Welcome to the next stage of the journey... I am Catholic!

Hi everyone,

Well after a few months away, I'm excited to announce that I've today launched a whole new project which will hopefully help many more people on their faith journey called - I am Catholic.

So another blog you ask? Well not quite - this time I'm going to try to reach as many people as possible and so I've created a Facebook page.

A Facebook page? Yes and I won't just be sharing my stuff on there. On a regular basis I'll be posting up videos and articles from people who are Catholic who I think are amazing and who have inspired me on my journey as well as pieces that I feel really give a good response to some of the key issues affecting Catholics in the world today.

So that means no more writing? Nope, I'll still be around - along with a bunch of other people - writing pieces to help you in your life journey except this time I'm going to be trying the latest in technology to do this - instant articles on Facebook. Stay tuned to the I am Catholic Facebook page for these pieces and I hope to continue to keep inspiring you on your faith journey.

Why am I creating this? Well to be honest with you, when I started writing the journey of a faith warrior in Christ blog, I wanted to inspire as many people as I could with it.

While I'm pleased to say I've inspired a number of people - what I started to realise at the end of last year was that it wasn't motivational quotes or helpful blog articles people needed but rather a support on the challenge that is living out a life in faith each day.

While I know there's a lot of support pages out there for those who are Christian, one of the things I realised at the start of this year is that there aren't many for those who are Catholic - well there are if you look hard enough but none that are easy to find.

It's why I created I am a Catholic- a simple name which is easy to find and a Facebook page which I hope to fill with lots of different videos, quotes, images and events that will help people who are Catholic on their faith journey and give them the courage and strength to go out and live the faith the best they can.

So where do I access I am a Catholic? You can visit right now at www.facebook.com/iamacatholicau

I look forward to seeing you all there and know my thoughts and prayers are always with you.

Till next time...

Yes I'm back... well sort of....

Hey everyone,

Yep, it's been four months but I'm back on here and it's good to be writing to you all again.

I could start this blog off by saying that I've been offline due to the busy time at work I've had, or because I moved again last month or that I've been busy with stuff away from my desk - and all of these would be true.

But the real truth is that I sort of got burnt out with writing at the end of last year and decided to take a hiatus from it (outside of work) for a while.

Sometimes, no matter how passionate you are about something, if you lose the love for it, it can be really hard to keep going.

Now I know that you should fight through for the things that you love but I think it's important when people say this to also include the fact that to do that, sometimes you need to step away from the heat of the kitchen and take a more birds eye view of things.

And so, that's what I did. I spent some time reading great works and listening to some amazing speakers, I spent time listening to God and to what he wants me to do and I caught up with some amazing people who have now inspired me to the next stage of my writing/blogging journey.

And so it is with this note that I write to advise that this will be the last post on this blog for now.

I've really enjoyed doing this blog and giving people with words of encouragement and wisdom - and don't worry I don't expect to stop that anytime soon - it's a gift I truly feel that God gave me and it would be wrong not to use it.

In saying that though, I feel that the next stage I'm about to take up on this blogging journey is one that needs to be spoken about, one that will hopefully help a lot more people in their lives, ones I'd love others to get involved in too and one that I believe is where I'm being called to at this time of my life.

So what is it you may ask... well you'll just have to wait to find that out. I'm hoping to get started on it really soon - by May at the latest.

Until then however, I will be praying for everyone of you and thank you for your support with this blog - I won't shut this up entirely, because who knows, one day I might be called to continue on this journey but it's adios from me for now.

Which is better? Fame and fortune or helping others?

Before I start this post, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and hope it's been a great time spent with family and friends.

So today we are asking the question of what really matters to you, is it fame, money, power and success or is it helping others and making a difference in the world?

No matter what the answer to your question - let me start off by saying this - while one of these answers seems to have a more positive aspect to it then the other, both are just as valid and
worthwhile an answer than the other one and both can see a person lead a happy, life-changing and inspirational life.

Now I know a lot of you will read the last paragraph and say to me as if! Surely having fame and power is the ultimate win. You are popular and you can do all you like. I know there will be a lot of you however that will tell me that this is also an as if, because you can't be happy when you're focus is on money- and this is a valid point as well.

But what if I was to put a third category into the mix of answers. One that says that fame and money have an important role to play in helping others and making a difference in the world- and vice versa.

