So 2012 is nearly over and over the next 10 days i will take a few hours to
myself and do 3 things;
1) Review my goals of 2012
2) Pen my goals for
2013
3) Meditate for a short period to prepare my subconscious for an even
better 2013
It amazes me how powerful actually writing down goals can
be. I was first introduced to this through personal development and in more
particular through a book by Napoleon Hill called "think and grow rich". Such a
powerful publication and if you are serious about progressing in your life be it
personal or business, this is a must read.
Most people i know have goals
however, when you ask them if they written them down? the normal quickfire
response is that they don't need to, as they know what they are. That's fine
however i would suggest if you are serious about actually achieving and smashing
goals, you need to write them down as you shouldn't be able to remember them
all.
Last Christmas I wrote down 17 goals both personal and business and I'm
delighted to say I've achieved 13 of these. The other 4 were not achieved
however some because my plans changed and others are work in progress.
There are a number of personal development and life coaches out there who
promote and encourage goal setting. A guy i admire and would encourage you to
have a look at is Billy Cox - have a look at his site and search goals to you
see what he has to say!!
http://billycox.com/
So my tip for
closing out the year is, have a open mind, take some time and write your goals
down for 2013. Its amazing how quickly time is moving and this time next year
you will be in a position to properly assess what type of year you
had.
Its a really interesting process if you engage with it properly and
its also important to remember ::
#Attitude Is Everything
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Sunday 18 November 2012
Why write a book - who should read it?
In the next 2 weeks my book "Attitude Is Everything - My MS Story" will be released worldwide through Amazon. It will be available on Paperback, Kindle and also Ebook. I have to say that it has been a great and interesting journey putting it together, but to be honest not overly difficult for me. I don't mean this in an arrogant way however when you are writing about yourself and your experiences in the last number of years, as long as you can remember what happened to you and how you felt, putting it down on paper seemed to come natural to me.
I started thinking about writing this book around the Summer 2011. I was dx with Multiple Sclerosis in August 2007 and found the next few years very difficult, but since i worked out how to beat it i have been doing well since 2010 and getting stronger with the passing of each month. As i began to talk to other people about my experiences, i found that they felt i had a very strong story and message to share with people. When other MS sufferers started to contact me looking advice and asking me questions, i felt empowered at that point to take some action and put my very difficult but rewarding struggle down on paper in the form of a book. So all the hard work in the past 12 months is finally at an end as the book release is imminent:)
So what is the book about and who should read it? Well obviously the book is about me and what happened to me and how a very fit young man can come to get this thing called MS completely out of the blue at 28 years old. I explain in detail what happened to me that first day on honeymoon in Mauritius, the following week and next 12 months right through to diagnosis. The book captures a 6 year period from the onset of the illness to today - when i am in a much stronger fitter place, able and willing to share my experience.
I share in the book my 3 point plan which i implemented enabling me to beat the MS, and i also share with you some other nuggets that i embraced that gave me the strength to overcome my illness. I go into detail regarding the fact that i believe everyone of us hits a wall at some point in our lives - it could be financial, a relationship, bereavement, an illness - no one escapes challenges and in my case the MS was my wall that i had to try and overcome.
There is an old saying that if you are in a room with 10 people and you all throw your problems onto the floor, you would take your own back as the other 9 people seem to be much worse off. There is probably a lot of truth in that.
My message is that if you have and apply the right Attitude, it doesn't matter what your problem is or height your wall is.....you can overcome it. I am very passionate about this, as i know the struggles out there right now. Every household has issues and problems to face, no one escapes - but it is how you deal with these challenges that will determine your success and fulfilment in life. Its so easy to give up, throw in the towel and wallow in self pity - but hopefully through my story and the other people i have detailed in the book, you will see that you can change things if you do one small thing - Tweak your Attitude.
I wrote this book in such a way that i feel most people will enjoy it and also get some benefit from reading it. I talk about a thing called personal development, and i don't care who you are but if you embrace this concept alone and commit to it, you will find your personal circumstances change for the better. People suffering from MS will obviously find my book very helpful as i share with you lots of information that has helped me fight and win the battle. Others with illnesses or challenges i also feel will certainly find some of my philosophy's interesting and engaging.
So there you go, i hope you get a copy and thoroughly enjoy it. If you do please let me know as i would love to hear your feedback.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything and #Never Give up
I started thinking about writing this book around the Summer 2011. I was dx with Multiple Sclerosis in August 2007 and found the next few years very difficult, but since i worked out how to beat it i have been doing well since 2010 and getting stronger with the passing of each month. As i began to talk to other people about my experiences, i found that they felt i had a very strong story and message to share with people. When other MS sufferers started to contact me looking advice and asking me questions, i felt empowered at that point to take some action and put my very difficult but rewarding struggle down on paper in the form of a book. So all the hard work in the past 12 months is finally at an end as the book release is imminent:)
So what is the book about and who should read it? Well obviously the book is about me and what happened to me and how a very fit young man can come to get this thing called MS completely out of the blue at 28 years old. I explain in detail what happened to me that first day on honeymoon in Mauritius, the following week and next 12 months right through to diagnosis. The book captures a 6 year period from the onset of the illness to today - when i am in a much stronger fitter place, able and willing to share my experience.
I share in the book my 3 point plan which i implemented enabling me to beat the MS, and i also share with you some other nuggets that i embraced that gave me the strength to overcome my illness. I go into detail regarding the fact that i believe everyone of us hits a wall at some point in our lives - it could be financial, a relationship, bereavement, an illness - no one escapes challenges and in my case the MS was my wall that i had to try and overcome.
There is an old saying that if you are in a room with 10 people and you all throw your problems onto the floor, you would take your own back as the other 9 people seem to be much worse off. There is probably a lot of truth in that.
My message is that if you have and apply the right Attitude, it doesn't matter what your problem is or height your wall is.....you can overcome it. I am very passionate about this, as i know the struggles out there right now. Every household has issues and problems to face, no one escapes - but it is how you deal with these challenges that will determine your success and fulfilment in life. Its so easy to give up, throw in the towel and wallow in self pity - but hopefully through my story and the other people i have detailed in the book, you will see that you can change things if you do one small thing - Tweak your Attitude.
I wrote this book in such a way that i feel most people will enjoy it and also get some benefit from reading it. I talk about a thing called personal development, and i don't care who you are but if you embrace this concept alone and commit to it, you will find your personal circumstances change for the better. People suffering from MS will obviously find my book very helpful as i share with you lots of information that has helped me fight and win the battle. Others with illnesses or challenges i also feel will certainly find some of my philosophy's interesting and engaging.
So there you go, i hope you get a copy and thoroughly enjoy it. If you do please let me know as i would love to hear your feedback.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything and #Never Give up
Monday 5 November 2012
Unofficial NYC Marathon 2012 #Smashed
We arrived at 2pm local time on Friday and it was a great feeling being back in New York. I first visited this great City in 1999 and have some wonderful memories playing football for Cavan in the legendary Gaelic park and working for an Irish construction company in Manhattan. I think my first experience of the City really had a great impact on my development as it was my first real spell away from home, and you had to fend for yourself.
Anyway as we checked into our hotel on 42nd Street East Manhattan, we decided to head down to the EXPO as we had to register fro the marathon on Sunday and pick up our goody bag. When we arrived the place was bunged with excited runners and there was a great atmosphere which certainly wet my appetite for the race a couple of days later.
We picked up our gear and decided to go back to the hotel. As we got out of a cab, news started to filter through that Bloomberg had cancelled the marathon - i didn't believe it at first, but after spotting some TV's in and electrical shop - the news was true and NYC 2012 marathon was off. We got back to the hotel and there was an urgent meeting called by the travel company to explain what was going on. Without going into detail too much - the race had been cancelled. The bottom line was there was over 100 deaths the previous week in New York and there was more carnage and bereavements being reported in Staten Island daily - we were all pretty shocked and my own personal feeling was it was the right decision, but the Mayor should have made the call on the Monday or the Tuesday of that week.
Anyway the organisers had come up with a plan B, which was we would have a solidarity run in Central Park on the Sunday which would be a half marathon - i suppose it was better than nothing and we all had trained pretty hard for this. Sunday came and we headed over to Central Park. The weather was fantastic although a little bit cold. There must have been over 20,000 runners in the park and the atmosphere was incredible. Lots of New Yorkers stood around the route and offered all the runners water, sweets, fruit and most of all fantastic heart warming support.
Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world and one lap is 6 miles of incredible scenery. As i was running away on my own with the music in my ear i decided i would complete 26.2 miles and run 4 laps of the park plus 2.2 extra. I had trained too long and too hard to come all this way and not do a marathon. 3 hours and 59 minutes later, a tired young Irish man had finished his run. I was exhausted and my legs were really aching. What made it that bit more gratifying was that during my training i was unable to run more than 14 miles as i picked up an injury, so i was pleasantly surprised and delighted that my body held up over the course. I wont lie to you it felt good - that's my 2nd marathon in 2 years and that's 6 years after the onset of my Multiple Sclerosis in 2006.
MS is pretty annoying and difficult to have to put up with, day in and day out. Whenever you decide to do a challenge you must have a goal in order to succeed. Some say a dream is a goal with a deadline, I agree. I have to tell you that my MS diagnosis was the reason i completed my marathon on Sunday. I suppose i wanted to prove to myself that i could run 26.2 miles again. I hope that other MS'ers get some strength from the fact that i was able to achieve my goal. Its a really nice feeling.
In a few weeks time i will sit down and write out my goals for 2013. 12 months ago i did the same exercise and i can tell you i hit most of the goals i put down on that page. Its a super feeling all.
In two weeks time my new book ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING will be released and i am looking forward to seeing the finished product. I never thought in the month of Sundays i would ever write a book. Well i have, and i suppose i will have to edit my Twitter Bio that I'm now also an author:)
All good fun, so try and stay positive all and remember #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
Anyway as we checked into our hotel on 42nd Street East Manhattan, we decided to head down to the EXPO as we had to register fro the marathon on Sunday and pick up our goody bag. When we arrived the place was bunged with excited runners and there was a great atmosphere which certainly wet my appetite for the race a couple of days later.
We picked up our gear and decided to go back to the hotel. As we got out of a cab, news started to filter through that Bloomberg had cancelled the marathon - i didn't believe it at first, but after spotting some TV's in and electrical shop - the news was true and NYC 2012 marathon was off. We got back to the hotel and there was an urgent meeting called by the travel company to explain what was going on. Without going into detail too much - the race had been cancelled. The bottom line was there was over 100 deaths the previous week in New York and there was more carnage and bereavements being reported in Staten Island daily - we were all pretty shocked and my own personal feeling was it was the right decision, but the Mayor should have made the call on the Monday or the Tuesday of that week.
Anyway the organisers had come up with a plan B, which was we would have a solidarity run in Central Park on the Sunday which would be a half marathon - i suppose it was better than nothing and we all had trained pretty hard for this. Sunday came and we headed over to Central Park. The weather was fantastic although a little bit cold. There must have been over 20,000 runners in the park and the atmosphere was incredible. Lots of New Yorkers stood around the route and offered all the runners water, sweets, fruit and most of all fantastic heart warming support.
Central Park is one of the most famous parks in the world and one lap is 6 miles of incredible scenery. As i was running away on my own with the music in my ear i decided i would complete 26.2 miles and run 4 laps of the park plus 2.2 extra. I had trained too long and too hard to come all this way and not do a marathon. 3 hours and 59 minutes later, a tired young Irish man had finished his run. I was exhausted and my legs were really aching. What made it that bit more gratifying was that during my training i was unable to run more than 14 miles as i picked up an injury, so i was pleasantly surprised and delighted that my body held up over the course. I wont lie to you it felt good - that's my 2nd marathon in 2 years and that's 6 years after the onset of my Multiple Sclerosis in 2006.
MS is pretty annoying and difficult to have to put up with, day in and day out. Whenever you decide to do a challenge you must have a goal in order to succeed. Some say a dream is a goal with a deadline, I agree. I have to tell you that my MS diagnosis was the reason i completed my marathon on Sunday. I suppose i wanted to prove to myself that i could run 26.2 miles again. I hope that other MS'ers get some strength from the fact that i was able to achieve my goal. Its a really nice feeling.
In a few weeks time i will sit down and write out my goals for 2013. 12 months ago i did the same exercise and i can tell you i hit most of the goals i put down on that page. Its a super feeling all.
In two weeks time my new book ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING will be released and i am looking forward to seeing the finished product. I never thought in the month of Sundays i would ever write a book. Well i have, and i suppose i will have to edit my Twitter Bio that I'm now also an author:)
All good fun, so try and stay positive all and remember #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
Sunday 21 October 2012
Attitude Is Everything....
When i started thinking about writing my new book last year about my MS battle, i very quickly worked out the title. It is amazing how important your attitude is in your life. The sad thing is that many go through life i feel and just do not realise the power they have within themselves to achieve their potential if they just realised one thing..... get your attitude right and you have a chance. Whether it be an illness, marriage problem, financial problem or bereavement - if you approach your challenge with the right attitude you will make progress.
Have a read of this story below - i thought it was interesting and gets the mind working. !
This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathised with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbours together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbours continued shovelling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity, you will progress.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything
Have a read of this story below - i thought it was interesting and gets the mind working. !
This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathised with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbours together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbours continued shovelling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity, you will progress.
Remember all #Attitude Is Everything
The Important Things in Life
Below, i have set out a story i came across this weekend, which struck a chord with me. Life is moving so fast right now, that i find alot of people are going from day to day just existing in the daily rat race which is life. Sometimes its good to stand back and think for a moment of the important things in life.
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
#Attitude Is Everything
A philosophy professor stood before his class with some items on the table in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks, about 2 inches in diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled into the open areas between the rocks.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He then asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous “Yes.”
“Now,” said the professor, “I want you to recognise that this jar represents your life. The rocks are the important things – your family, your partner, your health, your children – things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.
The pebbles are the other things that matter – like your job, your house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.”
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued “there is no room for the pebbles or the rocks. The same goes for your life.
If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take your partner out dancing. There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner party and fix the disposal.
Take care of the rocks first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
#Attitude Is Everything
Sunday 30 September 2012
New York - 4 Weeks to go
This past 4 weeks have been extremely frustrating as i have been nursing a hamstring strain and haven't been able to get out running. In exactly 4 weeks to the day i will be running through Manhattan taking part in my 2nd Marathon since my MS diagnosis in 2007. My training was going well to i got injured and this past few weeks i have been doing some strength and conditioning work, trying to get my body strong so it will carry me around the best city in the world.
I have been getting some physio this past couple of weeks and fingers crossed the hammy will have recovered and i will get round in one piece. I had a time goal to target since i took on this challenge however with the injury i have had to review this. i will decide where i am time wise in the next few weeks - injury pending.
This year i am running for Action MS and also Cancer Focus NI. If you would like to sponsor me please do here www.justgiving.com/conor-devine
I hope a few good things come out of this challenge and the message i want to keep spreading is that everything is possible and a diagnosis or illness does not mean your life is over. Attitude is everything people and if you get that part right, you will enjoy the rewards. Enjoy the rest of the weekend :)
#AttitudeIsEverything
ps My new bok will be out on 1st November 2012 - #WOW
I have been getting some physio this past couple of weeks and fingers crossed the hammy will have recovered and i will get round in one piece. I had a time goal to target since i took on this challenge however with the injury i have had to review this. i will decide where i am time wise in the next few weeks - injury pending.
This year i am running for Action MS and also Cancer Focus NI. If you would like to sponsor me please do here www.justgiving.com/conor-devine
I hope a few good things come out of this challenge and the message i want to keep spreading is that everything is possible and a diagnosis or illness does not mean your life is over. Attitude is everything people and if you get that part right, you will enjoy the rewards. Enjoy the rest of the weekend :)
#AttitudeIsEverything
ps My new bok will be out on 1st November 2012 - #WOW
Sunday 16 September 2012
Life is a Gift
This last week in NI has been a very testing one for all of us. In the last few days we have seen how cruel, callous, shocking, and deeply tragic life can be with the sad deaths of Brian Og Maguire and three members of the Spence Family.
When i heard the news at the end of last week about the accident in Fermanagh that claimed the life of a rising young fantastic GAA star, i was shocked and saddened and found it tough to think about anything else for the next few days.
Last night around 8pm the news started to break on twitter of a tragic accident on a farm in Hillsborough. As i continued to watch my time line over the next hour the sheer scale of the tragedy started to develop, and i could hardly believe my eyes with the news of three from the same family being killed and another very seriously injured in hospital. Of course we are talking about the Spence family, whom i do not know, however feel like i do following reading the news and listening to this disaster of a story all day.
