Communication - Spandau Ballet

'Communication let me down' - Hadley

Conversation is a fundamental aspect of human life, it’s how we connect, learn, share, and understand the world around us. In personal relationships, professional settings, or casual interactions, conversation serves as a bridge between minds. It enables us to exchange ideas, express emotions, and build relationships. 

Fundamentally, conversation is a form of communication between two or more people and unlike monologues or speeches, conversation is interactive. Its back-and-forth dialogue is where each person has the opportunity to contribute, respond, and shape the direction of the next part of the discussion.

 

A good conversation is not just about talking; it’s as much about listening and understanding. The exchange of thoughts and ideas makes it an inherently social activity. A conversation can happen in many environments - over a coffee, on a call, or in a text. The platform’s might be different, but the underlying purpose remains the same: communication.

 

So what’s the point?

 

The purpose of conversation can vary depending on the context, but some key interactions include:-

 

Sharing Information

One of the most common reasons for conversing is to exchange information.

Building Relationships

Conversation is a primary way people build and maintain relationships. It helps us establish rapport, express care, and develop a deeper understanding of each another.

 

Problem Solving

Through dialogue, we can collaborate with others to solve problems. A constructive conversation can lead to brainstorming, critical thinking, and finding creative solutions.

 

Conflict Resolution

In instances of disagreement, conversation can be the tool for reconciliation.

 

While the concept of conversation is both simple and skilful it requires:-

 

Active Listening

Listening is the foundation of any productive conversation. Active listening means not just hearing the words but understanding the underlying message, interpreting tone, and responding thoughtfully. It also means being present in the moment, resisting distractions, and not interrupting the speaker. Active listening is a sign of respect and empathy.

 

Engagement

Good conversationalists show interest in what the other person has to say. They ask thoughtful questions, offer relevant responses, and engage with the content of the conversation rather than merely waiting for their turn to speak.

 

Turn-Taking

Conversations are dynamic, and participants must navigate the ebb and flow of dialogue. A skilled conversationalist knows when to speak and when to give space to others. Interrupting or dominating the conversation can hinder the exchange and make it feel less like a conversation and make it more of a monologue.

 

Empathy and Understanding

A great conversation involves emotional intelligence. Understanding the emotions behind the words, acknowledging feelings, and showing empathy can deepen the connection between participants. Responding with sensitivity to the emotional context of a conversation can make a huge difference to how it’s received.

 

Non-Verbal Communication

Non-verbal clues such as body language, facial expressions, tone of voice, and eye contact all play a significant role in conversation. In fact, up to 93% of communication is non-verbal, with only 7% coming from the words themselves. Paying attention to these signals can help clarify meaning and enhance the connection between people.

 

Clarity and Conciseness

Good conversationalists are able to express their thoughts clearly and concisely. Rambling confuses listeners!

 

Respect and Tact

Respectful conversation ensures that participants feel valued and heard. Tact involves knowing how to address sensitive topics without offending or alienating others. The balance of honesty and politeness can be delicate but is essential for maintaining positive relationships.

 

Conversations come in many forms, each serving a different purpose or style. 

 

Casual Conversation

This is the most informal and relaxed type of dialogues. It often takes place amongst friends or acquaintances and can cover a wide range of topics, from the weather to personal anecdotes. Casual conversation helps strengthen social bonds and build a sense of camaraderie.

 

Deep or Meaningful Conversation

These conversations go beyond surface-level topics and delve into more substantial matters, such as philosophy, life goals, personal beliefs, and emotional experiences. 

 

Debates and Discussions

These types of conversations often occur when there are different viewpoints. While debates aim to argue a position, discussions seek mutual understanding. In both cases, the exchange is more structured, and participants may present evidence or reasoning to support their points. 

 

Persuasive Conversations

These aim to influence the opinions or behaviour of other people. Persuasion relies on logical arguments, emotional appeals, and credibility. Sales pitches, political discourse, and negotiations often fall under this category.

 

Conflict Conversations

These conversations arise when there is a disagreement or tension between participants. Conflict resolution requires patience, empathy, and a willingness to listen to the other person’s perspective. The goal is to reach a mutually acceptable outcome without damaging the relationship.

 

Small Talk

Often viewed as a conversation filler, small talk may seem trivial but plays an important role in social interactions. It breaks the ice, establishes rapport, and helps people navigate unfamiliar situations or environments, like meeting new people or attending events.

