If you said to the people around my hospital bed almost 9 years ago while I was on life support after having a stroke, that in 2014 I'd write my 99th blog, they would have said you were dreaming. But here it is...blog 99.
I haven't dwelled on the past a lot since the stroke - there've been too many things in front of me that needed 100% focus, so I didn't want to get distracted by looking backwards, but I've come a long way since dodging that bullet in 2005, so I think I've earned a little glance behind me.
My first memory when I opened my eyes after regaining consciousness following the stroke was of asking a mate to ring my Dad to pick me up from the pub where the Pennant Hills Demons had gone after AFL training for team selections, as I was seeing double and couldn't drive. That was a Thursday night, and I had the stroke hours later, but when I opened my eyes again it was a Monday, and all my family and friends had come to say goodbye over the 4 days I was unconscious. When I saw my little brother Lachlan's face, I knew this must be bad - Lach had been on a working holiday in Scotland and had been having a lovely time and he'd met a girl, but when someone told me doctors thought I was going to die, seeing Lach's face made sense.
Over the next few days, while my family took me for "walks" in my wheelchair, the reality of my situation started hitting home, I'd come within minutes of being killed after getting bashed in an alcohol fuelled gang attack and having a stroke, I couldn't walk - I couldn't even stand still - I didn't have a job, I had my drivers liscence revoked, I couldn't wash myself in the shower, and on top of all of that, I was a type 1 diabetic. This was big. I've always loved stories of people overcoming adversity, but it sounded hard - most of the stories talked about epiphanies, life changing decisions and mystical revelations, but I didn't have any of those, and it had me worried. I loved the life I was living before the stroke, and that's all I wanted back, just a good, decent, honest life, and the only way I knew how to do that was to give 100% effort into what was in front of me and not get distracted by the "big picture", but was that enough to get my life back? At times I thought "normality isn't strength. I should be aiming for something higher, something great." But I didn't want anything higher, I just wanted to be a decent man on the street, so I just worked as hard as I could on the task in front of me and kept moving forward.
This tactic worked well, as with the support of my family and friends, I went back to university to finish my journalism diplioma, I had my autobiography self-published, got my drivers liscence back, got a job at the ABC, went and filmed a documentary in Africa, climbed Mount Kilimanjaro, then last year I made an AFL comeback for Pennant Hills and played my 100th game. I also went overseas to 2 seperate friend's weddings and I am writing my 99th blog - I'm just a normal bloke again, and it is enough, I love it.
I never had a life changing revelation, or found strength I never knew existed - I just kept on doing what I thought was right, and I am happier than I've ever been. I've got things coming up that I am excited about - I'm doing the Kokoda Track with some friends and possibly my girlfriend? And "Give it a Crack", an event I ran last year at the Thornleigh Community Centre has stepped up in the world and will be at the Sydney Comedy Store later this year. And speaking of my girlfriend, I am completely in love with her and I'm not ashamed to say it!
I relate anything with the term "100th" in it to the Pennant Hills Football club, so when I write my 100th blog, I'll be reading it to anybody who wants to get along to Mike Kenny Oval in Cherrybrook after Demons training on Thursday night, March 20th at around 7.30pm. The blog will be about what it has meant to me to be a Pennant Hills Demon, and won't be released publicly online until the day after the reading at Mike Kenny Oval.
So my little glance backwards is done, now I've got to get back to what's ahead...
Friday, 7 March 2014
Wednesday, 5 March 2014
Getting crews for Kokoda makes news
Planning hasn't been my strong suit over the last 8 years - I turned up to work last Tuesday to find I was meant to be on annual leave - but when it comes to Kokoda next year, things are going so well that people are signing up and the media are running stories on the trip.
Yesterday the first person to join me on the Kokoda Track was locked in - John Rakic will be coming along to take on the challenge with me. Then as if the Hills News somehow sensed how happy I was that the "Hound Dog" was in, in today's paper they put in a write up (at the bottom of "Hills Sport in Brief" here: http://www.hillsnews.com.au/story/2123882/hills-sport-in-brief/?cs=1580)
So even though I have no idea who the "West Pennant Hills Eagles" are, it seems planning for this trip is going well enough that it's getting people's attention, and if you want to come along email Kokoda Spirit (enquire@kokodaspirit.
Yesterday the first person to join me on the Kokoda Track was locked in - John Rakic will be coming along to take on the challenge with me. Then as if the Hills News somehow sensed how happy I was that the "Hound Dog" was in, in today's paper they put in a write up (at the bottom of "Hills Sport in Brief" here: http://www.hillsnews.com.au/story/2123882/hills-sport-in-brief/?cs=1580)
So even though I have no idea who the "West Pennant Hills Eagles" are, it seems planning for this trip is going well enough that it's getting people's attention, and if you want to come along email Kokoda Spirit (enquire@kokodaspirit.
