Category Archives: Guest Inspirational

100 Things- good for the workplace!

One of the most interesting questions I field with corporate bosses inviting me to speak to their staff is this;

“We’re looking forward to hear you speak but can you please ensure that our staff don’t quit tomorrow so they can go and travel!?”

The simple answer is YES, but it’s a point worth discussing.

Although my own story involves events and activities outside the norm of a typical 9-5 job, it’s the principal behind my actions that have merit, not the actions themselves. At no point would I ever suggest that anyone should skydive naked, marry a stranger in Vegas or attempt stand-up comedy (3 items from my list), but I do though encourage people to ask what is important to them and in doing so, find purpose in passion in their lives, be it personal, professional or within the community.

Quite simply, identifying goals, committing to them and finding ways to achieve them is a principal that is extremely relevant to the work environment.

I received an email recently after I talk I gave to a large organisation that exemplifies exactly how powerful this message can be when seen the right way. Looking at this from a professional point of view (i.e if you’re a boss!), I think this is a great take-away point for any employee to have;

“Hi Seb,

You spoke to my self and about 400 other travel consultants today. Wanted to thank you personally, but they gave us time restrictions, so I unfortunately didn’t have time to say a very warm and regretful goodbye.

Your story has helped me realize and re-create a way to bring back my passion for what I do. And I can honestly say I will go home knowing I will think about how much I could change one or two or three people’s lives a day with just a simple bit of brilliant service and passion.

I could go on for ever with stories but I dont want to be a bore.

Good night and thanks, 

Jen”

Passion for life comes from all that we do and if you can find purpose and enjoyment in what we do in the workplace, we’re halfway to helping ourselves, and others, live a a happier life.

100 Things… What’s on your list?

Campaigners to Inspire Us All

Simply put; these guys are inspiring!

I can’t help but beam with pride as I see campaigners on the 100 Things website share and achieve their goals.

Today I thought I’d share the stories of three incredible people:

 

Screen Shot 2013-08-14 at 12.55.07 AM

James Thomas

James is a guy who in the last 2 years has been through a lot. The recent loss of his Mum on his 31st birthday triggered a change in him that he has embraced and in turn used for something incredibly positive. Identifying an urge to help others in a similar situation, James has just created a new foundation called ‘Feel the Magic’ aiming to take kids who have lost their parents to Disney Land. Wow.

Check out his profile and Facebook page HERE and watch James tell 3 lucky kids that he’s taking them to Disneyland below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF_7opgK5TA&feature=youtu.be

 

Shameme

Shameme

Shameme is a brave English girl who suffers from a rare disease called Central Core Myopathy. Affecting her life in significant ways, Shameme has one clear dream that she is passionately trying to achieve; to meet Justin Beiber (I don’t think I’ve met anyone with more conviction to a goal!).

Shameme sent me a detailed letter about her situation that she then posted on her profile page. Check it out HERE and if you know Justin (or someone who does), please let us know!

Screen Shot 2013-08-14 at 12.58.24 AM

James (Jono) Hopkirk

Jono is a bloke who actually volunteered his DJ’ing skills at a recent fundraising event I threw. Not having spoken to him in a while, I received an email from him last week telling me of his desire to help the mentally and physically handicapped being overlooked for help by authorities. Jono, you’re a legend for wanting to make a positive difference.

Check out his campaign HERE!

If you want to join the growing ranks of campaigners who are sharing and helping each other with their goals, why not sign-up today?

 

100 Things… What’s on your list?

Simon and Balu

Campaigner of the Week- Simon… Finding a Home for Balu the Bear

It’s always incredible to see people throwing passion and energy at things that benefit other people. Having read this email from a 100 Things campaigner by the name of Simon this morning, I thought I’d spread his cause. I’ve never helped a bear before!

If you want to help out, all his details are at the bottom of the page.

“My names is Simon. For the last 2 years I have been travelling and working around the USA, Canada and South America having the best time of my life and ticking items off my list. So far I have managed to tick 8 items off my bucket list and still going strong.

