Self Belief Is The Most Courageous Act

On June 10th this year I was honoured in the King’s Birthday Honours List with an OAM (Order of Australia Medal).
Hot air & gas balloon pilot, volunteer in various aviation governance positions, instructor and examiner of flight and so on for almost 50 years.

Since that date I have been asked often by media, new friends or others about what drove me to take on the major challenges throughout my life’s journey. My initial responses were varied – often without any deep thought. So I have been pondering on
this question often since.

I don’t claim to have the answer for why the many folk the world over push their personal boundaries, climb the highest mountains, dive the deepest seas, fly around the world, save lives and love deeply. But the answer in my case came to me yesterday while I was quietly sitting looking at the ocean.

I have realised at this late stage of my life that SELF BELIEF has carried me on the winds of life. I strongly believe without SELF BELIEF one stays grounded in the shadow of DOUBT or DISBELIEF, often FIGHTING THOSE SHADOWS OF MIND.

Its a mammoth achievement to develop SELF BELIEF when the world around one has often encouraged the QUESTIONING OF SELF.

It takes COURAGE to BELIEVE IN SELF, TO TRUST SELF AND NOT BE SWAYED BY OTHERS.

This is my wisdom I will share with my two grandchildren Tyler and Josie.