 

Technology in Conversation

Technology has dramatically transformed how we engage in conversation. With the rise of social media, messaging, and video conferencing, we are now able to communicate with anyone, anywhere, at any time. While this has increased convenience and accessibility, it has also raised questions about the quality and depth of these interactions.

 

In online conversations, we often lose the richness of face-to-face communication, such as body language, tone, and immediate feedback. Text-based communication, while efficient, can lead to misunderstandings due to the lack of non-verbal cues. Moreover, digital platforms can encourage more superficial exchanges, often reducing complex ideas to brief snippets or even emojis.

 

Despite these challenges, technology also offers new opportunities for connecting. Video calls, for instance, allow for more personal, face-to-face interaction across distance, while social media provides a platform for engaging in global conversations. The key lies in using technology thoughtfully to enhance, rather than replace, genuine human interaction.

 

Ultimately, conversation is more than just a way to exchange information; it is a vital tool for building relationships, sharing experiences, and shaping the world. 

 

And as our world becomes increasingly more interconnected, the art of conversation will continue to play a crucial role in bringing people together, create greater understanding, and help to build a sense of shared humanity.

1,204 Marathons - 284 Ultras - 17 Marathon des Sables - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Adventure - Television

Ain't that nothin'

Adventure is a concept that has captivated the human spirit for centuries. It calls the brave and the curious, urging them to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the unknown. And whether it’s a physical journey, an intellectual pursuit, or a personal transformation, adventure delivers the desire to explore, get challenged, and discover new horizons. It’s a dynamic force that has shaped history, culture, and individual lives. It continues to inspire countless people to push their boundaries, take risks, and redefine what’s possible. Adventure is life defined.

Adventure’s about embracing uncertainty. It’s the act of stepping into a situation where outcomes are not guaranteed, where risks are left behind. This uncertainty is what makes adventure so compelling, as it offers the possibility of both danger as well as discovery. It forces individuals to confront their fears and test their inner limits.

 

In its many forms, adventure often involves elements of excitement, exploration, and exhaustion. It could come from climbing a mountain or conquering a desert. The thing that unites all forms of adventure is the willingness to embark on a journey where the end is not predetermined, and where the process itself holds as much value as the destination. Read some of my other blogs for the my thoughts about ‘the journey’.

 

Historically, adventure has been at the heart of many of humanity’s greatest achievements. 

 

The age of exploration, for example, saw adventurers like Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, and Sir Francis Drake charti new territories and expand the boundaries of the known world. These explorers, driven by curiosity and the desire to discover new lands and riches, encountered immense challenges, from treacherous seas to hostile encounters with natives. Their adventures, however, paved the way for the exchange of cultures, ideas, and goods that would shape the course of history.

 

Similarly, the spirit of adventure is deeply embedded in the history of human civilization. The exploration of the North and South Poles, the ascent of Mount Everest, and even the recent missions to Mars are all manifestations of humanity’s unyielding drive to test the limits of what’s possible.

 

Adventure is not just an external pursuit; it is also a psychological experience. The act of embarking on an adventure forces folk to confront their fears, uncertainties, and limitations. It requires a willingness to embrace discomfort. For some, this can be exhilarating, as it taps into deep-seated desires for novelty, excitement, and the thrill of the unexpected. 

 

Psychologists have long studied the human desire for adventure and risk-taking. One theory, known as the ‘sensation-seeking hypothesis’, dictates that some individuals are biologically predisposed to seek out novel and intense experiences. This drive for stimulation can manifest in a variety of ways, from seeking physical thrills like skydiving to exploring new ideas and ways of thinking. Adventure, in this context, is a means of satisfying a deeper psychological need for variety and excitement. The thrill of the chase perhaps.

 

Moreover, adventure offers the opportunity for self-discovery. When faced with challenges or adversity, folk often learn more about their own strengths and weaknesses. They gain a sense of self-reliance, resilience, and confidence as they overcome obstacles and adapt to new situations. 

 

In today’s world, adventure may seem more accessible than ever, thanks to advancements in technology, transportation, and communication. Yet, the nature of adventure has changed in many ways. The physical frontiers of exploration may have shrunk, but the realms of intellectual, creative, and virtual adventure have expanded. With the internet and global travel, it is now possible to embark on adventures that span the globe or delve into new dimensions of knowledge without ever leaving one’s home.