Think about this, every person starts from somewhere in life - I think a quote based around passages from the bible said it best when it says 'I am born, wrapped in swaddling cloths and one day I will exit once again' - there is no human in this world who hasn't been through that.

The difference is that for some, they are born into the lower socio-economic status while for others, they are born into the high echelons of life.

It's interesting to note that in Australia at least, a lot of our more well known success stories who grace our magazines actually came from families with very little and from their hard work they've been able to turn this around not only for themselves but also for their families as well.

If we focus on this case in particular, it's a perfect example of how the search for fame and power can be a good thing. The fact that others are more famous can give people something to aspire to, which can be the key to breaking the cycle and making a pathway towards a better life.

Money and success can also be used by the person once successful to help others around them to make their situation better or improve their lives.

The key to all of this is that while there is a focus on fame and success and money, it is done with an end result which is greater than all of this - which is to create change and make a difference.

If we take helping others as a focus, the same principle applies. There's no use in making your goal to help others if you are only doing it to make yourself look good. There needs to be a much greater goal of helping others to ensure they can achieve their best or to enable them to perform tasks that will help others in their community to make their goals happen.

Whether your goal is fame or fortune or helping others and making a difference - there's only one thing you need to remember and this is that at the end of it all - neither of these things are the be all and end all of life. What really matters is that throughout your journey towards these goals, you continue to live out the values of respect, love and use your gifts and talents to the best of your ability.

Do this and both of these options will lead to success and ultimate happiness both now and into the years to come.

Till next time...

It's better when we stick together

Hi everyone,

Apologies for the nearly month long break between posts - I've been busy with projects and then came down the flu - but I'm back now and ready to continue to hopefully help you to have the best life possible!

So it's time for number 3 in our reflection series of questions - now I know it's been a bit of time between drinks so the question revolved around the idea of whether you are someone whose path involves just themselves or does it revolve around family and friends as well.

Now if you're anything like me I'm guessing the answer to the question above will a bit more complex than just a one or the other.

It seems that as humanity, we are happy for people to be involved in our plans unless one of two things occurs:

1. The plan no longer is ours due to their involvement turning into their pet project
2. The plan that we have is shut down by those close to us 

Because of this, it seems that when it comes to plans - the ones that don't matter, we are happy for others to mess around in and do what they can to help us, but the big ones - the ones we have placed our futures in - well those are solely for us to control and choose.

Now before we continue, let me make one thing clear - this idea that we are the only ones who are in control or who have a say in a plan is COMPLETE NONSENSE! Anyone who thinks this should remember the golden rule - there is someone who put us on this earth in the first place (and it's not your mum or dad) and they have ultimate control over all plans in our lives- period. Even if we try to control the plans, if it's their desire for us to end up somewhere, they'll make it happen, even if it's via the long way around.

Ok, now that's out of the way, there are some other important reasons why this form of thinking isn't that sound.

1. If you have no experience in the area you are planning to succeed in, then it's vital that you get the support of those who have been on the journey before you to gain ideas on what works and what doesn't. You can't do this if you're flying solo.
   
2. When the road gets rough, no matter how much we all hate to admit it, we really value having someone around to provide support, give guidance and most importantly, just listen so that we can get past the point of frustration or disappointment and move towards achieving success.
   
3. If you alienate all your friends and family from this plan - no matter how much it means to you, there's a strong chance many of them (outside of the immediate circle) will feel hurt by this and start distancing themselves from you in all areas. You might just want to keep this goal or dream to yourself, but you might end up being by yourself instead.
   
4. Those who share and ask for support normally end up succeeding in their goals faster. Now this isn't some fancy quote or idea - it's the truth. Look at all those who have done great things in the world - not just in faith, but in science, technology, business - most of them started their projects with another person or they have mentors and backers a list long who worked
   
   with them to achieve the goal. When we go alone, the road can seem so much harder than it needs to be and this can delay us from wanting to keep going. Being in a group leads to more support, more ideas and in the end, a faster, more effective result.
   
   

Now after saying all that, let me say this. I know from my own experience that having the vulnerability to say that you need help or to ask for a person to join you in your goals is not easy and sometimes, takes more guts than just sticking it out alone.

The thing is though, we can't succeed in our goals if we try to do it by ourselves - it's why once God made Adam, he then created Eve - even the greatest creator of all knew humans needed a partner when it came to this crazy game we call life.

