Plus my ABC radio story and some tips on dealing with uncertainty…

Hey you great survivor you, it’s been a while!

Almost a year (again), since I last wrote.

Twenty Six Years…

Now, quite by accident, I realized when I sat down to write this email that, being April 10 today, I am approximately twelve hours into the twenty sixth anniversary of the experience that changed my life forever...

If you’re reading this, you likely know the story, but I wanted to share with you a program I took part in recently for ABC radio in Australia.

At this point in life, I have to admit, I don’t have a lot of interest in doing media. I don’t have a lot of interest in media in general, but that’s a path to go down another time.

That being said, when a woman called Sophie Kesteven contacted me to ask if I was interested in being interviewed for a project she was working on, and confirmed for me that yes, that surname does sound familiar; I couldn’t not say yes...

You see, I had met Sophie when she was just nine years old when I took a two thousand, nine-hundred kilometer drive to personally thank the rescue crew that had saved my life on Hinchinbrook Island.

Sophie’s Dad Tim was the helicopter pilot.

So, in the interest of not spoiling the story, here is the link to listen to the piece (it’s not just an interview, although it contains interviews with both Tim and Dany Portefaix (also on the rescue team), myself and Geert.

Heads up.

It’s not super obvious that this is an audio piece.

Look for the picture of me and Geert, and look for the grey button (turns red when you hover over it) on the left of the image that says: ”Listen. 29m”

https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/earshot/follow-me-up-a-mountain/102118736

Speaking of Australia

I’m excited to announce that I’ll be back in Aus for a number of speaking engagements during November and December (possibly January as well).

The only one that is open to the public (at time of writing) is the Everybody Wins event being held in Canberra on December 2nd.

More info HERE

Speaking of Speaking

It goes without saying that if you’ve been looking to get me over for a conference or event, or have a group in mind that you think I might be a good fit for, don’t hesitate to reach out. Just hit reply or go direct at warren@warren-macdonald.com

Lastly, and probably more importantly, an observation.

Everyone I speak to these days is either struggling or knows someone who is struggling.

Struggling financially, struggling mentally, struggling under the sheer uncertainty of the times we find ourselves in.

I don’t have a silver bullet, but I do know this.

I personally always do better when I continue moving, be it working out, cycling, swimming; anything that keeps the blood flowing is of enormous help, preferably outside.

I also do better when my mind is clear.

Apart from meditation, which I strongly advise you practice, there are simple (I didn’t say easy) steps you can take that will help immensely.

1. Stop watching the news. So, you’re informed, now what? If you can’t stop, try reducing the amount of “news” you consume.

2. Remove social media apps from your phone. Check in from your computer if you have to, with intent, but this removes the temptation to check in every spare moment you have...

3. Spend more time in your “zone”, that place/ activity where time stands still. Be it on your bike, in the garden, with your guitar; whatever; just do it. Our “busy” culture tells us it’s a waste of time. It’s not.

Until next time.

Warren