When I opened it, I could;t stop smiling. Below I’ve attached Rhonda’s email and I think it goes to show that a little perspective mixed with a little bit of motivation is all we need in life to achieve things of meaning!

“Hi Seb

Thanks for your personalised email I was excited whenI received it.

You were certainly a real inspiration to me and I read your book at exactly the right time in my life.

Since I emailed you last I have been looking for another job. I am in the superannuation/financial indusrty. Once I made the decision to leave the hard part was what did I want to do? It didn’t take me long to realise that I no longer wanted to work in the city, commute by train or work in the superannuation/financial industry. After a close friend typed up my resume I was actively looking on seek.com.au.

I have applied for 5 positions since, had two interviews and just yesterday was given the best news ever!!!!!!!!  I got the job out of 300 applicants (the second interview I went for, the first I did not like the job at all) .  I am stoked, happy elated and over the moon. It ticked all the boxes – my happiness first (my new employer and what they were like at the interview and how well was I going to get along), the job role, the location, hours etc – money came last and was not disappointed with what was on offer.  I did it.

You were my inspiration and I cannot thank enough. I talk about your book to all my friends and one friend today told me he was going to read it.

My next adventure I want to go up in a hot air balloon and someday soon will do it.

I hope you are still ticking off your bucket list and wish you well for the future.

Again thank you so very very much

Rhonda   ”

A huge congratulations is owed- and I think that her story is one that can inspire us all. Anything is possible, as long as you are willing to commit all your energies to it.

100 Things… What’s on your list?

The talk went really well (I love doing them!) and at the end of the night, as always, I spent some time talking to people from the 1,800 strong crowd. Of all the lovely feedback I get from giving these talks, the conversations I enjoy the most are the ones where someone approaches me and asks how I think they should go about achieving a goal of theirs that they’ve only just realised. My answer is typically the same everytime;

“You’ve done the hard work by taking a moment to first realize your goal- now all you have to do is DO IT!” It’s that easy.

On this particular night, one such conversation I had was with a Brittish lady who told me that her main ambition was to become an artist.

“Seb, how do I get started?” she asked after approaching the subject slowly.

“Well tomorrow in your lunch break why don’t you go and buy yourself a painting easel (a stand), some paint and a blank canvas?”

“Is it that simple?” she said, taken aback that it seemed so easy.

“Absolutely. It’s going to be really hard without those things and there’s no other way around it”

“You know what; I actually already have an easel and some paint, so all I need to get is a blank canvas. Do you think I should do it tomorrow?”

“YES!”

As people we like to create walls that we use as excuses NOT to achieve things in life. Whether is be time, money, commitments etc etc we convince ourselves that everything is too hard. The key is to break this negative habit of creating barriers by telling yourself that anything is possible. In this case, the lovely lady had already identified her goal and had the tools to achieve it, but for some reason needed permission to go and do it.

The Canvas in Question...

She continued,

“You know what? My Mum also really wants me to paint her a picture as well, so I’ll make that my first priority! I can’t believe it’s taken me all this time to realize how easy it is.”

I couldn’t have agreed more.

With that I grabbed her phone and put a reminder in her calendar that at lunch on the next day she had to go but a blank canvas. I also gave her my email address and we agreed that she whould email me a photo of the blank canvas to prove that she did it.

I’ve found that with my own journey, the breaking down of perceived barriers in my life has allowed me to live and achieve things that previously I could only have dreamed of. By doing so, I guess i’m an example of how easy it is to empower yourself by making a slight change in your mental attitude. Looking back, I can say that the hardest thing was making the change but once it happened, I was a different person.

Sadly i haven’t heard from the budding artist as yet. She said that she would email me yesterday. I can only hope that in buying her blank canvas she also managed to lose my email address. Wishful thinking? Perhaps, but fort those of you reading this who feel that she may have let a chance to achieve her goal get away, just make sure the same thing doesn’t happen to you.

We all have a blank canvas to work with!

100 Things… What’s on your list?

Therefore today it brings me great pleasure to know I’ll be flying back home for the first time in what feels like a century! The funny thing about this though is that 2 hours after landing I jump on another plane bound for New Zealand! I won;t have enough to time to go home for a shower. The truth is though that I love it!