I was at the gym this morning, trying to prepare for my up and coming marathon. This past few weeks I've found it very difficult as i have a hamstring strain and haven't been able to get out running. As i was trying to do my training this morning i couldn't stop thinking of the accidents which have claimed the lives of these four people in the last few days. When things like this happen, it really rocks you, puts life into perspective and tests everything about your character. We start asking ourselves all sorts of questions, trying to make sense of it all, with little to no answers.
As i was on twitter last night i read a tweet that Nevin Spence posted yesterday at about 2pm, saying he was out for a cup of coffee in a Belfast restaurant and having a good day. I bet he never in a million years had any idea of what lay ahead for him and his family later that afternoon. What a sad sad story and an example of how so cruel life and this world can be at times.
Sometimes you just have to stand back, stop what you are doing, take a few moments to yourself and thank God about all the positive things that you have going for you in your life. Life is a gift and i know that this coming week i will be a little more thankful for all that i have in my life.
Young Brian Og was laid to rest today in Co Fermanagh where thousands attended the funeral mass to pay their respects. Later this week thousands will arrive at the Spence's funeral to pay their respects to a great family and support the remaining members of their family. What a sad time this will be and i just hope that both the Maguire family and Spence Family get the strength from somewhere to get through this week and also the next few months.
Death is terrible at the best of times but in these two separate incidents its even much harder to take as it was a result of accidents at work that were likely very preventable - if only you could turn the clock back a few days.
I felt compelled to blog about this tonight and pray for both sets of families to get the courage and determination to carry on. RIP Brin Og and Nevin, Graham & Noel Spence
When i heard the news at the end of last week about the accident in Fermanagh that claimed the life of a rising young fantastic GAA star, i was shocked and saddened and found it tough to think about anything else for the next few days.
Last night around 8pm the news started to break on twitter of a tragic accident on a farm in Hillsborough. As i continued to watch my time line over the next hour the sheer scale of the tragedy started to develop, and i could hardly believe my eyes with the news of three from the same family being killed and another very seriously injured in hospital. Of course we are talking about the Spence family, whom i do not know, however feel like i do following reading the news and listening to this disaster of a story all day.
I was at the gym this morning, trying to prepare for my up and coming marathon. This past few weeks I've found it very difficult as i have a hamstring strain and haven't been able to get out running. As i was trying to do my training this morning i couldn't stop thinking of the accidents which have claimed the lives of these four people in the last few days. When things like this happen, it really rocks you, puts life into perspective and tests everything about your character. We start asking ourselves all sorts of questions, trying to make sense of it all, with little to no answers.
As i was on twitter last night i read a tweet that Nevin Spence posted yesterday at about 2pm, saying he was out for a cup of coffee in a Belfast restaurant and having a good day. I bet he never in a million years had any idea of what lay ahead for him and his family later that afternoon. What a sad sad story and an example of how so cruel life and this world can be at times.
Sometimes you just have to stand back, stop what you are doing, take a few moments to yourself and thank God about all the positive things that you have going for you in your life. Life is a gift and i know that this coming week i will be a little more thankful for all that i have in my life.
Young Brian Og was laid to rest today in Co Fermanagh where thousands attended the funeral mass to pay their respects. Later this week thousands will arrive at the Spence's funeral to pay their respects to a great family and support the remaining members of their family. What a sad time this will be and i just hope that both the Maguire family and Spence Family get the strength from somewhere to get through this week and also the next few months.
Death is terrible at the best of times but in these two separate incidents its even much harder to take as it was a result of accidents at work that were likely very preventable - if only you could turn the clock back a few days.
I felt compelled to blog about this tonight and pray for both sets of families to get the courage and determination to carry on. RIP Brin Og and Nevin, Graham & Noel Spence
Thursday 13 September 2012
Attitude Is Everything
So i am nearly there, in 7.5 weeks i will be in New York City getting ready to run 26.2 miles in what will be a spectacular day of festivities.
I spent most of January this year in Australia on holiday with my family were my training started for my big day in November. As i was running down to Bondi Beach on my daily training runs taking in all the sites of that beautiful place i was imagining myself running through Central Park, down into Manhattan, past Ground Zero and taking in all the sites that fantastic City has to offer. I was excited back then so you can guess that i am pretty excited now we are so close to the event.
My training was going great to about two weeks ago when i tweaked my hamstring and unfortunately i haven't been able to get out on the roads since. However i have been doing some gym work and getting treatment, so with the rub of the green i will be back pounding the roads next week, putting the final touches to my preparation.
This will be my second marathon after i ran the Belfast one last year which i found extremely tough. When i finished the Belfast marathon i told myself that i would never run another one again. However i suppose i really enjoyed the challenge and also the fact that people with Multiple Sclerosis are not rally supposed to be running marathons - or that's what some people think right??
Well what a load of rubbish that is. When i was diagnosed with MS in 2007, most of the so called medics told me to pretty much stop all physical activity and just take it easy - for the rest of my life. I listened to these so called experts for about 2 years - then i woke up thankfully and decided i was in control of what i wanted to do, not the MS - i put the building blocks in place over the next 36 months which has given me a platform right now to push on and set and smash whatever goals i set myself. I have an unbreakable attitude and looking forward to the challenges the next number of weeks have in store for me.
I meet people every day, loads of people, all with their own challenges, problems and difficulties to overcome. Some people handle pressures better than others. What i would say is those people who have a fantastic attitude, are generally always the ones to win their battles and never give up. If you apply the right attitude to any situation, there is more chance of a positive outcome than a negative attitude. That seems a very simple philosophy but its amazing the amount of people who haven't worked this out yet. You attitude will determine your altitude, so work on it, embrace personal development, get around positive people, bin the dream stealer's and you will be on the right road.
New York New York...... here i come #Dreamers Move Mountains
#AttitudeIsEverything #NeverGiveUp
www.justgiving.com/conor-devine pls donate to my charities here :))
I spent most of January this year in Australia on holiday with my family were my training started for my big day in November. As i was running down to Bondi Beach on my daily training runs taking in all the sites of that beautiful place i was imagining myself running through Central Park, down into Manhattan, past Ground Zero and taking in all the sites that fantastic City has to offer. I was excited back then so you can guess that i am pretty excited now we are so close to the event.
My training was going great to about two weeks ago when i tweaked my hamstring and unfortunately i haven't been able to get out on the roads since. However i have been doing some gym work and getting treatment, so with the rub of the green i will be back pounding the roads next week, putting the final touches to my preparation.
This will be my second marathon after i ran the Belfast one last year which i found extremely tough. When i finished the Belfast marathon i told myself that i would never run another one again. However i suppose i really enjoyed the challenge and also the fact that people with Multiple Sclerosis are not rally supposed to be running marathons - or that's what some people think right??
Well what a load of rubbish that is. When i was diagnosed with MS in 2007, most of the so called medics told me to pretty much stop all physical activity and just take it easy - for the rest of my life. I listened to these so called experts for about 2 years - then i woke up thankfully and decided i was in control of what i wanted to do, not the MS - i put the building blocks in place over the next 36 months which has given me a platform right now to push on and set and smash whatever goals i set myself. I have an unbreakable attitude and looking forward to the challenges the next number of weeks have in store for me.
I meet people every day, loads of people, all with their own challenges, problems and difficulties to overcome. Some people handle pressures better than others. What i would say is those people who have a fantastic attitude, are generally always the ones to win their battles and never give up. If you apply the right attitude to any situation, there is more chance of a positive outcome than a negative attitude. That seems a very simple philosophy but its amazing the amount of people who haven't worked this out yet. You attitude will determine your altitude, so work on it, embrace personal development, get around positive people, bin the dream stealer's and you will be on the right road.
New York New York...... here i come #Dreamers Move Mountains
#AttitudeIsEverything #NeverGiveUp
www.justgiving.com/conor-devine pls donate to my charities here :))
Monday 20 August 2012
Get back on your Horse!!!
I spend most of my time in my business life trying to help people who are in a difficult financial position, and right now with the world economic downturn in full flow, there really is alot of people broken by debt and feeling as if there are no solutions out there.
On a personal capacity in my spare time (the little i have) i try and help some people who are struggling with an MS diagnosis through my website and positive story. This work is great and I now find it quite easy to be positive as my personal development training over the past few years has added to my skill-set in a way that i can communicate with people quite comfortably in this area. The majority of people i talk to re MS are not dissimilar to those with financial problems as they also believe there is no hope and that their life is more or less over.