 

One significant aspect of modern adventure is the rise of experiential travel. Many people now seek out ‘adventures’ that involve more than just sightseeing - they are looking for immersive, transformative experiences that challenge their perceptions and expand their understanding of the world. 

 

Similarly, adventure is increasingly being embraced in the context of personal development. More people are exploring the concept of ‘adventure in everyday life,’ seeking to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and exploration in their daily routines. This might involve trying new hobbies, engaging in unfamiliar social situations, or tackling personal fears. For some, adventure becomes a way of breaking free from the monotony of routine and embracing the excitement of the unknown, even in the most mundane of settings.

 

While adventure is often associated with positive outcomes - discovery, growth, and excitement - it is also important to recognise the risks involved. Many great adventurers have paid a heavy price for their pursuits, whether it’s physical injury, emotional trauma, or even death. The dangers of adventure are part of what makes it so compelling, as it forces individuals to take risks and make choices that can have significant consequences.

 

As individuals we are continuously drawn to the spirit of adventure because it embodies our deepest desires to transcend the ordinary, to face challenges, and to embrace the possibilities that life has to offer. In this sense, the call of adventure is timeless - it beckons us forwards, urging us to venture beyond what we know, and to explore the boundless frontiers of the world and of ourselves.

 

How’s your sense of adventure looking?

1,203 Marathons - 284 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life

The Voice - Ultravox

It's the 11th December tomorrow and my friend in Germany, Ronald Reinhardt will be celebrating twenty years' of sobriety. Here is his story, in his own words. 

Sometimes, all we need is a voice - my voice in his case, powerful and in strong low tones...here's the story.

My Second life…

Twenty years ago today, I was running a 65km Ultramarathon from Offenburg to Baden-Baden in Germany and at the time I was 38 years old.

 

It was a week on from my last horrible, and as usual disastrous, booze session. A date I will never forget as my father died on 4^th December 2018. It had been in the same pub where I’d started my drinking career more than 20 years earlier - the one where my father had ‘taught’ me how to drink when I was about fifteen. I’d been so drunk that night I lost my wallet containing 2000€ and slept rough in minus temperatures before being picked up in the morning by the Police.

Over the years, my drinking had been so heavy and frequent, that I wasn’t far away from being homeless. I was, and still am, a Professional gambler, living on my own without rules. It was a free and fun lifestyle but due to my heavy drinking, my financial situation was diminishing. So, to save money, I bought a motorhome, which was also provided a convenient place to collapse in when I was drunk but also transported me to running races.

Somehow, I was still able to run Marathons and Ultra-Marathons such as the 80km Swiss Alpine and even two Ironmans. I was a binge-drinker having heavy sessions which could last up to three weeks being drunk every day and then have long sober breaks in between of up to three months. At my lowest point, I drank in shady bars and with homeless people in the park.

A week after my last season, I still felt hungover, yet I decided to drive to Offenburg to run with a group of people for my sixth ultra of the year. I still don’t understand how I was able doing that over so many years despite drinking so heavily. Although it wasn’t a usual kind of event as most of the participants had problems with alcohol, drugs, relationships, or mental issues despite being able to run 65km and as a group running together.

I ran alongside a runner from Great Britain who jogged along at a very economical pace. Every 10kms there was a break for food and water, where we started chatting. His name was Rory Coleman a record-breaking runner, who’d had similar drinking issues to mine. We talked for the rest of the run sharing our life-stories.

When we arrived in Baden-Baden during the Christmas Market it was snowing. Most of the runners, including myself, had tears in their eyes (like I do now, writing this article). And in that moment, it became clear to me that I would never touch a drop of alcohol again. In a moment my fifteen years of fighting alcohol was over, and I’ve never looked back since. Up until then I’d always thought of quitting, but never had the mindset.

Since then, I’ve never had the urge to drink again.

That day changed my live completely. I disconnected from my drinking friends (including my drinking parents) and stopped squandering my money in bars. And although Rory and I have never met since in person, those few hours together changed my life. Today I received a congratulatory email marking twenty years of sobriety. 

Rory sends me one every 11th of December that says, ‘Well Done Ron’.