At the start of the year I volunteered at an Animal Refuge in Bolivia, where I worked with monkeys and a bear called Balu. This place is absolutely unreal and the work the Park is doing is amazing. After seeing Balu live in such a small area and knowing that they are striving to raise much needed funds to build him a new home, I thought this was a great cause and opportunity to tick off another item.

Simon and Balu

Simon and Balu

My item is to run a marathon and raise $10,000 for charity. I have chosen the Melbourne marathon on October 13th of this year and Inti Wara Yassi as my charity who is raising the money for Balu’s house.

Please have a look at my page and read Balu’s story as well as both donate and share my page. Help me tick an item off my list and help Balu get a new home. https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/6Xrq5

Thanks,

Simon”

Screen Shot 2013-06-06 at 10.31.33 AM

Inspirational Guest Post by James Thomas

Not long ago I received an email form a lovely guy named James Thomas. The email, as you’ll read below, is very touching but what strikes me as particularly incredible is how a moment of darkness in his life acted as the catalyst for something so bright and positive.
Life is about choices, the key is making positive ones.
“G’Day Seb,
Firstly I just want to say that I have been meaning to write you a message for ages now but never knew what to say, its a new year so time to make some changes and just write from the heart.
Seb I read your story and immediately something was triggered inside I felt like I was reading a similar story to mine. My name is James Thomas I’m 32, happily married and have a son. I live in NSW in a place called Pitt Town which is on the Hawkesbury, Gods country!
I just wanted to tell you a small part of my story, on my 31st birthday 2011 my mother was unexpectedly taken from us, and for the first time in my life i actually felt REAL pain to the point where I honestly never thought I would be the same again. In that I realised I wasn’t to happy with my life, I absolutely hated what I did for work, I ran my own business and that consumed so much of me that there wasn’t much time for anything else. (Mum & family included)
 
After doing some soul searching I realised I needed to make some changes and on the 9th December 2012 I sold my business to one of my employees it’s the best thing I have ever done. A week later my family and I headed to the U.S.A for a month and absolutely loved it.
 
I have a real desire to make a difference in this world and whilst visiting Disneyland I feel that my greatest idea had finally arrived!
“What If I could get as many kids as possible to Disneyland that have suffered the loss of a parent or sibling I asked myself”
 
Its been five months since our trip and since returning we’ve been hard at it. My wife and I have started a foundation called Feel The magic.
Our Mission is to brighten the lives of kids who have suffered the loss of a loved one. We do this by raising money to send the kids and remaining parent to the most magical place on earth Disneyland.
We have our first family ready to go a, Mother with three beautiful daughters all under the age of 11 who lost there father/husband to cancer.
Feel the Magic is holding a fundraising event for the family on the 9th November and I can not wait. I would love to have you and as many 100 Things followers at this event as possible, its going to be a great night.
 
Seb I haven’t been so passionate or had purpose about anything in a long time, it scares me and excites me which is a good thing.
 
They say things happen for a reason, I can honestly say I have finally arrived at a place now where I understand why my Mother was taken so suddenly, it was the kick in the you know what to make me wake up to myself and really start living the life that I desire. 
 
Thank you for the inspiration.
Live Life.
James
 
P.S I will let you know once the Feel The Magic Website is launched along with all other social media pages. This will hopefully happen with in the next month.”
Screen Shot 2013-06-06 at 10.31.33 AM
Finding purpose in life is surely the one thing we all strive for. It’s crucial. When that purpose also involves helping others, there is nothing sweeter.
Well done James- you’re a legend!
100 Things… What’s on your list?
Screen Shot 2013-06-02 at 8.24.37 PM

Inspirational Guest Post- Michael Crossland

Through my own trip I’m lucky to bump into many amazing people. More recently I was introduced to a bloke names Michael Crossland.

In short, Michael is someone who has been through a lot in his life (including beating cancer!) but has overcome it all with guts, determination and by setting himself goals. He really is the epitomy of self determination.

Having achieved a lot in his life, it’s the idea of helping others that makes Michael so special and his most recent success is worth spreading to people everywhere.

Thanks Mike!