So I spend alot of time in the support network, trying to come up with solutions in my professional career and in my personal life, sharing my positive story with others.
The one thing i would always say to everyone i speak to is..... Never lose HOPE.
HOPE is a great thing - the best, and you have to believe no matter how bad you are, how broke you are, how sick you are, how devastated you are - THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE.
I personally believe that everything is possible and i have seen some great healing stories, financial recoveries, personality reincarnations in the past few years. Life is a gift and full of challenges, but its important to keep popping the fences and try and stay on your horse as best you can. Off course you will fall off now and again, who cares and you are only human. But remember this - dust yourself down and get back on the horse and keep going. I happen to believe that if you have the right attitude in life, you can be and have what you want out of life. Most people do not understand that the answers to their problems lye's within themselves. You have to open your mind to hope and work hard to beat whatever challenge / fence is in front of you.
The trick is to Never Give up. pain is temporary - Quitting is permanent. Life was never meant to be easy, but i can say that when you develop the right mindset after being on the floor a few times - you will be in a much better place.
Stay Positive all and remember #Attitude Is Everything
On a personal capacity in my spare time (the little i have) i try and help some people who are struggling with an MS diagnosis through my website and positive story. This work is great and I now find it quite easy to be positive as my personal development training over the past few years has added to my skill-set in a way that i can communicate with people quite comfortably in this area. The majority of people i talk to re MS are not dissimilar to those with financial problems as they also believe there is no hope and that their life is more or less over.
So I spend alot of time in the support network, trying to come up with solutions in my professional career and in my personal life, sharing my positive story with others.
The one thing i would always say to everyone i speak to is..... Never lose HOPE.
HOPE is a great thing - the best, and you have to believe no matter how bad you are, how broke you are, how sick you are, how devastated you are - THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE.
I personally believe that everything is possible and i have seen some great healing stories, financial recoveries, personality reincarnations in the past few years. Life is a gift and full of challenges, but its important to keep popping the fences and try and stay on your horse as best you can. Off course you will fall off now and again, who cares and you are only human. But remember this - dust yourself down and get back on the horse and keep going. I happen to believe that if you have the right attitude in life, you can be and have what you want out of life. Most people do not understand that the answers to their problems lye's within themselves. You have to open your mind to hope and work hard to beat whatever challenge / fence is in front of you.
The trick is to Never Give up. pain is temporary - Quitting is permanent. Life was never meant to be easy, but i can say that when you develop the right mindset after being on the floor a few times - you will be in a much better place.
Stay Positive all and remember #Attitude Is Everything
Thursday 16 August 2012
Marathon Training Update
In 10 weeks time i will be running the New York marathon. 26.2 miles through the streets of one of the worlds finest streets. I am starting to get excited as i know the experience will be fantastic and to even get a chance to run in NYC marathon will be one of the best experiences of my life.
This will be my 2nd marathon after last years run in Belfast where my time was 4hrs 36mins, and at the finish line i was completely shattered in every single way. What i learnt from that experience was that if i didn't approach New York differently in terms of my training then i was in for another 4hrs and 36mins of pain.
Let me be frank - if you want a challenge - a marathon is one which will test you in every way. One of the things i find really difficult is the fact that i do all my training on my own. If you have a running partner its much easier but unfortunately that's just the way it is with me. However I have been determined over the past few months to be prepared for New York and thankfully to date i am on the right track.
However the next 10 weeks will make or break me as i have alot of training runs to get in - 18 in total. Over the next 10 weeks i plan to run approx approx 250 miles, so you catch my drift.
I also am doing some gym work, Pilate's and a new Chinese exercise class Chi Gung once a week. I have a marathon goal time, but will keep it to myself for the next few weeks and will post on twitter the week before i run.
I am loving the fact that i am getting fitter and I'm starting to feel stronger and come the big day I feel i will be in decent nick for the race.
I am running this year for Cancer Focus NI and Action MS - two great NI charities. As an MS sufferer i hope i give others with the condition some hope and inspiration that just because you have MS, does not mean you have to stop dreaming and have a negative life. Everything is possible and if you apply the right attitude, you can do anything.
ps If you want to sponsor me - please do at www.justgiving.com/conor-devine
Take Care all and catch you again very soon
#NeverGiveUp #AttitudeIsEverything
This will be my 2nd marathon after last years run in Belfast where my time was 4hrs 36mins, and at the finish line i was completely shattered in every single way. What i learnt from that experience was that if i didn't approach New York differently in terms of my training then i was in for another 4hrs and 36mins of pain.
Let me be frank - if you want a challenge - a marathon is one which will test you in every way. One of the things i find really difficult is the fact that i do all my training on my own. If you have a running partner its much easier but unfortunately that's just the way it is with me. However I have been determined over the past few months to be prepared for New York and thankfully to date i am on the right track.
However the next 10 weeks will make or break me as i have alot of training runs to get in - 18 in total. Over the next 10 weeks i plan to run approx approx 250 miles, so you catch my drift.
I also am doing some gym work, Pilate's and a new Chinese exercise class Chi Gung once a week. I have a marathon goal time, but will keep it to myself for the next few weeks and will post on twitter the week before i run.
I am loving the fact that i am getting fitter and I'm starting to feel stronger and come the big day I feel i will be in decent nick for the race.
I am running this year for Cancer Focus NI and Action MS - two great NI charities. As an MS sufferer i hope i give others with the condition some hope and inspiration that just because you have MS, does not mean you have to stop dreaming and have a negative life. Everything is possible and if you apply the right attitude, you can do anything.
ps If you want to sponsor me - please do at www.justgiving.com/conor-devine
Take Care all and catch you again very soon
#NeverGiveUp #AttitudeIsEverything
Sunday 29 July 2012
Pain is Temporary - Quitting is Permanent
Today I took part in the Cookstown half marathon along with 300 other people. I was participating as its great training and preparation for me as I'm taking part in the New York marathon in just over 13 weeks. I started at the front of the group as i wanted to get off to a good start. As the race got going i was going a little faster than normal and got a shock when i was at the mile marker and looked at my watch and it read 6mins 34 seconds. My training runs are in the region of 8 minutes plus so i realised very quickly that i was going too fast and could pay for it later in the race. After 4 miles i was blowing and i felt like stopping and walking for a while as i had developed a slight stitch. This morning when i got up i was on you tube and i came across a great video which had a message of "Pain is temporary, Quitting is Permanent". For the next 4 miles i kept saying this to myself and thankfully i started to fine my running and got a second wind which was very welcome at that stage.
The track was the toughest half marathon I've competed in with lots of hills and more than half the race in the countryside with mostly livestock for company. Its much easier running when there is people about encouraging you on and clapping you round - thats what i find anyway.
I was keeping a close eye on my time and i was gradually slowing down to around an eight minute mile which i was very happy with. I knew if i kept that pace i would come in around 1hr 40minutes which would be 11 minutes quicker than my best time. So i dug in, grinded my teeth, put one foot in front of the other, time after time and kept going.
I was nearly home and as i ran up to the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, the crowd appeared and the pain started to ease slightly. I crossed the line with a new personal best time of 1hr 41mins and 28 seconds and i was delighted to get home and get a rest.
It was a very tough run but i was very pleased to get round in the time i did. I learnt alt from today and if there was one thing its that i really need to improve my training and commit a little more to this challenge.
Running is a great past time and when i am running(and not in pain) it is a great feeling and i am at my most creative.
This week i will up the ante on the training regime and thankfully i am on trek for New York City.
Remember #NeverGiveUp and #AttitudeIsEverything
The track was the toughest half marathon I've competed in with lots of hills and more than half the race in the countryside with mostly livestock for company. Its much easier running when there is people about encouraging you on and clapping you round - thats what i find anyway.
I was keeping a close eye on my time and i was gradually slowing down to around an eight minute mile which i was very happy with. I knew if i kept that pace i would come in around 1hr 40minutes which would be 11 minutes quicker than my best time. So i dug in, grinded my teeth, put one foot in front of the other, time after time and kept going.
I was nearly home and as i ran up to the Mid Ulster Sports Arena, the crowd appeared and the pain started to ease slightly. I crossed the line with a new personal best time of 1hr 41mins and 28 seconds and i was delighted to get home and get a rest.
It was a very tough run but i was very pleased to get round in the time i did. I learnt alt from today and if there was one thing its that i really need to improve my training and commit a little more to this challenge.
Running is a great past time and when i am running(and not in pain) it is a great feeling and i am at my most creative.
This week i will up the ante on the training regime and thankfully i am on trek for New York City.