I now live a life of awareness, meditation, spirituality and Buddhism. I enjoy family-time with my young daughter still in my motorhome with two cats, a laptop and a small e-piano for company. My mission is to save people who are struggling with alcohol and depression, so I can repay my debt to Rory - the one person that helped me, and that can help you if you are struggling like I was back in 2004.

1,202 Marathons - 284 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 31 Years' Sober

Don't stop believin' - Journey

Success is a ‘Journey’ not a ‘Destination’…

I often say that the ‘Road to Success’ is a ‘Journey’, especially when I’m speaking with new clients who are about to start working with me. The hard part is explaining, we’re not sure where the journey is going, what will happen along the way or how long the journey will actually take. 

Success can be a huge leap of faith!

 

You see, we all know that life comes with its highs and lows, and ups and downs, mixed up with a cocktail of people, throughout time - and somehow, we use this to determine our direction. And whether it’s the right or wrong direction, we tend to go with the flow and take on the world and everything it has to throw as us in a very ‘ad hoc’ kinda way. 

 

We learn as we go putting things right, adapting and recreating on the fly. I often wonder why? We don’t do this with other parts of our lives - I mean on a traditional family holiday we know the itinerary before we go. Knowing the flight, hotel and destination details well before we depart. Imagine going on holiday and just turning up at the airport and getting on the first plane? Similarly, how many times have you carried on regardless and not given much thought to what laid ahead.

 

Maybe it’s that easy life we are looking for? 

 

Being afraid of failure or upsetting those around us, provides an ideal excuse for not stepping through the ‘sliding doors of success’. I’m sure most of us has heard the famous Dolly Parton quote, ‘If you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain’. And how right she is, as ‘Success’ I believe, comes at a cost. Let it rain! Let it POUR!

 

It’s just a question of how much you are prepared to pay. The price? Well that can be financial of course but also there’s a physical and psychological cost to pay too. What or who are you prepared to give up, to achieve your goal. For some the financial cost is a simple pay/no-pay equation whereas if your partner isn’t prepared to travel with you on your journey – then you might have to leave them behind. It sounds callus but I encounter that situation with many people seeking a more successful life.

 

Having paid the price a few times myself, I’ve learned that ‘Conversation’ makes the ideal accompaniment for any ‘Journey to Success’. A clear direction with clear directives aimed at those around you, will help your progress no end. There are enough barriers to negotiate without adding extra miles of egg-shell walking with loved or not so loved one. It’s a good test.

 

I often think the journey to the Marathon des Sables delivers more than the race itself. What one can learn in 12 months prior to the race against 12 days of the race is beyond comparison, and if you are going next April or trying to climb your own Mount Everest in the near future, enjoy the journey. 

 

It’s the best part.

1,202 Marathons - 284 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Happy - Pharrell Williams

Clap along if you feel...

I meet many people that say they’re ‘unhappy’. Unhappy at their current predicament, even though their job, homelife and finances might be considered ‘okay’. It’s as if life has lost its spark - or more so that they have. I’ve been there, got that T-Shirt and know only too well myself that it’s a feeling virtually impossible to pin down to something in particular. It’s a weird state of mind to inhabit especially as who knows what true ‘happiness’ really is or how it feels?

Chat GPT describes happiness as a complex emotional state that encompasses feelings of joy, contentment, and well-being. It can be both a momentary feeling (like experiencing pleasure or satisfaction) or a long-term state (such as a sense of life satisfaction or fulfilment). 

 

Is that happiness? Somehow it doesn’t quite describe the true feeling of being happy.

 

You see, people search for happiness in different ways - through relationships, achievements, personal growth, or even simple moments of peace and enjoyment. Philosophers and psychologists’ debate whether happiness is primarily an emotional state, a mindset, or something tied to our external circumstances, however most people agree that it involves a balance of positive emotions, a sense of purpose, and a feeling of connection with other people.

 

You can spend a lifetime searching for happiness. But does happiness have a true potential 100% state and if it does, is a 70% pass rate or greater enough to feel happy?

 

So, using this as a criterion, how’s your own ‘happiness-meter’ been reading recently?

 

Personally, I spent most of my time nearer the 100% end of the spectrum but of course there are darker times the same as anyone else endures, where things are just hard work. Luckily, I’m surrounded by a great group of positively minded people that help me see the brighter side of life which helps me feel valued and needed. 

 

And that makes me happy, and that’s good enough for me.

 

What’s your happiness percentage right now?

