"Embark on a journey of resilience, reinvention, and relentless pursuit of passion. Join me as I navigate through diverse careers, from guiding in the Tourism Industry to restoring vintage automobiles, all while championing holistic wellness as a Naturopath. With each twist and turn, I've embraced challenges, expanded horizons, and redefined success. Get ready to be inspired as I share my story of transformation and empowerment. Welcome to my world of endless possibilities."

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INTRODUCTION TO NATURAL THERAPIES

In 1989, during the final year of my apprenticeship as an electrician, I encountered a significant challenge. My role required frequent communication with commercial clients, but my voice began to deteriorate due to Vocal Polyps. Following surgery and vocal therapy, my voice initially recovered, only to deteriorate again after eight weeks. Faced with the prospect of recurring surgeries, I sought alternative solutions and discovered natural therapies through a friend's recommendation. Skeptical yet hopeful, I visited a Naturopath and underwent treatment using a Vega Machine. Following their guidance and nutritional instructions, my voice gradually improved, ultimately leading to full recovery. This experience marked my introduction to the efficacy of natural therapies, sparking a lasting interest in their potential benefits.

 

FURTHER EXPOSURE TO NATURAL MEDICINE

In 1992, as I ventured back into running, I encountered debilitating lower leg pain diagnosed as Posterior Tibial Stress Syndrome, commonly known as Shin Splints. Conventional medical routes led me to orthotics, which proved ineffective. Fortunately, a recommendation led me to an unconventional massage therapist who alleviated my pain drastically within a session, challenging the necessity of orthotics.

Around the same time, I explored Kinesiology, a modality unfamiliar to me. Despite initial skepticism, its efficacy in relieving my leg pain sparked my interest, prompting further exploration.

After experiencing Grade 2 stress fractures in both tibial bones, I returned to the track pain-free following a combination of massage therapy and Kinesiology. This exposure to various alternative therapies fuelled my curiosity and led me to pursue qualifications in Massage Therapy, Sports Injury Management, Naturopathy, and Kinesiology by 1993. Subsequently, I transitioned from my role as an electrician to a successful career as a massage therapist in a Sports Physiotherapy business, supported by newfound insights into holistic healing modalities.

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A BIG LESSON

From my experience with my running coach, I learned that minor adjustments in technique could alleviate lower leg stress, enhancing both comfort and performance. This lesson underscored the importance of recognizing stressors, whether physical or psychological, as opportunities for adaptation. It taught me the value of acquiring tools and adjusting attitudes to manage or mitigate stress effectively. Reflecting on teachings from my spiritual mentor, John Roger, I recognize that everything we encounter is either allowed, promoted, or created. This insight informs my approach to stress management, both personally and in my coaching and counselling practices, aiming to leverage stress for growth and well-being.

 

MY SPORTING LIFE – PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO THE BLACK DOG

What initially began as a fitness endeavour gradually evolved into an obsession, leading me to seek additional coaching and commit to rigorous training schedules, often spanning 6-7 days a week. While I excelled as a runner, it took hindsight to realize that my drive to compete masked deeper motivations that I would only fully comprehend years later. Despite my proficiency, I recognized that my pursuit of victory often hindered my ability to reach my true potential. Nonetheless, between 1993 and 2000, particularly in the latter years, I had the privilege of competing alongside world-class athletes, culminating in experiences leading up to the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Although I fell short of representing Australia, the invaluable opportunities and experiences remain indelible. Following my departure from competitive running and grappling with a period of depression, I turned to therapy and redirected my focus to my burgeoning practice, transitioning it from a part-time endeavour to a full-time commitment.

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THE TRIP THAT BUILT A SOLID UNDERSTANDING OF SPORTS NUTRITION

In 2001, amidst building my practice and pursuing further qualifications in Kinesiology while progressing through a Health Science degree, I felt the urge to regain fitness. Inspired by the idea of cycling across the Pyrenees and around the Mediterranean in France, I embarked on this adventure with my partner, an experienced triathlete. The journey proved physically demanding, with notable challenges such as steep climbs and nutritional considerations for sustained energy during long rides. Unlike my dietary focus as a track athlete, cycling necessitated a shift towards energy consumption over cleanliness, leading to impromptu stops at local bakeries for sustenance.

Reflecting on my experience with a Polish professional cycling team from 1999 to 2001, where I witnessed their voracious nutritional intake during races, I gained insights into the importance of macronutrient quantity over quality. Despite the challenges of finding gluten-free options, the trip enhanced my fitness and prompted me to seek ongoing ways to maintain it.

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MY SPORTING LIFE – PART 2: ENTER FIGHT CLUB

The bike shop where I bought my bike introduced me to a group of riders called "Fight Club", consisting mostly of individuals in their thirties, who rode the local trails a few times a week. These trails were technically demanding and illegal at the time. Joining this group required keeping up with their pace, as falling behind meant being left behind. The intensity of the rides often led to injuries, earning the group its name.

