25% of 2009... gone already!

Hi chokefans!

Can you believe that we're almost a quarter of the way through 2009 already!?! Bonkers!

So... how we all doing so far? Still on track to set out what you wanted to achieve this year? No... me neither. One thing that has been reinforced to me so far this year though is that life has a funny knack of beating you back every now and then - and when you're least expecting it. Whether it's work, play, family or friends - not everything will turn out as you plan it. It becomes a question of how you cope, and what experiences, resources and inspiration you draw on to help get you through it.

More importantly it's about the people around you and how they can support and help you. You do need to realise however that your demeanour can affect those people, and that in many ways, you can help yourself. Walk round with a face like thunder, staring at the floor and people will stay out of your way, and you'll get left alone to worry about all your little problems on your own. You won't get anything done because you'll be so wound up, and have nothing to distract you from all your stresses. Keep your pecker up however while still smiling and remaining interested in everyone around you and you're likely to get the same response back from people just when you need it. That little pick me up from the person who you held the door open for yesterday. Put a smile on someone's face today, and they'll lend you that 10p you need for a coffee tomorrow (without which it would probably just tip you over the edge!)

It's this sort of attitude that I'm determined to bear in mind over the coming months - and one that was inspired for the most part by a bloke I met called Paul Stalker. I'd really encourage you to read his story and sign up to his emails. Check out his website at www.paulstalkereffect.com 

So a bit of a departure from the usual sort of topics for this update, but hopefully still useful for you. See you next time!

P.S: Liverpool to win the Premier League? I think this prediction is back on... don't forget to keep your eye on the rest of my top 10 predictions for 2009 from the first blog post of this year.