“My name is Michael Crossland, Inspirational speaker, National Ambassador for Camp Quality, Australia Day Ambassador and head coach/tour manager of the Australian Expos Baseball team, which is a program that has been running for 24 consecutive years.

 I was diagnosed with an incurable cancer of the central nervous system at 11 months of age and spent over 7 years in hospital. The one thing that got me out of that bed every day was my passion and dream of one day playing baseball in America. After 5 years of chemo, 3rd degree burns to 80% of my body and a heart attack my dream came true just after my 15th birthday. I had the opportunity to live my dream of playing ball in the states. I now travel the world as a fulltime inspirational speaker and have a goal each day of changing someone’s life and making the world a better place.

The reason why I am writing is not about me and my story but rather to share a story of a young man who is about to live his dreams. I was in Haiti at the orphanage that I sponsor and was asked by a friend to watch a clip of a young man named Todd Nester on the TV show Biggest Loser. His dream is to one day play baseball in America. Several weeks later when I returned to Australia I managed to speak with the TV program along with Todd’s school and family to arrange a special visit to his school. Todd had no idea I was not just speaking at his school last week but I also had bought him a return ticket to the USA along with his playing uniform and he will be living his dream of playing baseball in America apart of my Expos baseball Tour. He managed to lose a massive 38 kilograms in the biggest looser house which is exactly the number I have put on the back of his playing jersey. It was a very moving day and we were lucky enough to capture it here 

http://youtu.be/i5oxY9kb1vs

We will be departing on the 16th of June and will be returning on the 8th of July! Last year we had the great honour of taking a young cancer patient over and allowed him to live his dream of playing baseball in America.

With smiles and passion in creating inspiration daily,

Michael Crossland”

Michael is one of the most genuine blokes I’ve met and I’ll bring you more from his and Todd’s US tour ASAP.

Screen Shot 2013-06-02 at 8.24.37 PM

Mike and I moments after I finished speaking at an event in his home town of Coffs Harbour

To check out more of what he does, click here www.michaelcrossland.com.

100 Things… What’s on your list?

Screen Shot 2013-05-19 at 10.21.33 AM

May 19th, 2013… Number 84- Face a Shane Warne ‘Over’

Is there a cricket fan in the world who hasn’t at one stage dreamt of facing a ball from Shane Warne; arguably the best bowler to have ever played the game of cricket? Probably not.

Like all these people, I too have always wanted to face ‘Warney’ and that’s why it sits at Number 84 on my list- ‘Face an Over from Warney’ (an over for those non-cricket fans consists of 6 consecutive bowls from one bowler).

Screen Shot 2013-05-19 at 10.21.33 AM

As you can imagine, to now be at a stage where I can announce that I will be ticking this item from my list this Tuesday (May 21st), a lot of weird and wonderful things have occurred- not least of these being getting a phone call from Shane himself- But with only 5 days remaining until I take the crease, the best part of this whole experience has nothing to do with me. Instead it’s to do of a young boy called Marko.

Shane Warne is a name that goes hand in hand with cricket and for all my items, this is one that has attracted a lot of attention (specially amongst Australian males!). It came as no surprise then that on hearing that the magic over had been miraculously arranged (on the hallowed turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, no less) friends and strangers alike instantly inundated me with pleas to join me. Offers of camera skills, wicket-keeping brilliance, general moral support and even money have all been thrown my way. My mind was running with possibilities.

Interestingly, at the same time, Shane actually offered that I bring one other person with me and this is where the story gets interesting.

The Twist

With the development of 100 Things, the notion of helping others (however I can!) is something that has really taken the forefront of all I do. Therefore, as I saw it, this “plus one” offer really had the potential to do something special.

I should say that there were plenty of amazingly generous offers from people willing to donate money to charity for the opportunity to join me at the MCG, but having participated in a recent kids camp with Camp Quality (the charity helping kids and families affected by cancer), I thought that this opportunity could help in a much more direct way with a child’s dream. My thought was simple; ‘I wonder if there’s a kid within Camp Quality who shares my goal of facing an over from Shane?’.

The answer was obvious; Of course there was! His name is Marko.

