Midges 1, Hikers 0

Highland Midges (pronounced “mi-jees”) are nasty wee biting beasties, roughly the size of your fingernail, but with the ambition of much larger predators!
Scottish midges are tiny, gnat-like flies, about 1-3mm in size, much smaller than mosquitoes but significantly more obnoxious.
The problem?
You never get just one.
They arrive in swarms, determined to turn your scenic hike into a full-scale battle for survival.
These relentless little nuisances dominate the Highlands from June to September, with a particular fondness for humid, damp conditions and shady spots.
Seemingly, they’re most active at dawn and dusk, presumably because they enjoy making sure you start and end your day in absolute misery.
And so, with great enthusiasm (and just a hint of trepidation), we set off on our 96-mile trek along the West Highland Way to raise money for Mary’s Meals on May 28th for nine days of adventure, blisters, and, most likely a few midges too.
Well maybe, lots and lots of midges.
Yesterday, on the advice of a dear friend, I invested in a midge-proof head net.
I put it on this morning and felt utterly ridiculous!
What do you think?
But I’m not stopping there.
My anti-midge survival kit will also include:
– Light-coloured clothing (because apparently, midges prefer dark colours)
– Avon Skin So Soft (allegedly a midge repellent)
– Bite treatment lotion (Sudocrem – because hope is not a strategy)
I’ve also been assured that midges prefer some people over others, so I can only hope that I’m one of the lucky ones.
Don’t forget you can donate to Mary’s Meals by clicking in the link below in the comments.
https://www.marysmeals.org.uk/fundraising#/detail/701P500000Nq7bGIAR
Let the adventure begin!

Fellowships

Throughout my life I have enjoyed a whole range of different fellowships.
I simply love the word.
It is associated with so many other “F” words.
The foundational meaning of the word is friendship.
In many ways our family is the first fellowship, where we experience life, a sense of belonging, where we learn to serve, lift, help and strengthen one another.
A family of fellowship provides the foundation for relationships built on love, trust, mutual understanding and respect.
It has been my experience that when families prioritise faith, forgiveness, and fortitude, they create strong fellowships within their homes.
Faith can also unite people in a spiritual or religious community.
For instance, after our church meetings on Sunday, our congregation enjoyed a warm fellowship at a munch and mingle together.

Fraternity

Fellowship also suggests a fraternity, where a deep bond of brotherhood or sisterhood can emerge.
Recently I became a Fellow of the Association for Coaching.
It is made up of a group of followers who share a common path.
I’ve discovered, that at the very core of the association, there is a fraternity of a close-knit group of individuals who support, challenge, and uplift one another – its great!
Fellowship and fraternity go hand in hand.
Last week I was in a deep conversation with another fellow of the association discussing how to build lasting connections and shape the lives of the rising generation of new coaches.
In a strong fellowship, where we have a focus on something, everyone has a role to play, whether in service, leadership, teaching, or simply offering encouragement.
And when that fellowship is strong, it builds a sense of community and people begin to flourish.
Flourishing is more than just a state of well-being, it’s about thriving, growing, firing up our faith, and reaching our full potential.
As each member flourishes the entire fellowship benefits.
My experience of fellowships is that they are also places that provide freedom to grow.
They are the foundation of friendships, families, and faith communities, that lift, strengthen, and inspire us to become our best selves.
What fellowships are shaping your life today?

Consequences

Spring 1998, Kyle was a baby, around 6 months old.
It was Saturday night, and I was in the bath with him playing with some toys.
One of which was a rattle with a big suction cup attached.
We were having such fun with this toy, that I decided to attach the suction cup to my forehead to entertain him further.
I remember Kyle smiling and laughing.
After the silliness wore off, I tried to take the toy from my forehead.
But it was stuck, really stuck!
The powerful combination of air, water, and suction made the toy stick to my forehead like glue!
It was only much later with Monic’s help; we managed to pry the toy off.
The result – burst blood-vessels!!!
A huge dark red mark on my forehead caused by the intense suction, just like a massive hickey! 😆
I’ll never forget the next day, as there I was sitting on the podium in church, as the final speaker in Sacrament meeting.
I sat through the whole service, feeling as if everyone was directly staring at me.
In my opening remarks, I set the record straight, sharing my rather embarrassing story, much to the amusement of the entire congregation!