WIth many things going on and plenty of emails and various odds and ends to attend to whilst continuing this busy little traveling schedule, I read an email last night that reminds of me why I continue to catch planes to odd cities at ridiculous hours. It’s sent to me by a 100 Things campaigner by the name of Tania and comes in the form of an article that she was asked to write by a magazine focused on dealing with the lives of those affected by Spina Bifida.

Tania and her new favourite book (I hope!)

Tania, I should say, has Spina Bifida. The amazing thing about Tania is the turn around that she’s experienced in her life of late, all prompted by the a list which she decided to create after reading the 100 Things book. In honesty it’s stories like these that make this whole journey worth it.

When a drop of water splashes into a pond and the ripples of the impact spread out towards the pond’s edge, it’s known as a ripple effect. The above article is just this. The 100 Things may well have inspired Tania to create her own list and find purpose in her life, but just as importantly as this is the fact that Tania’s story will now go on and inspire someone else. The hope is that the pattern continues.

Imagine that!

Well done Tania for everything you’re doing and thanks for the lovely words. I look forward to hearing more.

Bring on New Zealand!

100 Things… What’s on your list?

Now I’m happy to admit that on face value, this item is one of the more superficial on the list, but at the end of the day, why not? Goals are allowed to be superficial at times, I think!  The driver here was simple, I just wanted to fulfill a childhood dream of walking upon the hallow turf of a place so exclusive and bizarre that it acts as a home to a bevy of beautiful women who wear bunny ears all day and one extremely lucky man who dresses in a robe.

“Seb I hear you’re in LA on April 30th? I’m getting you in the Playboy Mansion”

The email I received from an anonymous person whilst traveling in the US was one I replied to immediately. Several exchanges later and I received another one that I admit made me smile with anticipation;

“Confirmed! Arrive at the Mansion gates and ask for a security guard called The Rock. Once they let you in, I’ve arranged for playmate Deanna Brooks to meet you and give you a personal tour of the Playboy Mansion. Enjoy and let me know how it goes”

I wish I could say that I worked harder for this invite but this was as hard as  it got. All I had to do was turn up. Number 89- Visit the Playboy Mansion was about to become a reality.

One thing that I love about kids is that they wear their emotions on their faces for all to see. If they’re sad; they present their big bottom lip with an accompanying frown. If they’re confused; they’ll stare vacantly back at you with an open mouth and when they’re excited they’ll sport a ridiculously large smile and giggle loudly. As I drove up to the gates of the Playboy Mansion, I must have looked like the latter. I couldn’t help giggling!

Talking to a voice through an intercom, I sat at the front gates nervously wondering what life was like beyond the gates, and after announcing my name whilst trying to sound calm, the gates slowly opened,  revealing a long driveway winding through a well kept and lush garden. After driving slowly with anticipation, the first sign I saw was wedged into a bush half way up the driveway. It read, ‘Playmates at Play’. Just as I imagined!

A further few twists and turns up the driveway and the lush gardens opened up to a huge old manor house, in front of which sat a beautiful water fountain acting as a turning circle for cars. Quietly I hoped that they might also act as some kind splash pool for playing bunnies. This was it, the Playboy Mansion.

The first thing to recognize here is the beauty of the place. Modeled on an Scottish manor house, the whole grounds are immaculately kept. Huge trees lined the various gardens and green grass basks in the sunlight as I curiously looked around one more time for playing bunnies. Nothing. With that a buxom lady opens the front door to the mansion and walked over towards me.

“Sebastian?”

“Yes!” I replied, slightly louder than anticipated.

“I’m Deanna Brooks and i’m so glad you could make it. Welcome to the Playboy Mansion”

Deanna, me and a special piece of paper

Deanna Brooks was a Playmate a few years back. A beautiful and petite lady fitting the mould of what is expected of a Playmate, she also immediately came across as intelligent and funny.

Deanna shook my hand and explained how she was excited to take me around the grounds whilst sharing with me the ins and outs of the place. Not knowing too much about the Mansion or the lifestyle that came with it, I was surprised to hear that there was a zoo, an avery, as well as a few scattered building with themed rooms, around the grounds. The one thing that didn’t surprise me though was mention of a place they call ‘The Grotto’. Based in an underwater cavern, rumours have it, the Grotto plays host to many Playboy after partys, where swimwear and civilised behavior are both optional. This I was looking forward to see!