KOKODA DATE CHANGE - NOW OCT 21, 2015
There has been a date change for the trip to Kokoda - all details remain the same (cost/trekking company - Kokoda Spirit - Email: kokodaspirit@bigpond.com / Web: www.kokodaspirit.com) . The new trip details are:
Kokoda To Owers Corner
- Destination: Kokoda PNG
- Duration: 8 days
- Departs: 21/10/2015
- Arrives: 29/10/2015
- Price: $3,685
- Led by: Australian Led
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Kokoda Oct 2, 2015
This is a special edition blog to invite you on an epic adventure to do the Kokoda Trail next year (Oct 2, 2015).
It was a suggestion floated by a former football team mate that triggered the idea, and I decided to join him and film a documentary about the trip. We will be trekking with Kokoda Spirit (Email: kokodaspirit@bigpond.com / Web: www.kokodaspirit.com) and these are the basic details:
Kokoda PNG to Owers Corner
Duration: 8 days
Departs: 02/10/2015
Arrives: 10/10/2015
Price: $3,685 (Does NOT include international flights or personal porter)
Max group size: 18
If the idea stirs any keeness, have a read of the attached files to find out more, and if you are in, Email Kokoda Spirit (enquire@kokodaspirit.
It's not going to be easy, but it will be an epic adventure, so come along and give it a crack,
Friday, 14 February 2014
Good people help the speaking ball start rolling-promotional speaking video
My motivational speaking career has taken a long time to get to where it is right now, but after positive responses after my first two corporatre presentations, I feel like it's ready, and it's the people around me that have made it feel like that.
One of those people has been Scarlett Vespa from Brand You Media who filmed a promotional video for me last week which you can see here (http://youtu.be/4XEeTd_p5xo). This video captures exactly the message I am trying to get accross in my presentations, so all the extra work Scarlett put in to getting this video right has resulted in a beuautuful production.
I wouldn't have made it to either of my corporate presentations if it weren't for my girlfriend Angela. As well as saving my life twice after diabetes emergencies, she came to both presentations (both over an hour from home) and took photos for me, supported me, encouraged me, and drove me to and from the second one. I feel lucky she is my Valentine.
Both of these presentations came about thanks to good friends from the Pennant Hills Football Club, if there was a way of asking a football club to marry you, I'd pop the question tomorrow.
Good people have made what could have been a disastrous life a pleasure to live, but surrounding yourself with good people isn't a matter of luck, you need to be a good person to the people around you if you want them to be good to you.
When I started my speaking business, I made a special offer of $800 for my first 10 speeches, and I've only done 5 so far, which means there are 5 bargains to be had for anyone who wants to take up the offer. So if you are hosting any events for a corporation, a school, a sporting club, or any other group, give me a call on 0404 851 203 or send me an email to barnaby@barnabyhowarth.com.au. My speech lasts for 45 minutes including Q & A, and the key themes are as follows:
Corporate/sporting groups/other:
- Dealing with disappointment
- Perils of alcohol fuelled violence
- Being proud of living a "normal" life
- rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but there comes a time when you just have to get over it and go and play in the puddles
Schools
- Making good decisions
- Perils of alcohol fuelled violence
- Dealing with disappointment
- Being proud of living a "normal" life
- rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but there comes a time when you just have to get over it and go and play in the puddles
Please pass this video on far and wide - it's the perfect wrap of what I'm offering so I hope it tickles fancies.
One of those people has been Scarlett Vespa from Brand You Media who filmed a promotional video for me last week which you can see here (http://youtu.be/4XEeTd_p5xo). This video captures exactly the message I am trying to get accross in my presentations, so all the extra work Scarlett put in to getting this video right has resulted in a beuautuful production.
I wouldn't have made it to either of my corporate presentations if it weren't for my girlfriend Angela. As well as saving my life twice after diabetes emergencies, she came to both presentations (both over an hour from home) and took photos for me, supported me, encouraged me, and drove me to and from the second one. I feel lucky she is my Valentine.
Both of these presentations came about thanks to good friends from the Pennant Hills Football Club, if there was a way of asking a football club to marry you, I'd pop the question tomorrow.
Good people have made what could have been a disastrous life a pleasure to live, but surrounding yourself with good people isn't a matter of luck, you need to be a good person to the people around you if you want them to be good to you.
When I started my speaking business, I made a special offer of $800 for my first 10 speeches, and I've only done 5 so far, which means there are 5 bargains to be had for anyone who wants to take up the offer. So if you are hosting any events for a corporation, a school, a sporting club, or any other group, give me a call on 0404 851 203 or send me an email to barnaby@barnabyhowarth.com.au. My speech lasts for 45 minutes including Q & A, and the key themes are as follows:
Corporate/sporting groups/other:
- Dealing with disappointment
- Perils of alcohol fuelled violence
- Being proud of living a "normal" life
- rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but there comes a time when you just have to get over it and go and play in the puddles
Schools
- Making good decisions
- Perils of alcohol fuelled violence
- Dealing with disappointment
- Being proud of living a "normal" life
- rain falls on the just and the unjust alike, but there comes a time when you just have to get over it and go and play in the puddles
Please pass this video on far and wide - it's the perfect wrap of what I'm offering so I hope it tickles fancies.