The Moral of the Story

Sometimes, we make choices, whether in fun, ignorance, or even good intentions, that can have unintended consequences.
While some consequences are light-hearted, others can be more serious.
The important lesson is how we respond, whether with humility, humour, or a willingness to correct our mistakes.
Likewise, we can’t always control the consequences of our actions, but we can control how we respond.
The gospel teaches us the power of humility and honesty in all situations.
“If thou art humble, thou shalt be made strong, and shalt bring forth much fruit.” (Doctrine & Covenants 136:32)
When we are willing to acknowledge our imperfections, we invite others to do the same, strengthening relationships and fostering a spirit of love and understanding.
How can embracing humility in our daily lives strengthen our relationships and bring us closer to the Saviour?

Step by Step

An old proverb states that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
To achieve something, you need to start with a small step.
In preparation for the walk with Mary’s Meals in May, for some months now I have been putting in many daily steps.
Recently, I purchased a new pair of walking boots and whilst breaking them in, one boot caused some discomfort around my right ankle.
Starting a new adventure often comes with initial discomfort or challenges.
In life, we progress on our journey by taking each day one step at a time, repeating the process consistently until we arrive at our destination.
I love this verse found in the holy scriptures – “It is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” Mosiah 4:27
In other words, we don’t need to rush; we just need to keep a steady pace and head in the right direction.
Likewise in life, our focus should be on doing our best, taking one step at a time.
Each step, no matter how small, moves me forward.
Some days, the journey feels effortless, and it is no problem at all.
Other days however, progress is slow, and the weight of the steps press down on me.
But what matters most in those moments, is that I keep going.
What felt like a long distance some weeks ago, now seems much easier indeed.
Training for the walk with Mary’s Meals has reinforced this lesson for me.
The cumulative effect of daily effort builds resilience, strength, and an inner confidence that I can succeed.
Small, consistent actions, whether in physical endurance, spiritual growth, or personal development, lead to meaningful results over time.
This principle applies to all aspects of life.
Whether we’re striving for a personal goal, strengthening relationships, or deepening our faith, steady, deliberate effort brings lasting change.
So, as I prepare for the miles ahead, I remind myself that success is not found in speed, but in perseverance.
Every step taken with purpose can bring each of us closer to where we want to be.
Take that small step towards your success.
What small steps can you take today that will lead you closer to your goal?

Miles for Meals

Four years ago, Cristi and I jumped out of a plane and raised £4000 for Mary’s Meals, just as covid restrictions were being eased.
The goal this time around is to raise £20,000 with 20 of my dear friends from our Belgium Netherlands Missionary days.
That’s enough to feed 1000 children for one year.
Since launching our campaign 24 hours ago, we’ve raised over £1000 for Mary’s Meals – its a great start!
We are so grateful for all those who have donated – Thank You!
This May, we’ll be walking the 96 miles of the West Highland Way – an incredible challenge through some of Scotland’s most breathtaking landscapes.
We are literally walking miles for meals.
We are both excited and grateful to walk and raise money for such a good cause.
Your support means everything to us and to the children who will benefit.
Please give generously as we get our fundraising efforts underway.
Use the link in my story or in the comments below.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!
Thank you!

Frazzled and Frayed?

Lately, I’ve heard the phrase “spreading myself too thin” over and over.

It seems to be something that many of us struggle with from time to time.

We simply take on too much, pushing ourselves beyond our own capacity and then eventually start to feel overwhelmed.

Academic pressures, job changes, work life imbalance, self-doubts, digital overload, trying to please everyone, multiple roles, workloads, endless to do-lists….and so forth!

Have you found yourself in that space recently, with lots to do and juggling lots of different responsibilities?

I know I have a little.

Sometimes the weight of “too much” can simply become too burdensome.

My experience is that in order to catch up, we need to slow down.

The scriptures offer some wisdom on this very issue.