Marko is a 9-year old boy who late last year was diagnosed with a form of Leukaemia. A situation that has of course rocked Marko and his family, Marko in the space of 6 month has had to leave school, lose all social contact and spend plenty of time in hospital. Going through what many would describe as the biggest challenge of their lives, Marko has responded extremely well to therapy and with the help of a supportive family and Camp Quality, Marko’s health is improving.

 Screen Shot 2013-05-19 at 10.17.18 AM

Camp Quality’s believe that laughter is the best medicine, and it’s in this idea of happiness that led me to call Marko’s Mum last week;

“I’m just wondering whether Marko would like the opportunity to meet his favourite cricket player?” 

My question was simple. The response was quick (and loud!) “YES!”

A huge fan of cricket and the great Shane Warne, Marko is a boy with a big heart. Having never met him in person, it brings a massive smile to my face to say that the first time I’ll meet him will be in the middle of the MCG at the very same time that he shakes Shane Warne’s hand.

As for Shane Warne, well I owe this cricketing legend (and generous bloke) a big thanks. I can’t wait to come down and try hit one of your deliveries! haha

Here’s what my one and only practice session looked like… just quietly I could be in a lot of trouble!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9BLk79Ja9RY

100 Things… People Helping People

16th May, 2013…Inspirational Blog by Mark Rostoks- ‘Overthrowing Adversity – The Battle Continues’

Just quickly a little about me: I’m a young bloke (34) who became ill 10 years ago with a chronic neurological disorder. And as you might guess my life basically slipped away – hospitals, health, treatments blah blah blah… well that was until about 2 ½ years ago when I started my bucket list.

You see I’ve been lucky enough to meet some pretty amazing people & do some extraordinary things… It has literally changed my life! (And yes I have kissed Miranda Kerr too haha) It’s been a pretty wild ride!

 Screen Shot 2013-05-16 at 1.21.13 PM

Now I should also mention here that my bucket list is a little different to most (no running with the bulls for me) you see I’m actually quite disabled; well a quadriplegic in fact. So I had to come up with a more realistic list (equally diverse in the range of challenges) yet with the primary goal of getting me out and about living life again – I mean I’ve already let far too many years just slip away! And I suppose to me this is what a bucket list is all about - It’s about challenging yourself and achieving things you might normally see as unattainable – and of course living a fulfilling life. My list has surely helped me do all of that and more!!

 Screen Shot 2013-05-16 at 1.21.03 PM

Anyhow moving right along… a tad away from all this bucket list hoopla – so how did I get this sick? Well it’s pretty obvious when most people meet me they instantly think accident; only strangely no!! It’s actually something way more trivial… I got bitten by a tick whilst holidaying in Europe (Yep win!). You see unbeknownst to me [at the time] it gave me a virtually unheard of bacterial infection known as Lyme Disease – oh and yep from that day forward my life did fall apart (2003). Still to make matters even worse, even with this ‘treatable’ diagnosis it poses countless problems which stem from a worldwide conspiracy as to its treatment, and even more specifically here in Australia whether it exists at all! So all of this… the conundrum of getting an effective treatment program… constantly feeling crap – it’s all drama, drama, drama!! Welcome to my life!!

And basically what I’m trying to get to is… sadly this is where I’m at – my bucket list (something that gave me true joy & fulfilment) has been all but put on hold because of the adverse effects of the illness itself (and due to my current treatments); I’ve just become too sickly. I’ve got not much left in my life apart from an inevitable battle with this potentially fatal disease, ohh yeah jackpot baby! So you might say all I have left is my bravery & my willpower; apart from that I guess I’m a very lost & lonely individual who’s somehow still happy too… weird ey!! (thank god there are a few friends & family who still care to be an active part of my life) But irrespective of this sob story… one thing I can still do is write/vent (much thanks to technology) – so I do still have my freedom of expression – and I try my best to use it! (Hence this post)