1,201 Marathons - 284 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Ship to Wreck - Florence and the Machine

Don't wreck your Ship...

The Fighting Temeraire, tugged to her last berth to be broken up is a painting by the English artist Joseph Mallord William Turner, painted in 1838. It depicts the 98-gun HMS Temeraire, one of the last ships to have played a role in the Battle of Trafalgar, being towed up the Thames by a paddle-wheel steam tug, towards its final berth in Rotherhithe to be broken up for scrap.

The painting hangs in the National Gallery, London, having been bequeathed to the nation by the artist in 1851, as part of the Turner Bequest. In a poll organised by BBC Radio 4's Today programme in 2005, it was voted the nation's favourite painting it was even featured in the movie Skyfall.

 

There’s a whole out with the old, in with the new theory that accompanies the painting, and Wiki has a great commentary if you are interested.

 

Anyway, it's always been one of my 'Go-to' things to see, if I have a spare moment when I'm in London. And I was there again this morning where the gallery was exceedingly busy, mostly with tourists, and got me thinking at just how many eyes have ever viewed this work.

 

It’s difficult to predict precisely how many people but the gallery attracts approximately 5-6 million visitors annually and since the painting is one of the most iconic works in the collection, a significant portion of these visitors must have seen it.

 

Multiply that number by the odd century or so and it could well be hundreds of millions. You see, people from far and wide come to see with their own eyes Turner's artistic magic.

 

Don't get me wrong as I did also see ‘An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump’

, 'Mr and Mrs Andrews' and 'The Stonemasons Yard' whilst I was there (Wright, Gainsborough and Canaletto would be proud of me) - I mean why wouldn't you see the nations’ favourite, as The Fighting Temeraire is the Bohemian Rhapsody in the Queen back catalogue, the Cullinan Diamond in the Coronation Crown and an ever-constant in a constantly changing world.

 

I first saw it when I was 18 or so and marvelled at it then and will continue to marvel at it for as many years I have to come. It's great that somethings never change and that we get tired of them.

 

You see the world is full of man-made wonder if you go looking for it. 

 

So I’d like to know what’s your point of reference – what’s your Fighting Temeraire?

1,201 Marathons - 284 Ultras - 9 GWR - 17 MDS - 1 Life

The Dark Side of the Gloom…

Winter has for a long been a time of darkness and depression. Whilst some people embrace the season as a time for cozy evenings in, warm drinks, and holiday celebrations, for others, it can feel like a heavy, inescapable fog. Seasonal depression, more formally referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a common yet deeply personal struggle that affects millions of people in the UK. For those who experience this pervasive gloom, winter can feel endless, its grey skies mirroring an inner emotion of doom and gloom.

The most immediate and obvious contributor to Winter depression is the lack of daylight. As the daylight gets shorter, our exposure to sunlight diminishes, disrupting our body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm that governs when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. Reduced sunlight can lead to a drop in serotonin, the neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in mood regulation, and melatonin, which affects sleep patterns.

 

The biological impact of these changes can be profound. The darkness affects how the brain functions and the chemical imbalance manifests itself as lethargy, irritability, and a persistent sadness that feels as cold and immovable as the frozen ground itself.

 

Winter forces us indoors. It cuts us off from our social connections and activities that sustain us during the warmer months. Venturing out for walk in the park or meeting friends for coffee, becomes far less appealing, if not outright impossible. Even for those who aren’t naturally extroverted, the absence of human interaction can intensify feelings of loneliness.

 

Christmas Holidays, which are typically framed as joyous occasions, can exacerbate these feelings for people dealing with depression. They bring expectations of happiness, family togetherness, and festivity that can feel like an unbearable contrast to one’s internal state. For some, this season is a stark reminder of loss, whether it’s the absence of a loved one or the unfulfilled promise of relationships and goals.

 

As far as going for a run, it’s a truly Baltic experience. The thought of getting wet through or running on icy roads are just two good reasons to close the curtains and get back into a nice warm comfy bed.

 

The loss of physical inertia often feeds into a state of mental stagnation. A lack of activity can leave the mind free to ruminate on negative thoughts, creating a downwards spiral that deepens the depressive state. The motivation to combat these feelings dwindles as the season progresses, creating a cycle that becomes impossible to break.

While others might marvel at the beauty of snow-covered landscapes, those grappling with seasonal depression often perceive the same scenes as lifeless and bleak.

