!

Ever been there?

There IS a cure. Just start SOMETHING!

So...I have decided roughly which priority I should place each project...and then I just make sure that I do at least something of ANY of the top three EVERY day.

Why not just focus on #1? Well...I'm the sort of person who needs some variety...and each of my projects are slightly different in some respects.

So...one day I might be going all-out on my new E-class...the next I'll be updating my new ebook...and the next working on the website for a joint venture I have with my brother.

Remember...just because you FEEL that you should be doing x...it doesn't necessarily mean that you should HAVE to do it if you are not in the right frame of mind to do so.

If you do...then you'll only end up doing a sub-standard job, and hate the project anyway!

So..next time that you feel 'bogged down' with too much work...just try to vary it a little!

Are You Listening To Your Values?

What's REALLY important to you?

The reason why I ask is that recently I've talked to a few people who are wondering really what the point of 'it' is.

They are going through the motions of working hard, earning decent money...and spending it, yet something still seems to be missing from their lives.

What they don't realize is that this feeling is a sign that they are doing something that goes against one of their values.

These values are the drivers in our lives...they provide the fuel for our engine...and we get the most satisfaction from life when we achieve things that fit exactly in with them.

In other words...the important things!

So...if your family is (perhaps without you even realizing it) more important than your career...yet you're at work all of the time - then you are going to get that 'isn't there more to life than this?' feeling.

You know the one that I mean.

It's not easy to always spot for yourself if you really are going against one of your values...but once you have the tools to do so...and therefore aware that you are doing so, what's really important to you takes on an entire new meaning!

That'e why it is VERY important for you to work out what is important to you!

What's REALLY important to you?

What's REALLY important to you?

The reason why I ask is that recently I've talked to a few people who are wondering really what the point of 'it' is.

They are going through the motions of working hard, earning decent money...and spending it, yet something still seems to be missing from their lives.

What they don't realize is that this feeling is a sign that they are doing something that goes against one of their values.

These values are the drivers in our lives...they provide the fuel for our engine...and we get the most satisfaction from life when we achieve things that fit exactly in with them.

In other words...the important things!

So...if your family is (perhaps without you even realizing it) more important than your career...yet you're at work all of the time - then you are going to get that 'isn't there more to life than this?' feeling.

You know the one that I mean.

It's not easy to always spot for yourself if you really are going against one of your values...but once you have the tools to do so...and therefore aware that you are doing so, what's really important to you takes on an entire new meaning!

That'e why it is VERY important for you to work out what is important to you!

A Ninety-One Year Old's Secret To Success

At the grand old age of ninety-one, the much loved British actress Dame Thora Hird passed away yesterday.

She always seemed like a very down-to-earth person...and this came across when the news programmes were doing a review of her long career.

What struck me, however, was what they said that she kept on her bedside table.

On it...she always had this note...

"Don't stop doing things because you're growing old...otherwise you'll grow old because you've stopped doing things."

Now...isn't that a wonderful and positive reminder to have every day before you go to sleep and as you wake up?

Thora Hird had perhaps some of her most widespread successes in film and TV in the years that most of us would gladly want to sit by the fire with our cocoa and slippers!

So...are you growing old before your time because you're not doing things that push you even a little bit?

Makes you think, doesn't it?

At the grand old age

At the grand old age of ninety-one, the much loved British actress Dame Thora Hird passed away yesterday.

She always seemed like a very down-to-earth person...and this came across when the news programmes were doing a review of her long career.

What struck me, however, was what they said that she kept on her bedside table.

On it...she always had this note...

"Don't stop doing things because you're growing old...otherwise you'll grow old because you've stopped doing things."

Now...isn't that a wonderful and positive reminder to have every day before you go to sleep and as you wake up?

Thora Hird had perhaps some of her most widespread successes in film and TV in the years that most of us would gladly want to sit by the fire with our cocoa and slippers!

So...are you growing old before your time because you're not doing things that push you even a little bit?