Remember #NeverGiveUp and #AttitudeIsEverything
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Crazy World
I've just come back from a family holiday in France and i made the commitment to myself and my wife before going that i would turn my phone off, refrain from social networking and try and switch off from the mad crazy world that we live in. Well that's what i did - kind off. In our hotel room i still had BBC news and CNN news channel and as i watched this everyday i started to wonder what on earth is going on in this mad crazy world we live in. Everyone is so busy trying to make money, pay the bills, survive, rip people off, kill people, exploit people and all sorts of other misdemeanours that you wonder what its all about.
I spent a few mornings in France running along the sea front and that's when i do my best thinking. I own a company with my partner GDP Partnership who specialise in helping people solve problems which are largely financial and its really amazing how many people who are currently in serious distress over their financial status. The difficult is that over the next 5/6 years the world faces huge problems. The problems in the Eurozone will continue to worsen, the economy will continue to struggle, war will continue to threaten in many parts etc etc - on the face of it there seems to be not too much to look froward to right?
I tend to try and work my mind to focus on the things that are positive and try and focus on the situations that i can effect and assist in a positive manner. As a result and off the back of my break, I have reviewed my goals for the 2nd part of 2012 and looking forward to making a difference in the months ahead. I can assure you i have many challenges facing me but sure so does everyone. Its definitely going to be a challenging 6 months but in my view its important to get around the right people, remove the doubters and negative people from your lives and try and climb a little higher every single day. Life is way to short and if you want a good book to read i would suggest you get George Friedman's The Next 100 years - he has a very interesting slant on what might happen and certainly i would assume that maybe 66 years from now (i am 34 and believe i will live to 100) i will likely leave this place and go to a better one so i have lots to do whilst i am here*_*
Remember everyone #NeverGiveUp and #AttitudeIsEverything
I spent a few mornings in France running along the sea front and that's when i do my best thinking. I own a company with my partner GDP Partnership who specialise in helping people solve problems which are largely financial and its really amazing how many people who are currently in serious distress over their financial status. The difficult is that over the next 5/6 years the world faces huge problems. The problems in the Eurozone will continue to worsen, the economy will continue to struggle, war will continue to threaten in many parts etc etc - on the face of it there seems to be not too much to look froward to right?
I tend to try and work my mind to focus on the things that are positive and try and focus on the situations that i can effect and assist in a positive manner. As a result and off the back of my break, I have reviewed my goals for the 2nd part of 2012 and looking forward to making a difference in the months ahead. I can assure you i have many challenges facing me but sure so does everyone. Its definitely going to be a challenging 6 months but in my view its important to get around the right people, remove the doubters and negative people from your lives and try and climb a little higher every single day. Life is way to short and if you want a good book to read i would suggest you get George Friedman's The Next 100 years - he has a very interesting slant on what might happen and certainly i would assume that maybe 66 years from now (i am 34 and believe i will live to 100) i will likely leave this place and go to a better one so i have lots to do whilst i am here*_*
Remember everyone #NeverGiveUp and #AttitudeIsEverything
Saturday 14 July 2012
10 Marathon Commandments
I have only another 16 weeks to go to race day and I'm starting to get a little bit excited about running the best race in the world... the 2012 ING New York Marathon. To all you runners out there i have detailed below, 10 commandments that any marathon runner should consider seriously;
1 - 1. Make sure you’re physically fit for the activity you’re undertaking
2 - Train properly
3. Follow guidelines for proper nutrition
4. Maintain adequate hydration.
5. Warm up on race day, and stretch every day
6. Dress according to the weather.
7. Use proper, comfortable running shoes.
8. Watch the condition of the surface.
9. Go at your own pace.
10. Listen to your body.
Some of the above may seem very obvious, however if you stick to the 10 commandments, you will enjoy a much better race. Hope this was helpful ;
Cd
#NeverGiveUp #AttitudeIsEverything
1 - 1. Make sure you’re physically fit for the activity you’re undertaking
2 - Train properly
3. Follow guidelines for proper nutrition
4. Maintain adequate hydration.
5. Warm up on race day, and stretch every day
6. Dress according to the weather.
7. Use proper, comfortable running shoes.
8. Watch the condition of the surface.
9. Go at your own pace.
10. Listen to your body.
Some of the above may seem very obvious, however if you stick to the 10 commandments, you will enjoy a much better race. Hope this was helpful ;
Cd
#NeverGiveUp #AttitudeIsEverything
Friday 6 July 2012
In 100 years Time 2122
My sister bought me a Kindle for Christmas last year and it has turned out to be a great buy as Ive really gotten into it in the last few months. Its much easier to download a book in 5 seconds and pop the kindle in your bag than carry 2 huge thick books on holiday - so all very clever.
I've just started reading a new book this week called the Next 100 years by George Friedman. Its a fascinating read and as I was hitting the next page button of my kindle the other night, what i was reading, really got me thinking. So many people are caught up in what I would call the daily rat race. We all live, day to day, hour to hour and minute to minute. Everyone is very busy and we don't have a minute in the day to take a step back and just asking ourselves - whats it all about. Time is zipping past and its important in my opinion that we all have our goals, get a plan in place to achieve them and then take the action necessary to smash each and every one of them one by one. In 100 years from now, sure who cares, you wont be here to tell the tale. Life is a blessing and should be enjoyed. So if your not happy, do something about it. If you have a health concern, fight back against it. If you are in a relationship and want out - take the action necessary to make things better. Stop complaining and just surviving, start living and start thriving. I just hope that in life i turn out to be as good a person as my 2 year old Lilyanna and my 2 dogs (Lola+Bonny) think i am today:) Remember #NeverGiveUp and #AttitudeIsEverything
Friday 29 June 2012
Don't Take your health for granted!!!
So today i was speaking with a friend of mine when he informed me that his daughter of 25 years old was diagnosed with MS. He was obviously devasted with this and it was even more difficult as his daughter was going through a difficult time as her symptoms were quite severe. I shared with him my experience also in my first few years and the fact that i too was quite ill at a time. However i also shared with him, that you can improve, and that his daughter needed to get a plan in place and also study the condition so that she will be in a good position to start and fight back. The bottom line is this young lady is in for a fight like all of us MS'ers the rest of her life. I happen to believe that if you equip yourself right and apply the right attitide you can improve and achieve almost anything including better health.
The point that i would like to raise here is how many people do we all know who walk about worrying constantly about things that at the end of the day are not really all that important? I would suggest we all do this in some shape or form. Also ask yourself who do we know that is healthy and literally takes their own health for granted and is'nt really very grateful that they are in quite good health. Again i would sufgest we are all guilty of this to a certain extent.
In this mad world we live in where everyone seems to be getting businer by the day, how about each day you take 3 minutes to yourself and be thankful for everything that is positive about your life. This will give you a sense of perspective and take you away from the rat race that we are all now a part off for a few very short moments. Just a thought. Remember people #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
The point that i would like to raise here is how many people do we all know who walk about worrying constantly about things that at the end of the day are not really all that important? I would suggest we all do this in some shape or form. Also ask yourself who do we know that is healthy and literally takes their own health for granted and is'nt really very grateful that they are in quite good health. Again i would sufgest we are all guilty of this to a certain extent.
In this mad world we live in where everyone seems to be getting businer by the day, how about each day you take 3 minutes to yourself and be thankful for everything that is positive about your life. This will give you a sense of perspective and take you away from the rat race that we are all now a part off for a few very short moments. Just a thought. Remember people #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
Friday 22 June 2012
Jack Osborne - Multiple Sclerosis DX
The big news dominating the newsdesks and pressrooms worldwide this week is that Jack Osborne, son of the very famous Ozzy and Sharon Osborne, has been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 26 years old. An MS diagnosis is devastating to say the least and there is no way of dressing that up however, from the little bit that I've read, Jack seems to be approaching such a difficult diagnosis with the right attitude, and i hope that he gets all the advice and medical care he needs to cope, as certainly for me i found diagnosis and following 24 months the toughest to deal with.
I have also spoken with 2 other people this week who have informed me that their pals children have just been diagnosed with MS and they are also in their mid twenties. This year alone I personally know of over 10 young adults who have got this dreadful diagnosis. Its fair to say I am concerned at the amount of people contracting MS now and one thing i would point out is that more people seem to be alot more open to actually coming out and sharing with others the fact they have the condition, and my view is this can only be a good thing.