 

Acknowledging that these feelings provide a glimmer of hope. While this doesn’t erase the pain, it frames the experience as something with an endpoint.

 

One of the most effective treatments for SAD is light therapy, which involves sitting near a specialised light box that mimics natural sunlight. This simple practice can help reset the circadian rhythm and boost serotonin levels, alleviating some symptoms of depression.

 

Establishing a daily routine can also help combat the aimlessness that often accompanies seasonal depression. Regular sleep, exercise, and meals provide a sense of normality and control, even when things feel bleak.

 

While winter might make socialising more difficult, staying connected to loved ones is vital. Even a quick phone call or an online chat can remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles.

 

Embracing winter, rather than resisting it, can also help. Activities like running, or simply walking in the snow can provide fresh air and a sense of achievement. Dressing warmly and spending even a few minutes outdoors during daylight hours can make a significant difference.

 

One of the paradoxical lessons of winter depression is the importance of acceptance. Fighting against feelings of sadness often intensifies them. Instead, acknowledging and naming these emotions can provide a sense of relief. 

 

Accepting winter as a natural part of the cycle of life can be a small but meaningful shift in perspective. Just as the earth rests and regenerates during these months, so too can we. Winter might strip the world of colour and warmth, but it also lays the groundwork for Spring’s renewal.

 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been particularly effective in treating SAD, as it helps folk reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping mechanisms. One of the most isolating aspects of winter depression is the belief that you’re alone in feeling this way. Sharing these feelings with others can create a sense of solidarity and understanding.

 

Winter, for all its challenges, is a shared human experience. It is a season that reminds us of the importance of resilience and community. Even in its darkest moments, there is light to be found, whether in a fleeting patch of sunlight, the warmth of a friend’s voice, or the promise of Spring’s eventual arrival.

 

Being depressed by winter is not simply a matter of disliking cold weather or preferring the sun - it’s a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. 

 

But before you know it, Spring will be with us and the daylight hours will grow, and the warmth of the sun will return. Until then, small acts of care, staying connected, and embracing the stillness - can guide us through the season’s darkest days.

And if you are training for your ‘A’ race next year, then this is the time to get out there and make the most of the Dark Side of the Gloom, you can start by changing your mindset today.

1,201 Marathons - 284 Ultras - 9 GWR - 17 MDS - One Life

Marathon - Rush

Middlekerke - 1997

I find it hard to believe but I ran my first ever marathon, 30 years ago today. And what a ride it's been, especially as in just a few days I'll be running my 1200th at the Druids Challenge! When I set out on the Telford Marathon, on that fateful Sunday morning in 1994, I never thought that I'd still be running marathons well into my sixties or that I would have run so many.

Why? Well I still enjoying covering the magical 26 miles 385yards distance or more as I love the feeling of accomplishment that a marathon always seems to deliver. And I've run some of the hardest, hottest, longest and even sandiest races there are and yes, also some were really muddy, wet and dull but I've enjoyed them all.

A marathon is a marathon at the end of the day and the greatest gift has actually been meeting and making new friends along the way. You know who you are. And if you are going the Druid Challenge this weekend please make sure you say hello and be part of my landmark marathon - see you there.

1,197 Marathons - 281 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - One life

Photograph - Def Leppard

A day in July 1970...

Most of my blogs are about running however, I wanted to share a moment that happened to me the other day. Now, as you know I live in Cardiff, but I grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and lived there for some 37 years and have very many fond memories and am still in touch with many old school-mates and friends.

 

Feeling nostalgic, I joined the, ‘Stratford-upon-Avon Now and Then’ Facebook Group’ where folk post old photos of the town, people comment mostly on how much it was better in the ‘old days’.

 

Anyway, the above pretty innocuous photo of the Railway Station was added with the caption ‘Lots of people mingling for a railway special at Stratford. Now, I don’t know what made me look closely at the picture, my inquisitive nature or that it felt kinda familiar BUT when I looked at the bottom right corner, I saw myself at 8 years of age, next to my Grandad with my elder brother next to him.

 

A cold shiver down the spine moment. You see, the photo shows a moment in time, of a day I’d forgotten. A day in July 1970, spent with my Grandad seeing the Castle Class 7209 Clun Castle (which he fired) come into the station and for him to excitedly take his Grandchildren on the footplate and relive some of his memories too.