Allowing time on her own birthday to show me around the grounds, Deanna was doing me a huge favor, and before long we were strolling around the grounds very informally as we spoke about stories of the Mansion and the amazing man behind it all; Hugh Hefner, or Hef. Dating as many girls at one time as most men could hope for in a lifetime, Hef’s life seemed to be one moulded around his love of art, appreciation of beauty and fondness for fun. As we entered a quaint games room hidden in a far corner of the grounds, a series of Playboy pin-ball machines sat next to a well used pool table and an array of Playboy memorabilia adorned all around the room. This room played host to recreational time for Hugh, his bunnies and his guests. Deanna tells many a story, each one involving a celebrity of one sort or another who has become a friend of the mansion over time. Bill Cosby, John Lennon, and even Jimmy Conners made their way here often. Jimmy Conners excuse was that the Mansion also had a tennis court. Clever boy.

In what is somewhat of a misconception, the mansion itself is not a place full of TV cameras, pillow fights and drama. In fact it’s simply a house where people live their lives (consistent with his reputation, Deanna explained that Hef’s wardrobe is full of pyjamas). Poker nights on a Thursday, Boys night on a Wednesday, and even a Movie night on Sundays. Sure there is a zoo (which holds about 80 monkeys, rare birds and some incredible looking fish), but Hef and his girls all live here as one big family. This atmosphere is something that I felt everywhere. As strange as it may sound, the whole place feels quite homely.

Playboy and Hef memorabilia in the Games Room

Deanna, who after showing me an intricately mirrored room with padded flooring, a handy shower and velvet finish (if only the walls could talk!), then took me over to the zoo where she was clearly eager to introduce me to some of her old friends. Coco the recently widowed monkey, Inca the big billed Tucan, and a host of fish all welcoming our every move within a series of jungle-themed areas seemed to recognize Deanna’s face instantly. For the next thirty minutes I simply followed as she made sure to say hello to all of her mates who she knew from the days when she lived at the mansion herself.

Monkey business at the Mansion zoo

Soon after walking a circuit around the house, being sure to peak through most windows of the private main building as Deanna points out Hef’s art collection, video room and poker lounge, we’re stopped in our steps by a flock of extravagant peacocks all of whom are hanging around a giant trampoline towards the back of the mansion. The fact that it’s mating season makes me laugh as we fittingly walk through their flirtatious behavior towards a huge swimming pool accessorized with a central rock landscape and a few waterfalls to fit. It’s stunning.

“So Sebastian, this is where we have a lot of fun; in the pool!”

This makes perfect sense and after dipping my toe in the water, I notice a small cave like opening at one end of the pool. A waterfall gushes over the entrance adding to it’s subtlety and as I gaze towards it, trying to see inside, Deanna delivers the great news;

“And this, Sebastian, is the Grotto. You know you’ve made it if you make it in here”

Caving

Of all of the stories that you may hear about the Playboy Mansion, they all seem to somehow involve the Grotto. For this reason, I simply had to see it.

Beckoning me in with the knowledge of a seasoned veteran, Deanna walked us past the cave entrance and through a secret doorway to the side of the rock face that allows us to stay dry. Flicking a few light switches on the way in, I entered the Grotto with a great big smile- like everything else in the place; it was amazing. A congregation of small Jacuzzi style rock pools all linked with one another, sparkle  brightly thanks to an array of underwater mood lights, giving the room the feel of a pirate’s caves full of treasure. The privacy of the grotto is alluring and only supports the nature of the activities that have become folk law in this great room.

'The Grotto'

Running in-between all the jaccuzis is a central body of water which links the front and back exits of the grotto- a subtle getaway route for those trying to remain anonymous at night. Deanna shares some more stories, insinuating that things other than conversation take place here on occasions. Childlike, I find it hard holding back one question that I’ve had in my head all day and without meaning to blurt it out;

“Can I jump in the water, Deanna?!”

Smiling back, the answer is positive.

“Sure, I won’t tell anyone”

Thirty seconds later, realizing that I don’t have any swimwear, I’m forced to think on my feet. There is only one option; nudity. Apologizing to Deanna in advance, I dart behind a large rock only to reappear shortly after, springing somewhat unelegantly into a particularly shallow jaccuzzi, bubbling ferociously. Laughter fills the grotto as I take a seat and take in the moment- I’m naked in the Grotto! This could not get any better.