Back to Jack, and my advice to him and anyone else who has just been diagnosis is to try and stay as positive as you can. MS is not a death sentence and i have alot to thank the condition for in a weird way to be honest, as its changed my life in so many good positive ways. Yes off course it has also caused me alot of stress and the symptoms for the first 3 years were very difficult to deal with however you need to understand not all is lost. The massive plus side of Jacks diagnosis, is that by this celebrity being diagnosed, it has raised awareness of the condition world wide which is a very positive development. MS can hit on anyone at any time, and if you are reading this, YES it could happen to you, it happened to me at 28 years old and i was 100% healthy. My point is that the more you know about the illness, then the better equipped you will be to deal with it. Anyone who is sick or has a problem of any kind, you need a plan and if you implement that plan it will give you a chance to fight back against the adversity. I was in the trenches for a long time before i started to improve, so the message is arm yourself with as much information as you can, stay positive and believe you can improve. #Attitude sEveryThing and #NeverGiveUp
I have also spoken with 2 other people this week who have informed me that their pals children have just been diagnosed with MS and they are also in their mid twenties. This year alone I personally know of over 10 young adults who have got this dreadful diagnosis. Its fair to say I am concerned at the amount of people contracting MS now and one thing i would point out is that more people seem to be alot more open to actually coming out and sharing with others the fact they have the condition, and my view is this can only be a good thing.
Back to Jack, and my advice to him and anyone else who has just been diagnosis is to try and stay as positive as you can. MS is not a death sentence and i have alot to thank the condition for in a weird way to be honest, as its changed my life in so many good positive ways. Yes off course it has also caused me alot of stress and the symptoms for the first 3 years were very difficult to deal with however you need to understand not all is lost. The massive plus side of Jacks diagnosis, is that by this celebrity being diagnosed, it has raised awareness of the condition world wide which is a very positive development. MS can hit on anyone at any time, and if you are reading this, YES it could happen to you, it happened to me at 28 years old and i was 100% healthy. My point is that the more you know about the illness, then the better equipped you will be to deal with it. Anyone who is sick or has a problem of any kind, you need a plan and if you implement that plan it will give you a chance to fight back against the adversity. I was in the trenches for a long time before i started to improve, so the message is arm yourself with as much information as you can, stay positive and believe you can improve. #Attitude sEveryThing and #NeverGiveUp
Sunday 17 June 2012
13.5 miles... Just Keep On Running !!
So yesterday i completed the longest run I've done this year...13.5 miles. That's just over a half marathon and beats my previous long runs this year by 0.4 miles. I've already completed 2 half marathons in 2012 namely Larne and a trail at Crossgar, and i hope to do Newtownards at the end of June. For those of you who do not know, I am training for the New York Marathon in November where i am running alonside my brother in law Jonny (JC) Callan ::: this is one of the reasons for the training.
People often say to me - what they hell are you doing all this running for? and how could you be bothered? well I've got a very simple answer for you --- when i was diagnosed in 2007 with Multiple Sclerosis, going to the supermarket to get the shopping with Kate was a serious challenge for me. To be honest I literally stayed in the house (more or less) for two years and cut myself off completely due to my symptoms. I struggled to cope with the illness and the physical symptoms were really distressing. Around that time i made a decision that I was going to beat this space invader and when i did, and i was strong enough to share my story i would start to test and challenge myself. I was thinking that by me completing challenges and smashing goals I might just encourage others to fight back against whatever obstacles they maybe facing. Certainly i now have loads of examples of people who have MS who have gained some hope by the fact that i have been able to fight and beat the condition - this is really gratifying!!!
So a very simple explanation then folks. Next week I plan to run 17 miles and i know tonight its going to be very difficult and quite painful, but I'm telling you now i will do it, and just to let you know for sure, i will blog about that run this time next week. Thats all folks, take care all and remember #NeverGiveUp and #AttitudeIsEverything
People often say to me - what they hell are you doing all this running for? and how could you be bothered? well I've got a very simple answer for you --- when i was diagnosed in 2007 with Multiple Sclerosis, going to the supermarket to get the shopping with Kate was a serious challenge for me. To be honest I literally stayed in the house (more or less) for two years and cut myself off completely due to my symptoms. I struggled to cope with the illness and the physical symptoms were really distressing. Around that time i made a decision that I was going to beat this space invader and when i did, and i was strong enough to share my story i would start to test and challenge myself. I was thinking that by me completing challenges and smashing goals I might just encourage others to fight back against whatever obstacles they maybe facing. Certainly i now have loads of examples of people who have MS who have gained some hope by the fact that i have been able to fight and beat the condition - this is really gratifying!!!
So a very simple explanation then folks. Next week I plan to run 17 miles and i know tonight its going to be very difficult and quite painful, but I'm telling you now i will do it, and just to let you know for sure, i will blog about that run this time next week. Thats all folks, take care all and remember #NeverGiveUp and #AttitudeIsEverything
Thursday 7 June 2012
Take Control --- It worked for me and can work for you!!!
when i got diagnosed with this space invader and seriously annoying condition, i remember very clearly the orders my neurologist gave me during the consultation;
"Conor you may forget about football, and forget about training because now you have MS. You really need to take things easy now and .... by the way you should also wind down at work, as a stressful job is not helpful for people with MS.
As i left his office my head was in a spin and i was overcome with a tsunami of negative thoughts. These thoughts stayed with me to one day a couple of years into the diagnosis, i woke up and started to fight back which i document very openly in my book Attitude Is Everything - coming out later this year. My point here is that my neuro was programming my brain to accept the fact that my MS was going to be my boss going forward and that really i should just accept the fact that things are going to be pretty crap for the rest of my life. It was bad enough getting the diagnosis but i now take the view that medical professionals need to be a little more sensitive to the situation and also be very careful when they are advising their patients. Have a think about this for a second. When i was diagnosed in 2007 - why did the neurologist not say the following;
"Conor the first 2 years will be tough but if you get a plan together, get on the right medication, get your diet right, implement an exercise program that works for you, and also wrap this up in a super charged positive approach to the illness you could be in great shape by 2012. In fact Conor i believe you will be fit enough to run marathons and will lead a very normal life"
Well that's what he could have said but he didn't, however its the reality with me today as i am in great form and winning the battle:) I would encourage every person who is dx with MS to take all advice on board, however do your own research and then develop your own winning spirit to fight back and YOU take control of the MS not the other way about. It is accepted that those who have a very positive approach to their illness generally are those who make the most progress. Have a think about this and remember #Never Give Up and that #Attitude Is Everything
"Conor you may forget about football, and forget about training because now you have MS. You really need to take things easy now and .... by the way you should also wind down at work, as a stressful job is not helpful for people with MS.
As i left his office my head was in a spin and i was overcome with a tsunami of negative thoughts. These thoughts stayed with me to one day a couple of years into the diagnosis, i woke up and started to fight back which i document very openly in my book Attitude Is Everything - coming out later this year. My point here is that my neuro was programming my brain to accept the fact that my MS was going to be my boss going forward and that really i should just accept the fact that things are going to be pretty crap for the rest of my life. It was bad enough getting the diagnosis but i now take the view that medical professionals need to be a little more sensitive to the situation and also be very careful when they are advising their patients. Have a think about this for a second. When i was diagnosed in 2007 - why did the neurologist not say the following;
"Conor the first 2 years will be tough but if you get a plan together, get on the right medication, get your diet right, implement an exercise program that works for you, and also wrap this up in a super charged positive approach to the illness you could be in great shape by 2012. In fact Conor i believe you will be fit enough to run marathons and will lead a very normal life"
Well that's what he could have said but he didn't, however its the reality with me today as i am in great form and winning the battle:) I would encourage every person who is dx with MS to take all advice on board, however do your own research and then develop your own winning spirit to fight back and YOU take control of the MS not the other way about. It is accepted that those who have a very positive approach to their illness generally are those who make the most progress. Have a think about this and remember #Never Give Up and that #Attitude Is Everything
Friday 1 June 2012
Screw Business as Usual.....
I am a huge advocate of personal development and around about 3 years ago i made the conscious decision to start studying some of the most successful entrepreneurs of the last 50 years. Richard Branson's life story is that fitting of a Stephen Spielberg blockbuster Hollywood movie, and he was one of the guys that i studied, along with Donald Trump, Warren Buffet and Andrew Carneigie to name a few.