Participating in Fight Club marked the beginning of my amateur cycling career. The competitive environment, comprising former athletes from various disciplines, fuelled my desire to improve. Despite being relatively new to mountain biking, I quickly adapted and began competing locally in cross-country events. In 2003, I unexpectedly won my age category at the Oceania Masters Games.

Meanwhile, my brother's involvement in downhill mountain biking prompted me to explore this discipline as well. I borrowed a downhill bike to ride with him and was instantly captivated by the adrenaline rush and competitive thrill. This spurred me to invest in my own downhill bike and compete in local races, eventually venturing to national championships where I achieved an 11th place finish in my age group.

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THE RACE THAT WOULD BEGIN TO CHANGE THE WAY I VIEWED THE WORLD

Following my initial experience at the national titles, my dedication to competing and traveling intensified with a singular objective: to excel and emerge victorious. Over the subsequent three years leading up to 2006, I participated in local races, statewide competitions, and the entire national round series, including subsequent national championships. While my results were varied, my progress was evident. Determined to succeed at the 2006 nationals, I sought additional training, attending a coaching camp with two professional riders at the race location the weekend prior.

In downhill mountain biking, success hinges on navigating obstacles swiftly from the top to the bottom of the track in a time trial format. Each rider competes individually, with only one opportunity to secure a favourable time. As I stood at the starting gate, recognizing several formidable competitors, including a fellow member of Fight Club, nerves were palpable. Despite attempts at psychological intimidation, I remained focused on mentally rehearsing the track.

As my turn approached, I broke the beam and surged down the course, crossing the finish line to the announcement of my leadership position. Witnessing the disappointment on the faces of favoured competitors as they failed to surpass my time was surreal. Ultimately, clinching victory was accompanied by a rush of emotions—euphoria, glory, and profound satisfaction. In that moment, years of past shortcomings seemed to dissolve, replaced by a profound sense of relief and accomplishment.

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ONCE AGAIN I’M VISITED BY AN OLD FRIEND – THE BLACK DOG

Following my remarkable victory, approximately three days later, amidst the fading excitement of the event and upon returning home, I encountered a familiar darkness, reminiscent of an encounter six years prior. This time, its intensity was notably heightened. Despite being engrossed in work, I found myself confronted with unresolved issues demanding attention. Opting against seeking professional counselling, I engaged in introspection, probing myself with various questions. Before long, life presented a synchronistic opportunity, offering the answers I sought.

It took approximately six months for the universe to respond to my inquiries. A woman, referred to my clinic via word of mouth, sought consultation for personal issues she struggled to navigate. Unbeknownst to me, she would become an unexpected source of insight. After our session, she astutely remarked, "You know, you have no idea about who you are, do you?" Though stunned, I was intrigued by the implications of her question. Within a week, a book she had sent arrived in the mail: "Journey of the Soul." This marked the inception of my spiritual journey, prompting a re-evaluation of my motivations and aspirations. It inspired the formulation of hypotheses regarding the application of newfound insights in my life and the potential outcomes thereof.

 

MY SPIRITUAL UNFOLDMENT BEGINS

I had always been a seeker, a trait my partner often remarked upon when I voiced my curiosity about life's mysteries. My shelves were lined with self-help and astrology books, reflecting my eagerness to uncover anything beneficial. However, this time was different; the quest was inward. "Journey of the Soul" introduced me to Spiritual Exercises (SE's), a meditation practice involving chanting a mantra and focusing on the third eye. After three weeks of daily 15-minute sessions, I experienced what spiritual literature describes as "Twaji or the Darshan." For the following three days, I was euphoric, with a newfound perspective on life that left a lasting impact.

 

FOCUSSING ON MY STUDIES

In 2006, significant changes marked a pivotal year for me. Winning a major race, experiencing the Darshan, and relocating interstate to pursue a Bachelor of Naturopathy encapsulated my pursuit for fulfillment beyond a Health Science degree. Transferring credits to bolster the scientific component of my studies, I found myself ideally situated near the beach, just 40 minutes from my residence.

For the subsequent four years, I dedicated myself to full-time studies while occasionally consulting clients. This period allowed me to specialize in Nutrition, complemented by elective classes in exercise physiology. Concurrently, I maintained my fitness through cycling and surfing, vital outlets for managing the pressures of academic rigor and personal expectations.

 

THE HYPOTHSEIS THAT BECAME MY THEORY OF LIFE

My identity isn't confined to the goals I achieve; they're simply outcomes of preparation and execution. To test this hypothesis, nearing the completion of my Bachelor of Naturopathy in 2009, I contemplated retiring from competitive riding. The perfect opportunity arose to challenge this theory: competing at the 2010 World Masters Championships in Brazil.

In mountain biking, my fascination with speed was underpinned by a desire to comprehend the science behind riding swiftly. To shift focus from results to process, I aimed to ride as efficiently as possible, regardless of the outcome. The goal became about embracing the journey rather than validation through victory.