Screen Shot 2013-05-16 at 1.21.39 PM

Ok if you haven’t quite worked it out already that’s kinda what this is about – Seb’s given me a bit of a chance here to hopefully help raise a bit of awareness about this undervalued illness – Lyme Disease. Alright admittedly this has been a tragic story thus far but I suppose that’s just the nature of this retched disease, still I’m constantly working on turning it around. Only I’ve kinda hit a road block for the time being purely because I have Lyme’s Disease & live in Australia – I can’t really progress with my treatments here in the ‘lucky country’ – or maybe a better way to put it is I’m finding it bloody hard to move forward. Now hopefully to explain this a little more in-depth, below is a question I answered for a journalist a while back – it gives a pretty succinct insight into my current circumstance. (Sorry if I’ve repeated myself)

How do you feel about the Australian Health Authorities ignorance towards recognising Lyme disease in Australia and do you think this affects you in any way?

 

Wow what a loaded question! How do I feel about it; well it’s absolutely disgraceful!! I just don’t understand how an illness is commonly recognised worldwide but not here in Australia. Ok admittedly Lyme Disease is an emerging illness, and yes I do understand there has been much debate and controversy regarding its treatment worldwide, only Australia seems as if they’re hoping to ignore it and it will go away – not to mention totally disregard any new treatments that have become available.

I mean Australia’s blanket policy for LD treatment is a 2 week oral antibiotic therapy whereas ‘standard’ treatment in the US is one to two years IV antibiotic therapy (well for a chronic condition like mine anyway). Is it just me or does this seem a little out of whack?! You see the Aussie Authorities stance on LD is ‘It does not exist in Australia’ which in my eyes anyway is so narrow minded and naive – hence there are no ‘up to date’ treatment protocols. Well I’ve got news for you… people do travel and I’m sure the Australian quarantine isn’t flawless (and I’m sure that’s not even the tip of the ice burg). So keeping that in mind (or even if there is an exclusive strain of LD in Oz who knows?!), but I’m sure that I’m not the only one who’s falling through the cracks. In fact I’m certain there are many others out there just like me and don’t know it!

Now more specifically to my own case, I did get sick whilst travelling abroad (Europe – and in an area renowned for Neuro-Lyme cases), and I have been confirmed as having LD by a specialised laboratory in the US (as there’s no adequate test facility here in Oz). In addition I have also tested positive to another tick borne bacteria which is recognised here (rickettsia), a spinal fluid abnormality (consistent with Lyme) and I could also list 1000’s of symptoms that can’t be purely coincidental (amongst other things!!). Yet I’m still subject to the ignorance of Australian doctors and their blanket 2 week oral antibiotic therapy policy; and as a result I’m really struggling to get effective treatment. Admittedly I have found a doctor willing to look outside this box, only I’m (or we’re) still subject to a great deal of bureaucracy; and I still can’t get the ideal treatment that I need!

Ok so one good thing is that I’m now on the long term oral antibiotics (not to mention injections in the butt) however I really need a PICC line (Google it if you like) to administer the IV – which my Dr is prepared to do. (Now this is the problem), in order to get a PICC line put in, it’s a hospital procedure through the radiology department [in which lies a problem]. You see being a hospital procedure [and a pretty invasive one at that], the ‘powers that be’ aren’t prepared to put in a line for an illness that supposedly doesn’t exist in Australia – I know, I’ve tried! Actually I had a meeting/argument with one of the big wigs at the hospital just the other day – you know I reckon I might’ve had more luck talking to a brick wall! Basically all I got was ‘Australia’s official stance on Lyme treatment is a two week antibiotic therapy; that is all we can offer at this point in time’; but I did manage to get a referral to the infectious diseases department – so we’ll see what happens there?!

(Recent developments I might have found a very unconventional way to get a PICC… might!!?)

Nonetheless I believe my treatment could be much better, and I do feel like I’m being held back by bureaucracy… I mean at the moment I’m trying to juggle treatment through two doctors here in Melbourne, one in Sydney and a specialist in America – Sheesh even then it’s a battle – and hey I’m no doctor! Really all I want to do is get better, or at least have a bloody good shot at it, is that too much to ask!?!?