So my challenge to you today is to look at that goal you are wanting to achieve, Now write down a list of every person you know who can help you achieve that goal and start talking to them about it. It may not be every detail, but enough so they can help you to get to the next step. It's a challenge I know, but trust me from personal experience when I say, it's going to be so worth it.

Till next time everyone...

The next great thing....

Hi everyone,

Well it's time to look at question 2 of the reflection I did last month and unpack a bit about something that I know scares a lot of people and can cause people to freak out (I know it can for me from time to time)... the future.

The second question asked about what you want to do next. Now depending on your age, your current life situation and your values - this could be anything from being a superstar to making sure I make a positive difference tomorrow.

Personally, I'm not the biggest fan of the question - what do you want to do next? This particularly the case when people (including me) ask it to school leavers.

The reason why I'm not a fan of this question is that I think it forces people to think they have to make a decision and then once they've done that, the success of that decision will ultimately decide whether they have succeeded or failed in life.

Now anyone who has lived at least 25 years on this earth knows that this sort of thinking is filled with so many lies it would blow up a lie detector on impact!

The truth is that while we may make a decision on what we want to do next in life, no matter how hard we strive to do it, it might just not happen. Add to this to this the fact that for those who are followers of the faith, if it's not God's will, then as people who follow God, we may end up doing something completely different instead that could be equally as satisfying but no where near our original goal.

Here is my life journey so far so that you can see an example of exactly what I'm talking about above:

Working with Computers- Writing - Being a Youth Mentor in High Schools- Wanting to become a Youth Minister in a Church- Writing- Volunteering to help look after tech and mentor primary school/early childhood kids outside of work.

Now that's a super condensed version of the journey but as you can see - my goals have come and gone and morphed and what I'm doing now - while still using some of the talents I had before, is completely not what I would have expected to be doing when I was 15.

The fact is that no matter how much we want to say that we know what the next great thing is - we actually don't know until it arrives and we can see it.

Now this doesn't mean that you don't have any plans for what you want to do in the future. Plans are important because if we don't have any direction or purpose in life - as I've said in earlier posts we won't give 100% to life and for those who believe in God, he won't be able to work in us effectively as we won't be using our gifts and talents to do his calling.

We are given gifts and talents for a reason- to make a difference in the world and to help make it a better place- however if we have no idea or concept of how we are going to do that- which is what goal setting should really be all about - then we won't have an avenue in which to make a difference.

Alongside goal setting however- we also have to be open to the fact that there may just be something around the corner that is amazing and wonderful that we just haven't discovered yet. While our goals are important and we need to keep striving for them- we also need to keep working on a daily basis on the little things in life that can continue to foster our gifts and talents in all areas.

Fostering our gifts and talents will allow us to begin to see which areas of our life we are truly called to and if we're open to those areas, will allow us to truly offer the greatest reward to society and ensure that your next thing is also something truly inspiring, exciting and rewarding for all- not only in this life, but in the eternity to come.

So next time someone comes up and asks you what do you want to be when you're older or what is the next step- tell them that you have a plan, but that more importantly, you want to be the best person you can be and from that, everything else will work itself out.

It's counter-cultural, it's not the normal answer- but it's definitely the answer I believe will lead you to success both now and in the years to come.

Till next time...

Getting on the right path

Hi everyone,

So a few weeks ago, I encourage you all to take some time to have a think about some of the big questions in life - and now it's time to unpack them one by one - starting with the question of whether
you are on the right path in life?

If you answered yes to this question, then my words of encouragement are simple - keep going and stay focused! As you'll read about in future posts, the hardest part about getting on the path is actually staying on it when you are there. There are so many distractions trying to take you off the path and it's so easy to go down a windy road and then end up lost and spending months trying to back track. It's why when you're on the path, you need to do all you can to stay on it. Make sure you grab someone who can keep you accountable on your goals and keep making targets to achieve - do this and you'll be on your way to success.

Ok so what about the rest of us then... what about the ones who answered no to this question and are possibly aimlessly going through life with no direction as to where we want to end up.. well to those people, I say, read on below...

There are four main reasons why we feel we aren't on the right path. I'm going to list them below and beside each of them, provide my viewpoints on each of these reasons and the truth that needs to be recognised.

1. You haven't got the skills and talents to achieve your goals - now this is a common reason for people straying off the path. It's so easy to say you want to achieve something but then, you stop as it gets too hard or in your mind you aren't equipped to deal with this challenge.
   