I made it! Now to find a shower...

“Where you’re sitting is actually Hef’s favorite seat.”

I’m not sure that the image of sitting in the very same place that Hef’s buttocks have occupied was a good thing or not, but i was going to have to get over this quickly- as Deanna then points out;

“Congratulations, you’ve now been with many naked people have been before”

Laughing together, I subconcioulsy wonder whether there are showers near by.

Now I’d be lying to you if I said that I didn’t spend the next twenty minutes frolicking around the Grotto (even completing a cheeky lap of the outside pool in full view of a few startled gardeners), smiling with joy with every stroke, but it was the last part of this day that I remember the most. Feeling completely at home with the sweet Deanna, the idea of this unique tour had been forgotten and dismissing time, we found ourselves sat in the depths of the Grotto, having a conversation on the meaning of life, self-fulfillment and what was on her list. The fact that I was sitting naked in Hef’s chair just made it even better.

I had to do it... laughter though was somewhat disheartening!

It was in this moment that i wished her happy birthday and realized that I’d ticked off one of the stranger items from the list; Number 89- Visit the Playboy Mansion: TICK!

Something that rings true throughout my trip is the generosity of people. I truly believe that people everywhere have the capacity to help another, but it’s often finding an avenue to help that stops the most from achieving this. In this case of being given an opportunity to visit the mansion, I can’t thank Mr Anonymous enough for his selfless offer. The funny thing though is that the bigger picture here has nothing to do with bunny ears, robes or hidden caves, instead these things are just a cover to what is the really important message; people helping people. Everyone has goals, and alone we can certainly throw ourselves at something at full pace, but just as important as this is the idea of community and helping others.This is what my own journey of 100 Things has led me to realize. Connecting with people and spreading the spirit of generosity, support and community is crucial.

It resonates with one of the final things that Deanna tells me. Even though every year, 12 new playmates are taken on board by Hef, the connection is often life long. This is evident as Deanna explains that she crashed at the Mansion the night before after sharing a few too many birthday drinks with Hef. While sharing some of the great experiences she’s had from being involved with Playboy, Deanna shares that one of her favorite experiences was recently attending the Carnival in Rio with Hef’s son and several other Playmates. Playboy is a community.

I always get asked what item i’m next ticking off on my list, and certainly my mind is focused on this constantly, but just as much of my time now is committed to forwarding on and multiplying all of the generosity that I have felt on this journey so far.

What a day! There are big things ahead I think.

100 Things… What’s on your list?

Now i always like to finish a trip like this off with a bang and what better way to end this US tour than by ticking something from the list, right? Therefore, ladies and Gentleman (please excuse my childish excitement), it is with a great big smile that I can say that tomorrow, just hours before our flight home, I will be ticking off Number 89 from the list- Go to the Playboy Mansion!

The Mansion

Now when I made up the list, I penned down an array of things that I’d always wanted to do. Childhood fantasies sat next to adult challenges, with all items testing me in a number of various ways as well as offering experiences that I’d never confronted. Therefore I should at this stage mention that this item is probably the most superficial item on the list, but as it’s something that I once identified as important, there is no better reason to follow through with it.

The offer as it happened came from an anonymous source who is somehow connected to the Playboy team. Telling me that he ‘knew someone who knew someone’, a ticket came through to me just a few days ago and as a consequence at 10am tomorrow I will meet a Playboy Bunny at the front gates to the LA based Playboy Mansion, to be shown in private the whole she-bang! It would be rude not to!

So at this stage, it’s all about packing my suitcase for Australia whilst trying to contain my childlike excitement. It’s good to feel like a kid sometimes- at the end of the day- why not? haha I’ll give you the update tomorrow!

Wish me luck.

100 Things… What’s on your list?

Recently I received a sizable donation from a person I’d never met before. Having heard of the 100 Things story and that Number 4 on the list was to raise $100,000 for Camp Quality, this anonymous person felt compelled to show a great deal of generosity through their donation. Noticing such a generous gesture, I thanked the individual and asked what the drive for the donation was. Their reply was simple this;

“Well when I was younger, I stole my Dad’s car and took it for a drive late at night. Losing control around a corner, I slid off the road and drove straight into a fence, damaging both it and the car! Driving off without stopping, I prayed that my Dad never found out! The next day I woke up only to find out that the fence surrounded a Camp Quality building. I felt terrible. Ever since this day, I’ve felt like I’ve needed to make amends and so that’s what drove my donation! Thanks for raising money for such a great organization- I feel a lot better for now being able to help”

I’m not sure if it’s a bad thing that I couldn’t help but giggle when I heard the story, but it’s a great story of how someone over time can right wrongs, so to speak.