In Bransons latest book "SCREW BUSINESS AS USUAL" he changes tack slightly from all his previous publications which i thought was very interesting and struck a chord with me. In his own words he describes his book ;
"I have written this book for those who, at the same time as wanting to develop a business and make a living, also want to do more to help people and the planet. It's a vibrant sea change from the way business was always done, when financial profit alone was the driving force"
You often read about how ruthless business can be and some of the lenghts people will go to be successful and i would agree there are many out there where money is their god and they would do anything to get to the top. However money is not the be all and end all and i would encourage any of you young entrepreneurs to consider this when you are planning your own entrepreneurial journey.
I have been very fortunate over the past 10 years to work with some of the best business people about and i have tried to learn as much as i could of each and every person i have worked with over the years. Today i find myself in a position whereby along with my partner, we are 15 months into a new venture www.gdpni.com and at the heart of this venture is helping people get back on a financial footing and assist them get their lives back in order. I can tell you that it is extremely gratifying when we first meet a client and they are under severe pressure and after a few months with some planning and acute advice that same person is mentally, physically and financially better off in alot of cases. Money cant buy this and whats even better is that the majority of our client base go on to become good friends of ours and we develop long term relationships which is great. So when i think about Bransons book "Screw Business As Usual" i would say that i have found myself in a career which is not dis-similar to what he is advising in his publication. I am not saying that i am a great guy but what i would be saying is that when you love your work and you are genuinely helping people, you wont work another day in your life as you will be enjoying yourself too much. A little teaser for you and remember;
#AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
In Bransons latest book "SCREW BUSINESS AS USUAL" he changes tack slightly from all his previous publications which i thought was very interesting and struck a chord with me. In his own words he describes his book ;
"I have written this book for those who, at the same time as wanting to develop a business and make a living, also want to do more to help people and the planet. It's a vibrant sea change from the way business was always done, when financial profit alone was the driving force"
You often read about how ruthless business can be and some of the lenghts people will go to be successful and i would agree there are many out there where money is their god and they would do anything to get to the top. However money is not the be all and end all and i would encourage any of you young entrepreneurs to consider this when you are planning your own entrepreneurial journey.
I have been very fortunate over the past 10 years to work with some of the best business people about and i have tried to learn as much as i could of each and every person i have worked with over the years. Today i find myself in a position whereby along with my partner, we are 15 months into a new venture www.gdpni.com and at the heart of this venture is helping people get back on a financial footing and assist them get their lives back in order. I can tell you that it is extremely gratifying when we first meet a client and they are under severe pressure and after a few months with some planning and acute advice that same person is mentally, physically and financially better off in alot of cases. Money cant buy this and whats even better is that the majority of our client base go on to become good friends of ours and we develop long term relationships which is great. So when i think about Bransons book "Screw Business As Usual" i would say that i have found myself in a career which is not dis-similar to what he is advising in his publication. I am not saying that i am a great guy but what i would be saying is that when you love your work and you are genuinely helping people, you wont work another day in your life as you will be enjoying yourself too much. A little teaser for you and remember;
#AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
Monday 14 May 2012
MS - The Early Years
When i was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in August 2007, i was completely devastated. I was 28 years old and in my prime until suddenly I was hit with this nuclear bomb. The previous 12 months were the hardest of my life and the next 12 months post diagnosis proved equally as difficult.
So many questions and just no answers is an extremely difficult position to find yourself in. MS is one of those conditions whereby no 2 people are the same and there is a real lack of information around as to how it effects you and what the long term prognosis may be.
What i know now is YOU CAN BEAT MS. I am beating it and many many more people all over the world are winning their battles. One important point to note is the MS'er who runs the marathons and reaches the mountain peak is no better or braver than the MS'er who walks 10 metres on a cane one day when he couldnt do it the day before. Any progress is great news and i would encourage all MS'ers or anyone who knows somone effected to get them to find people who have beat the condition and use them as an inspiration to help you with your fight.
When I found out about Montel Williams and how he was fighting back to win the battle I immediatly had a spring in my step and starterd to plan my fightback. I then came across other people with the disease who were equally as brave and equally as successful in winning the battle.
Its important that you kepe fighting as every day brings a new opportunityy. Last week i was on the ropes for a few days as my symptoms decided to mess with my body but this week i have TKO'd the MS and am back winninng the battle.
You do not drown if you fall in water, you only drown if you stay there...
and remember........... #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
So many questions and just no answers is an extremely difficult position to find yourself in. MS is one of those conditions whereby no 2 people are the same and there is a real lack of information around as to how it effects you and what the long term prognosis may be.
What i know now is YOU CAN BEAT MS. I am beating it and many many more people all over the world are winning their battles. One important point to note is the MS'er who runs the marathons and reaches the mountain peak is no better or braver than the MS'er who walks 10 metres on a cane one day when he couldnt do it the day before. Any progress is great news and i would encourage all MS'ers or anyone who knows somone effected to get them to find people who have beat the condition and use them as an inspiration to help you with your fight.
When I found out about Montel Williams and how he was fighting back to win the battle I immediatly had a spring in my step and starterd to plan my fightback. I then came across other people with the disease who were equally as brave and equally as successful in winning the battle.
Its important that you kepe fighting as every day brings a new opportunityy. Last week i was on the ropes for a few days as my symptoms decided to mess with my body but this week i have TKO'd the MS and am back winninng the battle.
You do not drown if you fall in water, you only drown if you stay there...
and remember........... #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
Saturday 12 May 2012
MS and the seven year rule theory
I made the decission to write my own book in 2011, as i was starting to realise that i could actually help people by me sharing my own story in relation to my positive MS experience. I am nearly finished the manuscript and really looking forward to seeing the book in my hand come September/October later this year.
As part of my research i have been studying other MS'ers and looking at how they have been fighting back against the disease. One of my MS heros is the American talkshow host Montel Williams. He was diagnosed with MS over 10 years ago and is now a very active MSAwareness campaigner. He has written many best sellers on his own MS experience and i would encourage you to read his accounts and experiences as he makes some excellent points and shares lots of tips on how to beat this space invader.
One theory he shares with his readers is in his book Climbing Higher is his experience when he had his first consultation with Dr Olson who was a director of the Department of Molecular Medicine at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Dr Olson explained to Montel the “seven year rule”, which was however you are for seven years, will be how you are for the next seven years. If you have experienced any level of worsening or degradation over a seven year period, it is likely this will be repeated over the following seven year period. If you stay flat you will likely stay flat. If you have one episode in seven years you will likely have one episode in the next seven years . Dr Olson advised Montel that this would likely be the rule of thumb to you reach a certain age, where it seems to be cancelled.
As part of my research i have been studying other MS'ers and looking at how they have been fighting back against the disease. One of my MS heros is the American talkshow host Montel Williams. He was diagnosed with MS over 10 years ago and is now a very active MSAwareness campaigner. He has written many best sellers on his own MS experience and i would encourage you to read his accounts and experiences as he makes some excellent points and shares lots of tips on how to beat this space invader.
One theory he shares with his readers is in his book Climbing Higher is his experience when he had his first consultation with Dr Olson who was a director of the Department of Molecular Medicine at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Dr Olson explained to Montel the “seven year rule”, which was however you are for seven years, will be how you are for the next seven years. If you have experienced any level of worsening or degradation over a seven year period, it is likely this will be repeated over the following seven year period. If you stay flat you will likely stay flat. If you have one episode in seven years you will likely have one episode in the next seven years . Dr Olson advised Montel that this would likely be the rule of thumb to you reach a certain age, where it seems to be cancelled.
I thought this was very interesting and when people like Dr Olson talk i would tend to listen. have any of you cme across this theory and if so what are your views. I am nearly 6 years into my MS situation and the first 2.5yrs were extremely difficult but thankfully the last few years i am winning the battle. Lets hope the next seven years remain the same as the last few.
No matter how you feel today people remember to #NeverGiveUp and #AttitudeIsEverything *_*
Monday 7 May 2012
Business As Usual
When i got dx with MS in 2007, i thought that my career in business was pretty much over. How was i going to be able to work and have a successful career, with the way i was feeling and the daily symptoms i was experiencing. I have always been very entrepreneurial and from an early age i have been ambitious to do the best i can and be the best i can. I qualified as a chartered surveyor in 2005 and was doing quite well in the property industry in Northern Ireland despite my young age when dissaster struck through my illness. However the future didnt look too bright now and how was i going to support Kate going forward if i wasnt able to work and build my dreams. A very difficult time and im sure other MS'ers reading this can relate to it.