   The thing is though, God doesn't called the equipped - he equips the called. If you are called to something, then you need to at least give it a go and put all your effort into it. If you aren't knowledgeable in an area - watch some YouTube videos, ask a friend who is knowledgeable or if needed, take a course. Also, take into account point two!
   
   
2. You're trying to do things but ain't that successful - Firstly, as I've written before, success is not just about being the best at something or being the most popular either. Sometimes, our success, as it was for Jesus, will be found when we are being challenged the most, criticised the most and ridiculed the most because what we know is right to do is so counter-cultural, it's hard for others to take it in.
   
   Secondly, you won't be able to be successful at something the first time around. It took Edison thousands of attempts before he came up with the light blub and it's going to take you a few tries before you'll even get close to being a success. The truly successful ones for the most part weren't the ones who were super talented at something at the get go - but they were the ones who persevered to learn from the adversity and rise to the top.
   
   
3. Every time I try to do something on my chosen path, there are obstacles in the way - Now
   
   before I go any further - let me say something that I didn't realise for a long time but which is very important to hear- no pathway in life is plain sailing!
   
   Look at all those who have been successful in achieving their life goals. Most of these people had numerous moments when they had setbacks, hit dead ends or just fell flat on their faces. The thing is though is that despite the obstacles, they never gave up - and neither should you. If you feel called to something - then keep striving at it.... for it is through our hard work that God can work his divine providence. Who knows, you might not achieve the goal tonight, but you've got a much better chance in 10-20 years time when you learn from your mistakes.
   
   
4. It doesn't seem like the right thing to do- now if this is you, then the first thing you need to
   
   do is get away from the computer screen, go to your favourite reflection space and take some time to reflect. You need to go and find out whether the evil one is wanting to corrupt your thinking and stop you from making a goal happen or the goal isn't the one for you.
   
   If it's the first one, then keep focused on the goal, don't believe the lies and strive for it. If it's the second one, then I would say that it's not your season be on this path right now however that doesn't mean the dream is over. Keep the dream in your back pocket because you never know when the season may change and you will be in the right place or, you'll find someone who you can help in this area of life as you'll have the experience of going through this time.

Hopefully this has helped you on your journey and stay tuned for the next blog where we'll continue to discuss these themes plus a whole lot more.

Till next time...

Reflection: A look into your life today

Hi everyone,

Ok, so once again apologies for the delay in writing. It's been a busy last month with moving, family events and then to top it all off my computer decided to breakdown... good news though is that it's back, I'm back and even more inspired to help you to be the best you can be.

Speaking of which - this idea of being the best you can be is going to be the focus of the next few blogs. I know in the last few blogs the idea has been spoken about but now I want to get real, into the details and give you the tools you need to see out the year as best as you can.

So to start off with, it's time for a bit of reflection. If we're being honest, none of us spend enough time in reflection (unless you're in an order, love to meditate or have a personality trait as such) - I know I certainly don't.

The thing is though, if we don't reflect on our lives and how we are going, then how on earth are we meant to be able to see what works, what doesn't and make those necessary tweaks along the way to being the people God calls us to be.

Below are a series of questions that are meant to make you think about how your life is at the moment - there are no right or wrong answers and if you feel you are weak at something, don't do what I sometimes do and get either worked up over it or crawl into a ball of failure. The key to this is to see the weaknesses and acknowledge them but to also be made aware of the unknown strengths and talents you may have as well. Over the coming months, I will share some of the ways in which you can harness both these areas of your life to your advantage and be the best you can be.

Q1: Am I on the path I want to be on?

Q2: Do I know where I want to go next?

Q3: Does this path involve just me or my friends and family as well?

Q4: Is my end goal fame, money, power, success or is it goal achieving, helping others and making a difference to the world?

Q5: Is there anything that I fear about the path I'm on?

Q6: If there is, what is it, and why?

Q7: Are there any roadblocks outside of fear that are stopping me on my path?

Q8: What sacrifices am I willing to make (if any) to achieve the goal?

Q9: Have I taken any steps to make the goal happen yet?

Q10: Where do I want to be in 6 months time?


I really encourage you not to just skim over these questions but to take the time to really think about the responses. Once you have, keep reflecting on these on a daily basis and in my next post I'll start going through each of these areas and explain what it means both to your life and also how to maximise your potential within these areas to make life the best it can be.

Until next time...