 Screen Shot 2013-05-16 at 1.21.24 PM

Look who knows what will become of all this Lyme injustice in Australia, hopefully recognition & effective treatment protocols put in place – and for me a miraculous tale of recovery! And to be even more specific to 100Things hopefully both Seb & I can do a few more ridiculous bucket list items together – always a blast! However I can say two things: (apart from learning about Lyme) I’d hope that reading this might give you an appreciation for what you’ve got even more (of how lucky you are), and hopefully give you the initiative & imagination to take advantage of the gift you’ve been given!

Because after all life is a gift (and trust someone who’s fighting for theirs)… don’t let it slip through your fingers! Regret is not a constructive emotion.

~ Mark ~

 

For more information on Lyme Disease visit:

www.karlmcmanusfoundation.org.au

 

Your Story… Hani

1- What is your name?

Hani

2- What is your background/story

I live a very ‘normal’ existence – work, play, study, travel and repeat. I love the people around me, the privileges that I’ve been afforded and the fact that I can make decisions and be supported in whatever path I choose. I’m really, really lucky.

At 32 you’re supposed to be settled in your skin, wiser in your heart and mind, and apparently you should know what makes you happy. You can imagine my surprise when I discovered I wasn’t any of these things!

Don’t get me wrong, I was happy enough – just not that heart palpitating, stomach in knots, excited about life kind of happy. I wasn’t dreaming big or acting big and that didn’t sit well with me.

3- How did you hear about 100 Things

I stumbled upon 100 Things when I was looking for our next inspirational speaker for a conference at work. I was at an event before Seb went on stage and was really close to not showing up – so glad I made it!

4- What did you like about it?

The idea of 100 Things really hit home for me. It was very confronting to realise that I’d never really questioned what is was that I wanted from life or whether the path I was on was actually the one for me.

Hearing about what this seemingly ‘regular’ guy had achieved and the joy that he experienced just by being honest about what he wanted, I was inspired to honour my own life.

5- How did it effect you?

At the time of the talk I felt exposed, guilty that I’d wasted time and excited about the idea of making changes. I actually cried. It was overwhelming.

6- What did you do/what have you done?

I had two attempts at my list. The first one was very safe and still a little cautious about this new outlook on life. My actual list has less than 30 things on it but at least they are all important to me for one reason or another!

I’ve connected with some spectacular people on the website and it’s crazy how many of us share the same goals. What’s amazing is how willing everyone is to help each other out – it’s beautiful!

It’s weird how helping yourself makes you more capable of helping others. I’ve never organised fundraisers before, did any pro-bono work or put my ideas in the hands of strangers. I’ve done all of these things in the past year and loved every second of it.

7- How has it changed your outlook on life?

It’s flipped it on its head! I feel excited again and more driven to honour what’s important to me. This was never about the people in my life – they’re all amazing. This is all about reconnecting with myself and setting goals that will bring a smile to my face and make my heart sing.

It’s very empowering to know what you want and even if the direction changes on the surface, the core of what’s important is still there driving you.

I think I would have figured things out on my own eventually, 100 Things/Seb’s story just makes you get real with yourself immediately.

8- Do you have any tips or advice for anyone watching?

Find out what makes you tick and embrace it. Once you figure it out, everything falls into place and it’s like magic.

9- What have you learnt?

That you’re 100% responsible for your own journey and when you find what you’re after there are plenty of incredible people around to keep you on track, excited and accountable.

10- What’s next?

The thing I’m most excited about is getting down and dirty with some ink and writing. I’ve always loved to write and now I’m dedicating time to it, experimenting with different styles and best of all I’m working with a friend on a series of children’s books – I can’t wait to see her kids react when they read them for the first time!

Then I’ll be learning French (being in France in July will be a good start!) and heading back for some more singing lessons. Singing in front of a crowd is a biggy and is by far the most terrifying item on my list – wish me luck!

 

March 26th, 2013… Front Page on the Sydney Morning Herald.. but is that the whole story?

Firstly I’d like to thank the Sydney Morning Herald for their front page story involving the story of 100 Things- it’s always funny and surprising to see my little face on a magazine or on the TV.