Makes you think, doesn't it?

This afternoon, for the first

This afternoon, for the first time in a few months, I went to see Katie have her swimming lesson.

I was amazed at how much she had improved since I last saw her! Lesley (who goes every week) thought that she was only progessing reasonably well.

Because she had seen Katie's incremental improvement over the weeks...she couldn't see how much progress she had made overall!

What about YOUR own improvement?

Do you think that you haven't progressed very far...even though you probably are miles ahead of where you started?

Sometimes you can get to close to see how much you have achieved compared to where you were before.

Just remember...you've probably improved so much more than you think that you have...and you shouldn't be disheartened if it feels like you don't seem to be getting anywhere!

Keep on moving forward...no matter what pace...and you are guaranteed to make some serious improvements in your life!

The Curse Of "False Start Syndrome"

Another day nearly over...

I've realized that I'm too creative for my own good.

This afternoon...I had two ideas for online projects that I believe have some value in pursuing...but, I haven't got the time to properly devote to them.

I've got numerous ideas to use some of the techniques currently used by top internet marketers within my personal development 'niche'...and they are more than enough to keep me going for a long time.

It's easier to get what I call 'false start syndrome'...and I am guilty as hell of this!

You know...you find something that excites you...then you spend a few days (or weeks) working on it...only for the novelty to wear off!

Ever done that?

I've got at least three or four unfinished projects sitting on my PC right now.

But...because I am a bit of a perfectionist...they are not good enough (or complete enough) to be released...so instead I go to work on new things! lol

Because of this I have decided that I will stick with the half-a-dozen or so projects that I currently have...and see them through to the end.

It's the only way not to get 'snowed under'...and then have too much to do that you can't think of what you should do first!

Another day nearly over... I've

Another day nearly over...

I've realized that I'm too creative for my own good.

This afternoon...I had two ideas for online projects that I believe have some value in pursuing...but, I haven't got the time to properly devote to them.

I've got numerous ideas to use some of the techniques currently used by top internet marketers within my personal development 'niche'...and they are more than enough to keep me going for a long time.

It's easier to get what I call 'false start syndrome'...and I am guilty as hell of this!

You know...you find something that excites you...then you spend a few days (or weeks) working on it...only for the novelty to wear off!

Ever done that?

I've got at least three or four unfinished projects sitting on my PC right now.

But...because I am a bit of a perfectionist...they are not good enough (or complete enough) to be released...so instead I go to work on new things! lol

Because of this I have decided that I will stick with the half-a-dozen or so projects that I currently have...and see them through to the end.

It's the only way not to get 'snowed under'...and then have too much to do that you can't think of what you should do first!

The Ten Step Blueprint Of Successful People

I came across an interesting article the other day...

A professor at the University of Wales grilled ten top athletes in order to come up with a definition of mental toughness.

By pinning this down so precisely...he also produced a blueprint for the elite businessman or woman.

Here it is...

1) You have to have unshakeable self-belief.
2) You bounce back from setbacks with increased determination to succeed.
3) You know that you are better than your opponents.
4) Your desire for success is overpowering.
5) You are fully focused on the task in hand.
6) You regain psychological control after unexpected events.
7) You ignore others' performances and focus on your own.
8) You thrive on the pressure of competition.
9) You can block out personal problems.
10) You can switch your professional focus on and off.

Now...I don't know about you..but isn't this a fantastic blueprint (with a few changes in wording, of courses) for living an 'elite' life?

It certainly got me looking at how I deal with things both in a business and personal sense.

What about you?

I came across an interesting

I came across an interesting article the other day...

A professor at the University of Wales grilled ten top athletes in order to come up with a definition of mental toughness.

By pinning this down so precisely...he also produced a blueprint for the elite businessman or woman.

Here it is...

