Well, that was unexpected Reader!

Up until a week ago, I would say that May has been the most successful and enjoyable month of my self-employed business journey:

• Two fabulous events (speaking and exhibiting)
• Dozens of magical new humans exploring the world of the Four Fears®
• Unbelievable book sales
• ...and more...

Bloody plot twists

Often, when I have guested on various podcasts, I have talked about my dad being my hero.

When we're little, we get asked what we want to be when we grow up. I think a better question would be "what sort of person do we want to be when we grow up"?

My answer would simply be "My dad" (I wrote a blog about it last week).

The plot twist? My dad is very ill. This past week has seen him decline rapidly. I'm writing this at his bedside. We are talking days now, and not the months we had been expecting.

Event + Response = Outcome

The thing with plot twists is that it's never about the 'surprise'. It's all about your reaction (response) to the 'surprise'.

Dad's response has been to make his plans and finish off the bottle of Tia Maria that he's had in the cupboard for a long time. (Despite learning from the best, I'm still working on my response.)

Why am I sharing this?

The point to this week's newsletter (albeit demonstrated in a rather extreme and hopefully rare circumstance) is that whilst what happens to us may be out of our control, our reaction isn't. And it is our reaction that defines what happens next.

My hope is that your past week (and the weeks ahead) has not sprung plot twists of this kind on you. But even seemingly small 'hiccups' can linger if you let them.

Two quick questions for you then

In terms of your reaction to a 'hiccup' you might have:

1. Is this response helpful?
2. Does it move you to where you want and deserve to be?*

If your immediate response does not provide a 'yes' answer to both of these questions... pause, close your eyes, breath...

Above all, pause. You'll find the way.
​Take care

Mark Franklin
​The Four Fears® Guy
​www.markfranklin.co.uk

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* That would be sat in the moment enjoying stories, laughs, hugs and Tia Maria with my hero.

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405 Thorney Leys, Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 5NR
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