> I often make reference to the journey of life being a process of
> elimination. We each have to discover what we are not first.
>
> To illustrate Im not talking hypothetically.
>
> In my twenties, I had an enormous motivation to 'make a difference' by
> actually turning a passion into a viable vocation. It worked
> brilliantly. Beyond my wildest dreams, after spending the first part
> of my adult life feeling like a willing prisoner walking into a cage
> each day. Some of my 'inventions' became and still are mainstream in
> the fitness business I was more intrigued than 'proud'.In fact the
> system I developed is now used by  Fitness First, (the m.d actually
> was born five miles away from me back in the UK).
>
> It grew extremely well, to such an extent I sacked my first accountant
> for nearly sending me broke because he didnt understand the subtleties
> of what was then, a new industry.
>
> I built the first co ed club in Aus, met the 'pretty woman' (she had a
> remarkable likeness to the J.Roberts. version). I never wanted
> children until I at least started to enjoyed the work I did. We had
> two.
>
> I found a new accountant who was familiar with the industry, but
> unfortunately (don't use that term any more), he was also secretively
> a 50%% owner of my opposition, and directed me accordingly. He
> persuaded me to sell out to the opposition, which I did, providing
> substantial vendor finance.
>
> The new owners went broke and brought me down with them. The 'pretty
> woman' left.
>
> I started up a year later, and built up the most successful chain in
> Aus, and after eighteen years in total, decided to sell to my bank
> manager. The vocational part had disappeared, what with 11 clubs to
> run, and a staff of 160.
>
> I provided vendor finance to the manager, but kept hold of one of the
> buildings so I could re enter if he had problems, and also have a
> source of income for the future
>
> He actually colluded with the bank (he used to be their state manager)
> who owned the mortgage, to sell the building from under me, and then
> he defaulted.
>
> I have managed to hang on for ten years, waiting to get my time in
> court which was due early this year.
>
> I have just discovered that my lawyer has not fulfilled his obligation
> to get me into court,after twice assuring me that we were on track,
> and I have now lost my chance for a successful outcome. Perth is a
> small town, and the bank and his practice will be there long after Im
> gone. Hes a family man with big commitments, so I hold no grudges.
>
> Why am I talking of this?
>
> The one truth I "know" is that reality is never what happens to a
> person, but how we each handle events. Friends cannot believe my
> appalling luck, but I also know there is no such thing as luck. I have
> only briefly touched on the amazing coincidences, enough to convince
> any sceptic.They convinced me :-)..( I could write a book just about
> the 'pretty woman' episode alone.).
>
> I can now compare my understanding of life from many different
> perspectives, but I have never felt so free and unencumbered as things
> unfold.
>
> I had strong impulses to create what I imagined to be the
> circumstances to live a great and fulfilling life.
> Had I have not been 'compromised' I would have had my daughters and
> siblings in homes without mortgages, and a very healthy income from
> the building. The company was subsequently taken over by a Chinese
> backed public company, which would have strengthened my position.
>
> The excitement of the unknown that I now face, combined with a
> knowledge that everything moves as it should creates a zest for life
> that many spend their whole life seeking.
>
> Never circumstantial, always attitudinal.
>
> The new name of the clubs ? "Zest"....
>
> Youve gotta laugh :-).
>
> BOfL