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Lorenz - Giving it a crack all the way to page 4 of Sunday Telegraph Fashion
"Giving it a crack" isn't about taking a crazy, blind leap of faith, it's about believing you have the talent to pull something off that you've never tried because you've been scared about how it's going to turn out, then closing your eyes, backing yourself in and taking an educated risk. In Sydney's weekend newspaper, one Sydney woman will be doing just that when she takes out an ad to launch her online fashion store, Lorenz.
Janine Griffin was over 50 years old when she was made redundant after 35 years working in the aviation industry, but she decided to reinvent herself and set up an online female clothing store, www.lorenz.net.au. After opening her business 12 months ago, then having her official product launch at Give it a Crack, an event held by Barnaby Howarth last year, she feels like she's ready to bring Lorenz to the world, so in the Sunday Telegraph, a Sydney newspaper, Janine has taken out a half page ad on page 4 in the Fashion lift out to turn her brave little idea into a fully-fledged business.
Although she admits there have been plenty of mistakes along the way, (given she has as much experience in the fashion industry as The Fonz has in being uncool, these mistakes can be forgiven), Janine is glad she took up this challenge.
"I have enjoyed every minute 'Giving it a Crack,' setting up my new venture and tapping into a part of my brain that has not been used for many years." she said.
Lorenz started with humble beginnings, after being forced out of the aviation industry, Janine started designing ladies fashion clothing and took them to the local markets to sell, and sell they did. After her items flew off the racks at her market stall, she decided to set up her online store, but she has kept her expectations realistic.
"I don't expect to be a big name designer label, just a small business that's making limited numbers of each style of quality ladies fashions."
And she is still selling at the local weekend markets.
Lorenz Ladies Fashion Warehouse (which is Janine's own garage) Sale is on Saturday Feb 15 from 10am-7pm at 14 Handley Avenue, Thornleigh
Janine Griffin was over 50 years old when she was made redundant after 35 years working in the aviation industry, but she decided to reinvent herself and set up an online female clothing store, www.lorenz.net.au. After opening her business 12 months ago, then having her official product launch at Give it a Crack, an event held by Barnaby Howarth last year, she feels like she's ready to bring Lorenz to the world, so in the Sunday Telegraph, a Sydney newspaper, Janine has taken out a half page ad on page 4 in the Fashion lift out to turn her brave little idea into a fully-fledged business.
Although she admits there have been plenty of mistakes along the way, (given she has as much experience in the fashion industry as The Fonz has in being uncool, these mistakes can be forgiven), Janine is glad she took up this challenge.
"I have enjoyed every minute 'Giving it a Crack,' setting up my new venture and tapping into a part of my brain that has not been used for many years." she said.
Lorenz started with humble beginnings, after being forced out of the aviation industry, Janine started designing ladies fashion clothing and took them to the local markets to sell, and sell they did. After her items flew off the racks at her market stall, she decided to set up her online store, but she has kept her expectations realistic.
"I don't expect to be a big name designer label, just a small business that's making limited numbers of each style of quality ladies fashions."
And she is still selling at the local weekend markets.
Lorenz Ladies Fashion Warehouse (which is Janine's own garage) Sale is on Saturday Feb 15 from 10am-7pm at 14 Handley Avenue, Thornleigh
Tuesday, 28 January 2014
The Vegemite to my toast
The topic of conversation between my girlfriend, Angela and I as we were sitting on a bench at Bronte beach was how fortunate we are to be living in Sydney in 2014, so it was ironic that I nearly didn't wake up the morning after because of a low blood sugar level, and once again, it was Angela who saved my life.
She realised I was having a hypoglyceamic reaction (low blood sugar) and give me a shot of life saving Glucagon to get me back into normal function.
I do feel incredibly lucky to live in modern day Sydney as it is scenicly breathtaking, but I also feel lucky to live here as it is the city that Angela lives in. Not only has she saved my life twice, she is gorgeous, kind, she thinks she's funny, she loves her family, and she's makes tense situations calm. She makes the lives of people around her better.
She's the grog to my trash and she's the heat to my rash.
She realised I was having a hypoglyceamic reaction (low blood sugar) and give me a shot of life saving Glucagon to get me back into normal function.
I do feel incredibly lucky to live in modern day Sydney as it is scenicly breathtaking, but I also feel lucky to live here as it is the city that Angela lives in. Not only has she saved my life twice, she is gorgeous, kind, she thinks she's funny, she loves her family, and she's makes tense situations calm. She makes the lives of people around her better.
She's the grog to my trash and she's the heat to my rash.
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