In Mosiah 4:27, we are reminded: “See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.”

It’s easy to believe that saying yes to everything is a virtue, but I’ve learned that wisdom teaches otherwise.

Even the Lord’s counsel acknowledges our limitations.

Overexertion can lead to exhaustion rather than effectiveness.

I love the promise in Isaiah 40:31, which gives us a greater perspective: “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

For me, the key is finding a way to get the balance right.

Essentially its about knowing when to run and push forward and when to walk and regain strength.

Wisdom lies in our ability to discern what truly needs our time and energy.

Are we aligning our efforts with the Lord’s priorities for our lives?

My invitation today is to reflect a little longer and consider this question:

Are you running faster than you have strength?

If so, perhaps it’s time to slow down, reassess, and let the Lord renew your energy in His way and in His time.

 

Making Metamorphosis Stick

Graduating from university many years ago, literally changed the direction of my life.
I recall attending one of a myriad of careers fairs, where numerous companies visited the university and talked about job opportunities.
One company in particular “Metamorphose” sourced and developed graduates for sales positions and after enduring an intensive selection process, I was offered my first graduate sales role with a major company.
Over the course of the next year Metamorphose were set to fine tune my sales skills through a series of training seminars and inspirational leadership events.
During each session and the subsequent year-long follow up, the big idea was to transfer some of the greatest sales skills and ideas into our daily conduct and routines.
To make it “sticky” enough to make a real difference in our sales abilities, our effectiveness and ultimately the results that we achieved.
In essence it was important for Metamorphose that their training manifested itself in the personality, conduct and performance of each graduate student.
The training certainly was first class and to this day, I still use their materials and powerful techniques.
Sadly however, along the way, there were many who failed.

Adaptation

In life, I’ve discovered that there are many who can hear a great message and not be deeply stirred – we are all different after all.
Yet others, have the ability to take ideas successfully through the early stages of their metamorphosis to where they become ingrained habits that drive long-term success.
The difference often lies in commitment, mindset, and the willingness to apply what is learned consistently.
I saw first-hand how some graduates thrived, seizing every opportunity to refine their skills, while others struggled to implement the lessons.
The most successful individuals were those who embraced continuous learning, adapted to challenges, and stayed persistent even when results were slow to appear.
An effective way to make learning “sticky” is through constant practice, by applying new skills in real-world scenarios until they become second nature.
Another is by repetition, revisiting key concepts over and over to reinforce retention.
For me, coaching and mentoring others has proven to be the best “sticky” method of all.
Looking back, I realise how much of that early training has shaped my approach to business and personal growth today.
What’s one lesson from your early career that has stayed with you?

The Cost of Being Lukewarm

Have you ever taken a sip of lukewarm water?
It’s unpleasant, not refreshing, just bland.
Sometimes our lives can feel the same way.
“Fire” or “heat” often serve as symbols of power, knowledge, enthusiasm, vigour and yet can also represent destruction and judgement.
Consider the following:
– She’s set the world on fire.
– He has got a fire in his belly.
– She is a ball of fire.
– He is burning with ambition.
Over the years I have worked with many leaders who have some “fire in their belly”.
Others I’ve met who may be in that undesirable place midway between hot and cold, or even more strikingly “lukewarm”.
I’m reminded of the scripture in Revelation 3:15 – 16 which says “I know thy works, that thou are neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold not hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”
In this context the scripture represents a lack of spiritual passion or commitment.
This idea of someone being lukewarm could be described as follows:
– She’s just going through the motions.
– He’s just coasting along.
– She’s half-hearted about it.
– He’s blowing hot and cold.
It has been my experience that if we want to be successful in our personal or professional lives, we need to ignite that inner fire.
Don’t settle for lukewarm!

Lukewarm: the enemy of progress

Passion, drive, and commitment fuel progress, innovation, and meaningful change.
Without them, we risk stagnation, simply drifting along without direction or impact.
When you are lukewarm about something, the results are frequently the same.
That’s not to say enthusiasm alone guarantees success, but when combined with purpose and perseverance, it becomes a powerful force.
The most effective leaders I’ve met are those who bring warmth, energy, and conviction to their work.
Their hearts can inspire other hearts with their fire.
Their secret? It’s quite simple really, they do something they love to do!
They go to work but never “work” a day in their life!
So, where do you find yourself?
Are you on fire, lukewarm, or simply going through the motions?