1) You have to have unshakeable self-belief.
2) You bounce back from setbacks with increased determination to succeed.
3) You know that you are better than your opponents.
4) Your desire for success is overpowering.
5) You are fully focused on the task in hand.
6) You regain psychological control after unexpected events.
7) You ignore others' performances and focus on your own.
8) You thrive on the pressure of competition.
9) You can block out personal problems.
10) You can switch your professional focus on and off.

Now...I don't know about you..but isn't this a fantastic blueprint (with a few changes in wording, of courses) for living an 'elite' life?

It certainly got me looking at how I deal with things both in a business and personal sense.

What about you?

A Lesson In How Easy It Is To Let Habits Slip

I'm not proud to say that I've proved myself right!

It's all about habits...

Due to recent events...I had (naturally) not bothered with writing this as I had other more important things to deal with.

Before that...I would even get out of bed and start up my PC to do this if I realized that I hadn't posted an entry!

Well...because I had got out of the habit of doing this...I got into the habit of NOT doing it!

It just goes to show that, without even realizing it...we can easily just let things slip.

I'm almost back into the 'swing' of things...although the house has an eerie 'quietness' about it. It's almost as if little Connor and his medical 'army' had never been around.

But he was (and he is inside my head). Always there to remind me that doing only 'enough' isn't good enough.

Doing only 'enough' won't make me (or you) a millionaire. That little bit more than enough will.

So...let's hope that I at least get back into this habit...and carry on where I left off!

I'm not proud to say

I'm not proud to say that I've proved myself right!

It's all about habits...

Due to recent events...I had (naturally) not bothered with writing this as I had other more important things to deal with.

Before that...I would even get out of bed and start up my PC to do this if I realized that I hadn't posted an entry!

Well...because I had got out of the habit of doing this...I got into the habit of NOT doing it!

It just goes to show that, without even realizing it...we can easily just let things slip.

I'm almost back into the 'swing' of things...although the house has an eerie 'quietness' about it. It's almost as if little Connor and his medical 'army' had never been around.

But he was (and he is inside my head). Always there to remind me that doing only 'enough' isn't good enough.

Doing only 'enough' won't make me (or you) a millionaire. That little bit more than enough will.

So...let's hope that I at least get back into this habit...and carry on where I left off!

An Amazing Boy That Helped Shape Some Amazing Futures

It's difficult to remain focused when you are dwelling on something else.

Connor's funeral was on Tuesday, and, although it was an undoubtedly sad occassion...it also made me very proud.

My son...only four years and eight months old, and he couldn't speak or walk...yet he had an impact on everyone that he met.

It's sad from a selfish viewpoint that I will never, ever see him again...but at least he won't have to struggle any more.

It's almost as if he had achieved what he was put on this Earth to do...and now he can have a rest.

I'm doing what I really wanted to do.
Lesley has just begun a little part-time job.
Katie is thriving at school...and is so tolerant of people not as fortunate as herself.

And that's just us.

Many members of my close family have realized that there is more to life because of our experiences with Connor.

It humbles me when I think about how much a little special needs boy can change lives.

Now...for me...it is a difficult time. I don't have any benefits that we were entitled to to fall back on...and I've just bought the car that we were leasing (for free) because of Connor's disabilities.

But...wouldn't you agree that we are defined by how we react to these sorts of challenges?

The next two weeks is going to be a critical time for my online business. The next six months even more so!

But...isn't it going to be fun trying to make it work?

It's difficult to remain focused

It's difficult to remain focused when you are dwelling on something else.

Connor's funeral was on Tuesday, and, although it was an undoubtedly sad occassion...it also made me very proud.

My son...only four years and eight months old, and he couldn't speak or walk...yet he had an impact on everyone that he met.

It's sad from a selfish viewpoint that I will never, ever see him again...but at least he won't have to struggle any more.

It's almost as if he had achieved what he was put on this Earth to do...and now he can have a rest.

I'm doing what I really wanted to do.
Lesley has just begun a little part-time job.
Katie is thriving at school...and is so tolerant of people not as fortunate as herself.

And that's just us.