Screen shot 2013-03-26 at 5.55.50 PM

I would though, in the hustle and bustle of what is a very busy website today, like to explain a few things that the article missed out on. It’s very hard to cover every point in a short article but this I feel needs to be addressed.

The Full Story

As with every journey, there is always a beginning. When given the opportunity to write my book ’100 Things’, I enjoyed so much telling the of the reasons why it was I set off on a trip to try and achieve my list of 100 Things. Today’s article certainly highlighted one very important reason of why it was I decided to pen down a list of goals; the loss of a close mate, but this was one of a few important points that were sadly missed in the article. When grabbing the attention of the public, an article may focus on the more dramatic points in a story and with the thoughts of my friend’s family in mind, I feel I should mention the other points that equally pushed me in the direction of starting this list.

Immediately after school I had no idea what it was that should do. Upon asking my careers advisor for his advice, he suggested that attending university was a good option. Consequently the next three and had years of my life were dedicated to something that although seemed unimportant to me, I thought would head me in the right direction- after all; my careers advisor would know best, right?

Sadly on graduation day I felt no different to how I felt the day I left school and with almost $18,000 of debt to my name, I questioned why it was that I was suggested to go to university without even knowing what it was that I enjoyed (he never asked me). This question prompted a backpacking trip overseas. Fueled by the smell of an oily rag, I made my way around a number of continents and home again without finding my answer as to what it was that I loved. I enjoyed traveling but enjoying traveling was not a career! Worried that I didn’t fit the norm but sure I was useful to someone, I flew to Canada to help a friend of mine start his business. Six months into this adventure, I received a phone call from a friend back in Sydney. As highlighted in today’s article, it was the news that a friend has passed away over night.

As with most people, the news of a loss prompted a barrage of questions all focused on the topic of purpose and why we exist. Although not finding an answer, it did dawn on me that happiness was a crucial element that a lot of us aren’t encouraged to purse, and with the thought that my mate had a life that he enjoyed, I decided to pen down all of the things that I thought might make me happy. The was the conception of my list.

Although momentarily energized by the thought of my list (and the subsequent marriage with a complete stranger n Vegas as a way to tick off Number 2!), I soon found myself back in Sydney trying to start a business with a few friends to make a few quick bucks to travel. Sadly for me, one thing my university didn’t equip me with was understanding of business and so I soon found out that my company would take time to pay off. Two and half years later, with my list of 100 things just a distant memory, I broke down in the back of a taxi when it suddenly dawned on me that I’d focused 100% of my time on the accumulation of money (something I didn’t care for) and as such was desperately unhappy. This was the exact moment that I decided to start my unplanned trip to travel the world with little money and only a list of 100 things as my driver.

Having written all that, I now understand why it was the article this morning only mentioned one of the catalysts to my trip, but certainly I feel better now having explained in full. It’s only fair.

Criticism

Now if you managed to read today’s article in the Sydney Morning Herald, you, like me, may have found some very interesting comments at the bottom of the page. I should say that the majority were splendidly supportive of me (thanks!) and the other incredible people mentioned in the article, but there were a few negative comments that I’d like to address.

I’m certainly open to criticism as I think it helps to grow you in the right direction but sometimes perhaps it also acts as a good way to explain things in full to those who may have missed something along the way. Today’s negative comments were mainly centered around the idea that I lack responsibility and am a big kid who offers nothing to society. Not the nicest things I’ve read about me but I think a longer article telling the full story of 100 Things may have helped these people understand the full picture.