Speaking Up for Faith

Last week, I spent a couple of days in London on business, attending a book launch, and I also spent some time with a new friend, Celine Brown.

Celine is interning with the Freedom of Religion or Belief Foundation (FoRB), which acts as the secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on the same topic in Westminster.

Just before Christmas, I joined FoRB as a trustee and have been finding out about projects all around the world where the basic human right of Freedom of Religion or Belief is being challenged, restricted, or actively defended.

Freedom of Religion or Belief is a fundamental human right that protects the conscience of all individuals.

It allows us to think, express, and act upon our deeply held beliefs, whether in private or public settings.

This freedom encompasses the right to change one’s religion or belief and to manifest it through teaching, practice, worship, and observance.

However, globally, this right faces numerous challenges, including governmental restrictions, societal pressures, and acts of intolerance.

International Religious Freedom Summit

A few of my FoRB colleagues attended the International Religious Freedom Summit held in Washington, D.C. this week, where Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasised the importance of compassion in religious freedom advocacy.

He stated, “Protecting religious freedom is a key to peace and stability around the world.”

Elder Soares highlighted that fostering understanding and respect among diverse religious communities is essential for building peaceful societies.

My personal commitment to FoRB stems from a heartfelt belief in the inherent dignity of every individual and the conviction that freedom of belief is essential for human flourishing.

In Galatians 5:13, the Apostle Paul said: “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”

This scripture highlights the principle that our freedoms are not just for personal benefit but are opportunities to serve and uplift others.

In my role as a trustee, I am dedicated to supporting initiatives that promote religious freedom, understanding, and mutual respect among all people.

By doing so, we can contribute to a more just and harmonious world where everyone’s right to believe, or not to believe, is upheld.

How can you and me, in our daily lives, promote a culture of respect and understanding for religious freedom in our communities and our workplaces?

 

Bee-Inspired

Last night, I had the chance to meet up with some dear friends and fellow coaches, Philip Atkinson and Dave Kesby.
I joined with many other guests for the launch of Philip’s leadership book “Bee Wise” at the Royal Over-Seas League in London.
Philip is not only a remarkable Organisational Coach, but he is also a beekeeper and an accomplished one at that.
In his book he “lifts the lid on what happens inside a hard-working hive and uses this as a refreshing metaphor to examine working life.”
In essence, “the beehive is the ultimate business case of complex organisations and working life today.”
Philip gifted me a limited-edition hard copy of his book around Christmas time, and I’ve loved perusing it ever since.
The book considers twelve key topics relevant for leadership in organisations today, including change, communication, continuous learning, decision making, diversity, purpose, productivity, teamwork and many more, all through the fascinating metaphor of an industrious beehive.
I’ve discovered a few favourite chapters and understand a little more about the life of bees, and the lessons they can teach us.
Dave was one of 12 guest writers who Philip partnered with to share additional or alternative views, helping to create a community of shared thinking or in other words some hive-logic!
Last night was not just about celebrating the launch of a book; it was about celebrating friendship, shared learning, and the power of collaboration.
Spending time with Philip, Dave, and so many like-minded professionals reminded me of the importance of community and the strength we find in exchanging ideas.
Philip’s ability to weave wisdom and leadership lessons from the natural world into our working lives is truly inspiring.
I wish you every success Philip with “Bee Wise” – may it continue to spark meaningful conversations and insightful reflections in organisations far and wide!
And to all those who have yet to pick up a copy, I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in and discover the buzz for yourselves! 🐝
Bees thrive on teamwork; just as great leaders foster collaboration – I have a free limited edition signed hard copy to give away!
Tag a colleague, mentor, or friend who embodies the spirit of teamwork and share why they inspire you below.
I’ll pick a winner and send the signed copy to one lucky participant!