'Happiness is the best medicine'

As it stands, the total amount now raised for Camp Quality is over $50,000! We are getting there and if like some others, you have crashed into a fence of a Camp Quality building, please get i touch or better still CLICK HERE and make amends. If you’ve never crashed into a Camp Quality fence, well you’re most welcome to donate as well!

For more information on the great work that Camp Quality do, please check out their site HERE!

100 Things… What’s on your list?

Talk Time

So what am I doing in the states? Well the reason for the trip was initially to give a motivational talk to a company looking for a unique story to share amongst their staff. I’m not going to lie, being flown to another country to give a talk about my journey so far is simply awesome, but not just for the fact that it’s a great travel opportunity. It’s more so the fact that with every talk I give, I can see an audience start to think about their own perspective on eve part of their life. This convinces me that these talks are a great way to spread the positive message of 100 Things. It’s almost as if these people are so close to making a positive change in their life but just need that final push. In a way that’s the role I tend to now take on with everything I do, that of being a catalyst to someone realizing their potential. It’s a great position to be in one that I am so proud to be able to manage.

Two Birds, One Stone

About a year ago I was asked to give a talk to group in Las Vegas. After saying YES, it then dawned on me that it would be a waste to fly all the way out to America without trying to tick something else from my list at the same time. This led to me deciding to address Number 51- Endurance Tandem Bike Ride, by riding a tandem bike with good friend Dave Cornthwaite from Vancouver to Las Vegas (1,400 miles in 14 days- we arrived to the talk on the bike itself!). All I can say is that it made sense at the time and so ever since then I’ve decided that with every overseas speaking opportunity, I would try and further 100 Things by either ticking off an item from the list or by arranging something quite special.

This time around therefore i’m meeting with a good friend of mine called Bert, who just so happens to run one of the most amazing projects I’ve heard of. His company is called ‘Life Is Good’ and his story is just phenomenal.

At a glance, Bert and his brother lived in a van back in the late 80′s. Young creative types trying to make a buck, they hit the streets ‘hawking’ T-shirts that they’d both designed. After not too much success, the brothers designed a shirt that had a big smiling face on it. The face wore a beret and underneath were the words ‘Life Is Good’. They called this character ‘Jake’. On the first day of hitting the streets, they sold all of their ‘Jake’ t-shirts, and by the following week the message of ‘Life is Good’, along with the optimism of Jake’s smile became something of a hit. With $78 to their names in 1994, the company, which soon after formed, is now worth well over $100,000,000!

Jake!

The impressive part of this story though has nothing to do with money! Sure, the business is a huge success but in line with something that I have thought for a while now, it’s only when you start giving back that you really start to live, and Bert and the Life Is Good company have now developed a foundation/movement called ‘Playmakers’, that aims to help pre-school children in need. In their own words,

                           “Certified Playmakers are child care professionals who dedicate their lives to helping kids overcome poverty, violence and illness through the power of play.”

Talk to Bert about what he’s most proud of it’s clear that his drive to give back and help others outweighs all else. The Playmakers foundation operates globally and is something that you should take time to read. It would take me all day to explain the extent of this project so please check out the website HERE! People helping people- amazing!

Bert showing us all his favourite team in the NHL- the Bruins

So what has this got to do with my current trip to America? Well when Bert found out that I was coming to America for a talk, he simply invited me into his offices to have a chat. I said yes- why not really? With no real plan or goal in the meeting, all we’ve said is that we’d like to share some ideas. I believe it’s in the moments when you interact with people who share the same kind of feelings and goals, that great things occur and with that belief how can getting together to brainstorm on a blank canvas be a bad thing!  Community, I am convinced is the key to growth and when people come together, cool things happen.

At the end of the day, i’m excited- and I know that’s a good thing.

Life is Good- Watch this space!