Many members of my close family have realized that there is more to life because of our experiences with Connor.

It humbles me when I think about how much a little special needs boy can change lives.

Now...for me...it is a difficult time. I don't have any benefits that we were entitled to to fall back on...and I've just bought the car that we were leasing (for free) because of Connor's disabilities.

But...wouldn't you agree that we are defined by how we react to these sorts of challenges?

The next two weeks is going to be a critical time for my online business. The next six months even more so!

But...isn't it going to be fun trying to make it work?

The Loss Of My Inspiration...And The Reason Why I Am Where I Am Today

On the 20th February 2003, my amazing, wonderful, and lovable son, Connor was lost to us all forever.

He passed away at 5:15 a.m. due to a chest infection, which, to be honest, took us all by surprise.

He was my inspiration for everything I do now online, and he made me change in so many ways in the short four years and eight months that he was around.

If it wasn't for him I would still be complaining about my nine-to-five job.
If it wasn't for him I would still be moaning about how 'unlucky' I was.
If it wasn't for him I would still be just an average 'occassionally there' parent.
If it wasn't for him I would still be so intolerant about so many things in this world.

He couldn't make a sound. Doctors were never convinced that he could hear.

But...boy! Did his smile and silent laugh light up the lives of everyone who had the pleasure to meet him.

I'm a lucky man. I had over four years of stress and worry...yet had the same amount of time just learning about life from a wonderful little "daddy's boy".

His funeral is tomorrow...and it still hasn't really sunk-in that I will never be able to tickle him, hug him, or just hold him upside down ever again.

It breaks my heart...but I know that he has made his mark on this world...and changed for the better so many lives of people who met and got to know him.

It was my honour to care for someone who totally changed my thinking about what is important in this world.

He could only communicate with a smile...yet he affected so many lives with his amazing cheerfulness despite all of his setbacks.

Connor James Vurnum will forever live in my heart as the person who has affected me more than any other person in my life.

He was my inspiration...and my special little boy.

Night, night, sweetheart. Daddy misses you so much...yet he knows that somehow, somewhere you are with him when he looks hard enough.

I will carry on my personal 'crusade' in your name...as I did when you were still with me. I promise that I won't let all your effort go to waste.

Sleep tight. xxxxx

On the 20th February 2003,

On the 20th February 2003, my amazing, wonderful, and lovable son, Connor was lost to us all forever.

He passed away at 5:15 a.m. due to a chest infection, which, to be honest, took us all by surprise.

He was my inspiration for everything I do now online, and he made me change in so many ways in the short four years and eight months that he was around.

If it wasn't for him I would still be complaining about my nine-to-five job.
If it wasn't for him I would still be moaning about how 'unlucky' I was.
If it wasn't for him I would still be just an average 'occassionally there' parent.
If it wasn't for him I would still be so intolerant about so many things in this world.

He couldn't make a sound. Doctors were never convinced that he could hear.

But...boy! Did his smile and silent laugh light up the lives of everyone who had the pleasure to meet him.

I'm a lucky man. I had over four years of stress and worry...yet had the same amount of time just learning about life from a wonderful little "daddy's boy".

His funeral is tomorrow...and it still hasn't really sunk-in that I will never be able to tickle him, hug him, or just hold him upside down ever again.

It breaks my heart...but I know that he has made his mark on this world...and changed for the better so many lives of people who met and got to know him.

It was my honour to care for someone who totally changed my thinking about what is important in this world.

He could only communicate with a smile...yet he affected so many lives with his amazing cheerfulness despite all of his setbacks.

Connor James Vurnum will forever live in my heart as the person who has affected me more than any other person in my life.

He was my inspiration...and my special little boy.

Night, night, sweetheart. Daddy misses you so much...yet he knows that somehow, somewhere you are with him when he looks hard enough.

I will carry on my personal 'crusade' in your name...as I did when you were still with me. I promise that I won't let all your effort go to waste.

Sleep tight. xxxxx