Upon arriving at the track, nerves set in as I ascended the mountain via gondola. Despite a setback with a fall and subsequent injury, I remained committed to my new perspective. Facing challenges, such as a damaged rear wheel without spare parts, tested my resolve. However, I navigated through, showcasing adaptability and resourcefulness.

Despite setbacks, I persevered, even garnering recognition for my ability to repair the wheel. This experience reinforced the importance of embracing challenges and focusing on the journey, rather than fixating solely on the result.

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QUALIFYING

After completing the bike repair and qualifying practice, it was time to focus on the task at hand. Drawing from my experience as a former track and field athlete, I followed a familiar race preparation routine. Boarding the gondola to the start line, I reminded myself of my purpose: to enjoy the experience and ride as fast as possible, focusing on minimizing mistakes rather than chasing victory.

As I prepared at the start line, I visualized the track and focused on my breathing. Setting off, I navigated the course with minimal errors, feeling exhausted as I crossed the finish line. My partner conveyed that I had qualified as the 2nd fastest rider, prompting a surprising inner voice suggesting victory was within reach.

Despite my original intention to simply ride fast, the result sparked a newfound confidence. Recognizing a 2-second gap between myself and the leader, I realized I needed to strategize for the final race. Reflecting on the day's performance, I identified areas of improvement and devised a plan to shave off crucial seconds.

After qualifying concluded, I revisited the track to assess changes and refine my approach for the upcoming race. With a clear understanding of what adjustments were needed, I prepared to implement a more effective strategy for the final competition day.

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RACE DAY – THE HYPOTHESIS WOULD BE PROVED OR NOT

As usual on race day, I typically did 3-4 practice runs. Implementing insights from my track walk the day prior, I aimed to get into a rhythm while conserving energy. Nutritional strategies were crucial during the break between practice and racing to combat fatigue, which could compromise concentration and performance.

During practice, the attention from spectators heightened, adding pressure to my performance. Nevertheless, I remained focused on my goal of enjoying the experience and riding to the best of my ability.

As the race approached, I focused on visualization and staying limber. Starting second to last in the race order, I awaited my turn among a diverse field of competitors. Despite the excitement and anticipation, I felt serene and detached amidst the noise and hype.

Winning the race brought a sense of satisfaction, but lacked the intense emotions experienced in previous victories. Despite early signs of success in overcoming past struggles, I remained cautious about potential setbacks.

Following the race, celebrations ensued, but I remained mindful of the need to observe my mental state in the days to come. Returning home with my gold medal, I felt a sense of closure to my racing career, without a desire to prove myself further.

Despite initial thoughts of retirement, logistical challenges prevented me from racing in my championship jersey in the elite category. However, I decided to repeat the experiment in my age group at the National Titles later in the season.

Approaching the Australian Championships with similar strategies, the familiarity of the track and competitors added pressure. Winning the race confirmed the validity of my hypothesis, signalling the end of my racing career.

With mixed emotions, I decided to retire from the sport, content in the knowledge that I had achieved what I set out to prove.

 

PUT TO THE TEST – SAME LESSON DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT

Residing in a small coastal town where surfing reigns supreme, my breakthrough as a practitioner came with the arrival of a family that quickly gained prominence in the surfing community. Through my consultations with them, I applied insights gained from my own journey to motivate and enhance the performance of highly driven athletes.

After proving my worth with two family members, I embarked on a transformative journey with one of the younger members, eventually becoming his personal coach on the World Championship Tour. Working closely with him provided invaluable insights into athlete dynamics and furthered my understanding of both him and me.

Despite not being formally qualified, I took on additional responsibilities in his training regimen, contributing to major decisions including strength and conditioning. However, challenges arose due to a lack of objective performance measures and the inability to control outcomes, leading to reflections on my role and performance evaluation.

Subsequently, I seized further opportunities to apply my skills in elite surfing, bringing newfound insight and detachment to the roles. Upon completing contracts with these athletes, my involvement in the elite surfing scene concluded, marked by a period of personal and professional growth.

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WHATS HAPPENING NOW

Since then, I have pursued diverse career paths that have enriched my professional journey. I've served as a Naturopath at a detox retreat, guiding individuals towards holistic wellness. Additionally, I've embarked on two cross-country relocations, each presenting opportunities for personal and career growth.

Amidst these transitions, I undertook the ambitious project of owner-building a custom-designed home, showcasing my attention to detail and project management skills. Simultaneously, I ventured into the Tourism Industry, where I honed my guiding expertise, facilitating meaningful experiences for travellers.

Driven by my passion for restoration and craftsmanship, I undertook the meticulous restoration of a 1958 Porsche 356, exemplifying my dedication to precision and craftsmanship. Subsequently, I revisited my initial trade as an electrician, leveraging my technical acumen in a hands-on capacity.

Now, returning to the realm of online coaching, I am eager to once again leverage my expertise to make a positive impact on individuals' lives. Through personalized coaching, I aspire to empower others to achieve their wellness and personal development goals, fostering holistic growth and well-being.