100 Things… What’s on your list?

“Hi Seb,

I just wanted to say I have started reading  your book and find it so inspirational!  I ALWAYS wanted to do something like this but just never has the guts and life just kind of got in the way.  You know; you get married and just expected then to have children.  Well, my marriage ended 2 and a half years ago and apart from taking up some study, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do!  I’ve had a few relationships since but this isn’t what I what.

I’m currently reading your book and you have given me a new lease on life and I am coming up with all this list of things I want to do!  I want to finish my diploma and learn Japanese!  And this is just a start! I also want to visit Cuba now after seeing you write about it.  I also love the fact you say you don’t need money  to be happy!  This is the way I’ve always looked at it and of course. We do need money to get by and do what we want but as long as I have enough money to do this, I am happy!  Thank you Seb and you’ve started me on a life journey and one that I’ve always wanted but just never had the guts or determination to do!  

I also want to let you know I will be donating $50 to Camp Quality.  I have always loved Camp Quality and have wanted to do something to help them. I will be making a donation to them because I want to and because you have inspired me. It is also on behalf of you.

Thank you Seb and I know it won’t happen overnight but I am on my way to writing a list and staring to fulfil it!

Thank you and kind regards,

Vanessa”

Email of the Week!

Having really enjoyed working with kids in various casual jobs up to that point such as surf coaching, I decided to raise money for a kids related charity and after a quick phone call to the first charity that popped into my head, Camp Quality, I was excited to announce that sitting at Number 4 on the list was to raise an ambitious$10,000 for this charity who so amazingly put smiles on the faces of kids and families affected by cancer.

As it happened, i put a donation button on my website immediately and before long people who had first heard about my journey would hop online and donate whatever change they had. With momentum picking up quickly, a few larger donations soon began to trickle in and incredibly we hit the $10,000 mark in about 6 months. Any money that I made by virtue of my list was also donated (this continues today). By this time though I decided that I loved raising funds for Camp Quality and so seeing that my own list wasn’t complete I decided on the spot to raise the target to $100,000!

Today, some two years on, I’m writing with a big smile on my face. I’ve just looked at the total and we are officially half way- $50,000! It’s an amazing feeling!

The first thing I want to do is thank EVERYONE who has been kind enough to donate. It’s generosity like that keeps this world turning.

For example, last week when I ticked off Number 22- Have a Boxing Match, a girl approached me before the fight and handed me a cheque made out to Camp Quality for $500! id never met her but she’d enjoyed the journey and had huge respect for the charity. People are not only donating their hard earned money now but some are also throwing events to raise funds. Two weeks ago I flew down to Melbourne to attend (and speak at) a cabaret night and a trivia night, both of which were organized by followers of the 100 Things journey who just wanted to contribute! These events raised a total of $7,000. On another occasion I gave a talk about three weeks ago to a room full of corporates and at the end of the speech, a man approached me and said ‘I’d like to donate $5,000!’. Amazingly not only did he do this, but he also got his company to match the amount- another $10,000 in total. In two weeks I’d raised $20,000 and it’s because of stories like this that we are now half way to ticking off $100,000!

It’s fair to say that there’s many charities out there and donating to any of these is a great things to do. One thing that I am extra proud about though with Camp Quality is what I’ve seen at the other end of the all the fundraising- the programs. It’s always good to see what happens to the funds.

From in-hospital programs aimed to entertain the kids going through treatment, to in-school programs designed to educate the kids peers about cancer, every base is touched. Yesterday for example I was invited to join a happy group of 30 kids who were all taken to Luna Park in Sydney. This program was offered as respite for the parents who could relax and have their own time for a day while their children were entertained. It really is comprehensive. I could go into lots more details such as saying that 91 cents of every dollar donated goes towards the kids, but more importantly to me is that as I sit here and reflect on what was an incredible day, the one thing I can’t get out of my head is all of the smiles! These kids were constantly smiling.

Laughter is the best medicine

Like Camp Quality say, laughter is the best medicine, and there is no doubt that in a day where I go to speak and engage with the ones who matter the most, the kids themselves, we were all laughing!

I can’t wait to raise another $50,000 and tick off number 4- Raise $100,000 for Camp Quality!

I'm excited...