 

It got me thinking about the memories we make, and then simply forget. If we had an iPhone back in 1970, no doubt we’d have documented the day and would have photos and videos of the whole experience rather than this one random photo.

However, memories are made in the soul as well as in the mind perhaps and I’m endeavouring to hang on to as many as I can, so when I’m much older I can replay the memory in my mind just as I have with this one brief snapshot.

1,197 Marathons - 281 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - A Life FULL of Memories

 

We are the Champions - Queen

 A Connection with Community... 

For some years I’ve networked my client-base in a WhatsApp community to great effect. However, it wasn’t always like that, and I’ll freely admit I didn’t think it was the wisest of moves when I created it. At the time, I was worried that it would bring unrest and cause gang warfare amongst its members, or even worse collectively backfire on me - it’s creator.

 

How wrong I was? 

 

The group has become a massive part of working with me in ‘Team Coleman’. It’s a platform where everyone can share the ups and downs of their journeys. A journey to a more meaningful life, safe in the knowledge that they will only receive support and friendship, not judgement.

Right now, WhatsApp provides the perfect environment for this to happen. Previously especially in the early years of the internet, all we had was forums and chatrooms. These were hives of opinion and bullying, and the same happened with the advent of Facebook Groups. And as Facebook might now be considered as somewhat passé, certainly since lockdown, WhatsApp has become the platform for anyone wanting to be part of a group.

 

The ‘Team Coleman’ Group is a very reactive, adaptive and spontaneous environment, and quite simply people love being part of it. The proof is that it pings all-day long, every day.

 

And as Mrs. SS a current ‘Team Coleman’ member says, ‘I’m part of a community that has supported me through thick and thin, and thicker. It’s encouraged me to take on challenges that I thought were for other, better, people. I’ve started to realise in this community that maybe I’m not so broken or abnormal and that I can achieve. Maybe also I’m ok’.

 

Testament indeed.

 

Now, when my own life-journey began some thirty years ago, there was no connection - you were out there on your own. And if you were battling addiction and wanting to undergo a personal system upgrade, it was a lonely solo-existence. My progress was determined using a simple trial-and-error method, where I learned the hard way how to live life, and live clean, with the hope of a brighter future.

 

Scroll forwards to 2024, and sharing this knowledge with a group of people who are also searching, as I was back in 1994 for ‘Life’s Ingredient-X’, is super-rewarding, and it got me thinking why the ‘Team Coleman’ Community is so successful. 

 

So, here’s some research.

 

According to Google, a community is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been fundamental to human survival and well-being throughout history. It encompasses a range of social, cultural, economic, and environmental dimensions, playing a vital role in shaping identities, fostering connections, and supporting development. Communities share a common feature: a sense of belonging and mutual support among their members – TEAM COLEMAN - TICK

 

At its core, a community is a group of individuals who share common values, interests, or experiences and interact with one another over time. The significance of community lies in its ability to provide emotional support, foster relationships, and create a sense of identity - TEAM COLEMAN - TICK

 

Humans are inherently social beings, and belonging to a community satisfies a fundamental need for connection and companionship. In fact, research has shown that strong social ties are linked to better mental health, longer life expectancy, and higher levels of happiness - TEAM COLEMAN - TICK

 

Communities also serve as support networks during times of crisis or difficulty. Whether it’s through providing practical assistance, emotional encouragement, or simply being present, communities play a crucial role in helping individuals navigate challenges – TEAM COLEMAN – TICK.

So, it’s great that ‘Team Coleman’ ticks the boxes, but in back in the real world what I do know is…

 

The spirit within the ‘Team Coleman’ Group is bigger than any one part and certainly much bigger than anything I can ever deliver.

 

Ultimately, being part of the ‘Team Coleman’ community provides support, identity, and a sense of belonging. The advice and approval from within are a complete library of knowledge and experience that no one person could ever deliver.

 

And as ‘Team Coleman’ continues to help people find a brighter future, my heartfelt thanks go to a random cross section of people from around the globe, connected by a simple WhatsApp group – you are my inspiration. 

 

Now if you would like to be part of a unique community and are looking for an adventure, then just contact me and become part of a Group that’s really going places.

1,196 Marathons - 281 Ultras - 9 GWR - 17 Marathon des Sables - 1 Life