Once i started to turn the tables on the MS, i also started to believe in myself again, that i could be an entrepreneur and achieve in life whatever i put my mind to. This is exactly what i did. Through personal development i got my desire back and belief in myself and started to set about putting the structures in place that would support me financially in later life. I started to study successful people over the next 2 years to include Warren Buffett, Donald Trump, Robert Kiosaki, Jim Rohn, James Allen, Heny Ford etc etc... I did this through reading and studying various pieces of literature and books. I started to work out what i needed to do to have a chance of having a successful career. In the past 24 months i have put alot of the material i learned through this period of personal development into play. Today i am running a very successful Real Estate and Corporate Restructuring business in the form of The GDP Partnership. I also own a Real Estate Consultancy business in form of Devine Commercial. The business world is extremely difficult right now and my view is it will get tougher over the next few years. Regardless of the terrain, if you want to start your your own businss you can despite the challenges you face. MS will never dictate to me and stop me from doing business - that is one sure thing!!! Whatever you are at today have a great day and remember #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp :))
Once i started to turn the tables on the MS, i also started to believe in myself again, that i could be an entrepreneur and achieve in life whatever i put my mind to. This is exactly what i did. Through personal development i got my desire back and belief in myself and started to set about putting the structures in place that would support me financially in later life. I started to study successful people over the next 2 years to include Warren Buffett, Donald Trump, Robert Kiosaki, Jim Rohn, James Allen, Heny Ford etc etc... I did this through reading and studying various pieces of literature and books. I started to work out what i needed to do to have a chance of having a successful career. In the past 24 months i have put alot of the material i learned through this period of personal development into play. Today i am running a very successful Real Estate and Corporate Restructuring business in the form of The GDP Partnership. I also own a Real Estate Consultancy business in form of Devine Commercial. The business world is extremely difficult right now and my view is it will get tougher over the next few years. Regardless of the terrain, if you want to start your your own businss you can despite the challenges you face. MS will never dictate to me and stop me from doing business - that is one sure thing!!! Whatever you are at today have a great day and remember #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp :))
Sunday 6 May 2012
Paul Mc Closkey - True Irish Warrior
Lat night Paul Mc Closkey lost a boxing match to a very dangerous and experienced opponent from USA in the fom of Demarcus Corley. Yes thats what happened - he lost a boxing match. The fight was stopped in the 10th round when Corley caught Mc Closkey with a right hook to the head. The ref jumped in and stopped the fight which in my opinion was the right thing to do as Paul was clearly hurt and we have seen too many times the devastating effects boxing can have if fights are not stopped when the boxer cannot defend himself. In terms of the fight itself, Paul was certainly not at his best but like alot of his bouts he grew stronger as the fight went on and if he had of kept out of trouble the liklihood was he would have won the fight on points. Unfortunatley we will never know if that would have happened however what we do know is that Paul Mc Closkey is one of Irelands true warriors who like many boxers sacrificed almost everything for the sport and the family he loves. Today Paul will be feeling pretty flat and dissapointed which is a normal reaction to the dissapointment of last night. However Paul its not the falling down that counts but the staying down. Every boxer on earth gets beat, and the best get back up, dust themselves down and pushe on with their life. No matter what Paul decides to do whether he boxes on or retires or whatever, the facts are that he has inspired thousands of Irish all over the world to chase their dreams. Its people like Paul Mc Closkey who inspires me to keep fighting against MS and to never give up on my battle. For that i an truly grateful and i havet met you in person yet Paul but i will some day and when i do i will thank you in person. Fair play to you on your efforts so far and whatever you chose to do next, keep inspiring buddy. Goodnite all and remember #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
DMD's Yes or No? to help in Fight against MS
When i was dx in 2007 my neurologist advised me to start a course of disease modifying drugs immediately. He explained that these drugs will not prevent MS from developing however he told me that they will help me and slow down the progression of the disease. As i was not an expert in MS and neurology, i was happy to take the advice on board and started a course of Rebiff Interferon. Very quickly i worked out that the Rebiff was not agreeing with my body and in fact i was getting sicker if anything, so i went back to my neuro and he told me to come off it and go on Copaxone. That i did and to this day i inject every morning my daily dose of copaxone. I meet some people who have MS and they are very against medication and i respecrt their views. However there has been some incredible advances in medicine in the past 20 years and i would now clearly advise others to look into DMD's and in my experience i feel they may help with your fight against the MS. Its important to get on the right drug though as in my experience i had to try another one first before i found one that suited my body. I am now certain that Copaxone along with the other parts of my plan has helped me beat the MS and i will continue to take it to help me with my daily battle. Have a great day all and remember #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
Saturday 5 May 2012
My MS Story
When i started to turn the tables on the MS, i slowlyy but surely started to get my confidence back and believe in myself again. Over the past 2 years since i took control, i have been setting goals and smashing personal goals which has been great. For the first few years i didnt want people to know i had MS as i still had'nt accepted my condition and to be honest my head was in a spin. However gradully i started to accept where i was and when i was ready i came out and started to talk to friends, family and strangers about what had happened to me. I very quickly starterd to understand that the people i spoke to thought i had a great story to tell and epecially when i staretd to talk to other MS sufferers i could see that my positive experience was giving them some hope and bite back. For this reason i decided last year to write a book of my MS experience knowing that through my recovery and positive outcome i can help others believe in themselves. Can i say this is not limited to MS as i now believe that every illness is beatable with the one condition --- you have to start with the belief that you can actually win the battle. If you have the belief and build a plan around this, you can become unstoppable. I am looking forward to releashing my book later this year and hope to finish the manuscript in the next few weeks before it hits the publishers. When the book is out i will be officuially an "Author" --- i never thought i would have that in my CV... :) Have a great day all and remember #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
Friday 4 May 2012
Marathon Man - Running all over Multiple Sclerosis
Hi everyone - i have just been accepted today to take part in this years New York Marathon. I want to share with you that i am very excited at this news and over the next couple of weeks i will be putting a plan in place which will get my body in the right condition to tackle and achieve my next big goal in November this year.
I am so grateful that my health is in such good shape that i am in a position to run the marathon later this year. As i write this i am acutely aware of the hundreds of thousands of MS sufferers out there who even walking 10 metres is a major challenge. When i am running through the streets of New York City with my Ipod bopping in my ears, i will be running thinking of every single person with MS. I will be thinking of all the 2.5million or so people dx worldwide and i will be running with the hope that you all find some peace and improvement in your condition no matter how small that may be. I dreamt a few years ago that i would beat this space invader and i will continue to spread my positive message in the hope that it inspires even one person to start and fight back and beat MS. Remember all *** #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
I am so grateful that my health is in such good shape that i am in a position to run the marathon later this year. As i write this i am acutely aware of the hundreds of thousands of MS sufferers out there who even walking 10 metres is a major challenge. When i am running through the streets of New York City with my Ipod bopping in my ears, i will be running thinking of every single person with MS. I will be thinking of all the 2.5million or so people dx worldwide and i will be running with the hope that you all find some peace and improvement in your condition no matter how small that may be. I dreamt a few years ago that i would beat this space invader and i will continue to spread my positive message in the hope that it inspires even one person to start and fight back and beat MS. Remember all *** #AttitudeIsEverything and #NeverGiveUp
Being hit by a Bus
One of the worst things about having this beast MS, is first thing in the mornings. I have been dx now 5.5 years and every monring when i wake up i feel as if ive been hit by a London double decker bus. I am sure many of you MS'ers out there can relate to this. Thankfully though after some time my body comes round and i start to feel better. I was up this morning at 6.05am, and went for my early bird 4 mile run, and although it was pretty tough, it aso felt great. 5.5 years ago i thought i was never going to be able to run again, but once i got my plan in place and started to beat the MS i am now running marathons, 1/2 marathons and participating in other events. Have a great day all and remember #Atitudeiseverything and #NeverGiveUp
Tuesday 1 May 2012
Hi everyone - i do a MS questions and answers on twitter once a week where i answer 10 questions on MS. They can be anything at all, however the answers are all my own experiences. Every single person who has MS is effected differently as there are over 50 symptoms. Just be careful and keep fighting every single day. Never Give Up. MS is beatable in my view and i continue to win the battle. Have a great day :))
Monday 30 April 2012
Hi everyone - thank you for visiting my new website. 5.5 years ago MS arrived at my door out of the blue and was a very unwelcome visitor. Ths last few years have been really tough on all sorts of ways. However today i lead a full life and very grateful for all that i have. i am beating MS and you can too. Please feel free to share with me your experience or ask me anyquestions..:)
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