100 Things… What’s on your list?

In one of those moments where things in front of your eyes seem to process with a slight delay, the first few seconds of the fight had already passed before my brain had caught up. Unfortunately for me by the time that that I realized the fight had started, my 113kg opponent had advanced quickly onto me and was throwing a barrage of punches in the general direction of my head, His tactic was clear, to overwhelm me.
I couldn’t tell which one of his punches actually hit me first, but as soon as it did, I woke from my sleep-like state. By this time of course I was against the ropes weathering an early storm. Sticking my hands up in front of my face to form some kind of protection, I ducked down and pivoted around and under Rod ‘Big Country’ Thompson’s fists and danced backwards creating some space as I began breathing deeply. My tactic was a simple one, try and use my speed to avoid being punched and then counter the big hitter. The only problem was that I was blowing hard through my mouth.

In 10 weeks of training my fitness had got a lot better, but 30 seconds into the fight I already knew that this was going to be harder than any training session that I’d endured. Not only are you throwing and receiving punches but the pure adrenalin that comes from knowing that there is a man within a metre of you intent of knocking you out steals any reserve of energy or composure. It’s like swimming in a pool with a hungry shark at the other end.

In training it was clear that Rod was big and strong but in what was a frightening realization now 60 seconds into the fight, Rod was also aggressive. Standing my ground for as long as I could before he advanced and began throwing his far stronger punches, I found that lashing out combinations of two or three quick punches in the hope of catching him before one of his bombs landed was my best hope to disrupt him. Inevitably a long lurching right hand would make it’s way towards my face and ducking out of it’s way in the nick of time became a quickly formed reflex which would be repeated time and time again as he chased me around the ring.

By the time the two minute bell had sounded to indicate the end of the first round, I realized I was in a fight. I also realized that any memory of tactics, style, or technique had long been forgotten. We were two wild men in a brawl. It was scary. It was just what I’d hoped and by the sounds of the crowds reactions, they were having fun too!

With that my trainer jumped in the ring and pushed my into my corner. Sixty seconds later after giving me some tactics to concentrate on, he asked me to repeat what he had said. I could’t remember a thing!

Guard up and finding some range

“Ding DIng. Seconds out. Round 2!”

Similar to the first round, Rod starts the second round with a bullying approach, rushing past my jab with weight and strength. Punches rain down on me as my counter jabs sting him some what gently on his bigger frame. As I scamper around the ring with a strong stance and a weaving body, I remember a dream that I had a as a child. The dream itself involved a mystery man whom wanted to fight me, but no matter how many time I hit him, he seemed invincible to my full-blooded blows. With my dream in mind and occasionally hitting the marauding Rod with a variety of punches, I fear my power to be inferior but after a fiery exchange where I manage to avoid some heavy shots, I land some wild right hands of my own. Surprisingly, I see a retreating opponent, apparently affected by my punches which have connected flush with Rod’s slow-moving-head.

Until this moment in my life I”ve never had a fight- this is why having a boxing match is on my list, and so as the bigger Rod reclines into the ropes with a dazed look on his face, I’m unsure whether he’s hurt or just tired. The fact though is that he’s hurt. I advance on a tiring opponent with a desire to take advantage of my recent punches but as I try to step forward with visions of finishing the fight, an incredible fatigue consumes my body and halts my progress. I can barely move. Momentum though takes me forward and after slipping past some of his instinctual defensive shots, I land two more big rights on his jaw causing him to stumble again backwards. Slowly I realize that i’m now on the front foot and after a flurry of punches between us which again sees me connect directly with Rod’s head, the referee steps in, separating me from making more contact. It’s only seconds later that I realise that he’s actually stepped in to protect my opponent- unbeknownst to me, my punches have caused some damage. The referee is now giving big Rod a standing 10-count.

Being ushered into a neutral corner of the ring, I stand there gasping for air. I realize that I’m doing well now, but my fitness is reminding me that I have limits. Rod I think feels the same, but as the referee first checks Rod’s awareness before then waving us on to battle again, his bold movements towards me give me no confidence that I’m near to ending the fight. Instead in the tone that the first round took, I soon find myself scampering backwards, avoiding some more big shots. This man is like a robot! Bouncing off the ropes and under a few more shots from Rod, I somehow avoid his big right by ducking backwards and again pivoting off the ropes and as I do I instinctually bounce back and strike him awkwardly on the side of his head. A combination of a lack of balance and a clean head shot sends Rod to the canvas in a heap. He’s on his back and I can see he’s hurting. Although I wish it was the power of my punch that keeps him down there I know full well that a fitter boxer would jump up straight away. Regardless, again the referee steps in to momentarily assess Rod’s health. Swiftly he stands up and shows the referee that he’s OK. Thankfully he is.