Have you ever noticed that when listening to the emergency procedures on a plane, they say that in the event of an emergency oxygen masks falling from the ceiling to put yours on first before helping others? Well I believe that is so true to life. I do believe that the best thing we as people can do is to help others, but in order to do this I think it’s imperative that you as an individual have a solid foundation and understanding as to who you are (‘big kid’ or ‘sensible adult’). Whether this means you chose to start a family, makes some money or skydive with no clothes on; it’s all relative to the individual. This, as a metaphor for life, is the act of putting your oxygen mask on. When you have your supply line anchored on and are happy on a primal level, this is when you can help others to the best of your ability. For me, my list (certainly the first few years) was all about me finding myself through ticking off items that were important to me and made me happy. I can see how this may seem selfish but I believe that this is what was needed at this stage for me. The outcome though has been the development of my own journey into something very different from what it started. 100 Things now is moving towards the notion of helping others. Not only this but it seems that my own antics (some of them certainly the behaviour of a big kid!) have gone on to act as a positive catalyst for others to realise their own dreams and goals. I’ve been thankful to be involved in many acts of helping others and having now spread the word and developed this idea within the website, I can now see that many people are in fact reaching out to help others and ultimately lives are being changed. In this sense, I am now trying my best to help others with their oxygen masks and so too are others. It’s a wonderful ripple effect.

I think in this way I am showing responsibility; my life is one that I have chosen, and this natural progression now explained in slightly more depth I hope shows that this journey proves that even a big kid can contribute to society in a positive way. The most exciting part is that it’s only just began.

I’m excited! Oh, and the Sydney Morning Herald mentioned that I’d raised $71,000 for Camp Quality which was lovely…it’s actually $91,000. Thanks to everyone who’s donated so far!

p.s in response to comments labeling me as a ‘rich brat’ (no offense taken, thank you), I think a read of my book ‘100 Things‘ will give you some insight into how little money I actually have. It might even make you laugh… ‘might’.

100 Things… What’s on your list?

January 15th, 2012- Catch 100- Our First Youth Empowerment Camp!

You may remember a while ago I introduced you to a girl named Jasmine. Via an extremely deep email, a concerned mother reached out to me in fear of her daughter’s life. Her daughter’s name was Jasmine. Having endured multiple cancer treatments from a young age, the physical effects of treatment as well as the ongoing psychological issues attached had led to Jasmine, now 21 years old, asking her Mum why she bothered to  keep her alive as a child. Sadly depression has set in and Jasmine had no self worth. Immediately replying to the email, I simply asked how I could help, to which Jasmine’s mum simply wrote;

“She needs a friend in life. She doesn’t have one.”

Thankfully after writing about Jasmine on my site, hundreds of people got in touch with Jasmine and having spoken to her recently she now talks of having too many friends to count. More importantly, it seems that Jasmine is now much happier and smiles on a daily basis.

The smiling Jasmine...

The smiling Jasmine…

With the reach of 100 Things growing each day (in and out of Australia), so too do the emails from complete strangers, just like Jasmine, who share with me their own stories of adversities, hardships and general ‘issues’. From people battling depression, contemplating suicide or even simply needing friendship, it seems 100 Things has the potential to offer support within this complex mental health area. Replying to all emails immediately, I’ll admit that I’ve often found myself in uncharted waters as I try and support and encourage positive growth with people who are reaching out from  dark and tricky areas, but underlying all of this is the worry that these people are lacking any forms of positive support in their life.

Something clearly needed to be done.

With this being said, 100 Things has joined up with ‘Catch My Drift’ (an organisation focusing of helping youths) and is running a youth empowerment program from January 18th-20th, 2013, called ‘Catch 100 Camp’. Focusing on improving self esteem, building resilience whilst offering tools to allow personal and community growth, we’re inviting anyone who would be interested to let us know. Now of course this is extremely late notice but for more information please check out the Facebook page that has been created

Now  I am no expert in these fields and so I’ve been lucky enough to team up with leading psychologists, youth workers and most importantly caring and passionate volunteers, all of who will make an awesome and structured 3-day camp that will benefit everyone there (including us!).
Mary, the leader if Catch My Drift, is just as passionate as I am on the issue and this weekend is going to be a great insight into what may become a more regular camp.
If you’re interested in being involved (as a camper or a helper), please let me know and if this weekend is too soon for you to organize something, let’s start talking about the next one. I’m still receiving plenty of heartfelt emails and so I know there is demand!

I should also add that I’ve managed to stay in touch with Jasmine and after a quick call to her and her Mum, she’s accepted to my personal guest at the camp. It’s going to be fun!

100 Things… What’s on your list?