It’s at this moment that that I fully appreciate our predicament. To the spectator, it may seem now I’m winning but I this fight is not about winning or losing, it’s about a test far more real- something about our passion to live. I stand there wondering how Rod may react and Rod I know is standing pondering the same thing. It’s only in these times of complete unknown so we fully figure out who we are. Rod, with every fibre of his body wanting to come back, again attacks my position with his now predicted style of big punches. Although battered, he again throws heavy punches which I avoid and somehow counter with a few lighter jabs to his face. Seconds the later the round ends and I return to my corner with an amazing feeling that I’ve outgrown my dream.

“Seb! You’re doing well, mate”

My trainer seems pleased.

Rod hitting the canvas...

“Ding Ding. Seconds out. Round 3!”

Although in total we’ve boxed for just 4 minutes, my body and head are convinced it’s been 4 hours. Any suggestion that 10 weeks of training has increased my endurance is highly debatable as my once light-footed skip into the middle of the ring now resembles a slow ballroom shuffle.

As I pound my gloves together readying my fists for one last bout of survival, the referee pre-meditatively steps in between me and the equally tired Rod. Ushering me back to where I came from, he then leads my opponent into a neutral corner and pushes him against the ropes as he peers into his eyes deeply. Then holding both of his hands in front of Rod’s face, he begins another 10-count. Rod’s evidently still hurt after the last round! After reaching ten, the match doctor is called to the side of the ring and with the aid of a torch peers again into Rod’s eyes. As words are spoken between the doctor and the referee, I stand there like a lonely figure across the ring wondering if the fight is over. My fatigue tells me that a fight cut short is a good thing but my hope is that we get to continue. This is fun.

Suddenly glancing over to me and calling me into the middle of the ring, the referee  asks from across the ring if I’m OK. Nodding YES, I shuffle forward and wait for the decision. With that referee steps aside and asks Rod the same question. He too nods and a second later we’re told to ‘Box!’. The fight is back on.

If Rod was hurt, he covered it well and although I can feel that a few more effective shots of my own would stop the fight, I find it hard calling upon reserves that I don’t have. As such I stand there throwing an assortment of tired jabs. With that Rod hits me with a big shot and send me into the ropes. As my I lean back over the top rope, his follow up shot connects square with the front of my head causing a spray of sweat to explode into the air. A quick analysis allows me to realize that I haven’t been knocked down and my legs thankfully allow me to duck under his swings and escape his onslaught. Having figured out that our right hand shots seem to be inflicting the most damage, we both turn into one-armed boxers, swinging with no technique, occasionally hitting the other with scrappy shots. I feel that we’re not doing the art of boxing must justice, but regardless the crowd are cheering louder with every second.

With every tick from my list, the sense of progress when in the moment is something   that cannot be topped. WIth another shot from Rod glancing my head, my exterior may be exhausted but I feel I’m growing as a person. It’s exhilarating. This boxing match, number 22 from my list, has done exactly what I’d hoped for. Life is amazing. A quick burst of energy sees me hit Rod with a few hooks. He covers up as we both breathe deeply.

For a further minute and a half, Rod and I circle each other fully aware that we’re both on our last legs. This has been one of the most tiring things I’ve ever done in my life. The crowd at this stage are all cheering for two blokes who have given it there all and after a few more exchanges where fittingly no one is hurt, the bell sounds for the end of the fight. Relived, fatigued and excited, we come together one last time but this time to hug. We did it. It’s moments like this that I live for. I feel successful in a way that I can’t explain. Boxing on this occasion is the vehicle for what is the bigger journey of life. I’m enjoying every moment and it’s a with a sweaty body that I say thanks to Rod.

The referee congratulates us on what has been a great fight and standing in-between us one last time he raises both of our hands into the air for what is a predetermined draw in the spirit of this exhibition match. I enjoy being told later that if a winner had to be declared I would take the spoils but a draw is far more fitting. We both stepped in the ring because we wanted a challenge and together we made it happen.

A final hug... Number 22- Have a Boxing Match- TICK!

Number 22- Have a Boxing Match: TICK!

What’s on your list?