Have you ever noticed when your gut is telling you something, you toss the idea around a bit and feel pretty good about it… but then you let your head come to the party, that little voice in there starts on the negative and self doubt starts to creep in, before you know it that little bit of confidence that was sitting strong in the gut seems a distant memory.

Recently this was the case for me, I spoke at conference, one that I had attended a number of times over the years. I was invited to speak, was feeling pretty good about it and this time round thought I would try something totally different, something that has hardly seen the light of day. Something my gut was telling me would be great and be enjoyed by all…ah yes, but then I started to think it through. The more thought I put into it the more I was stopped at negative road blocks in my mind. There was only one thing to do.

Go back to my training, fortunately over the years I have been around some brilliant people and learnt a little of how the mind works, I learnt at any one second in time there is 2 million bits of information available to us. but of course we can not handle that in actual fact not even close to that. So I decided to focus on the thoughts that are positive and not the negative ones. I figure if I can only control some of the information then the info, the thoughts the mind space I have is going to centre on the positive.  Instantly this drew me back to my gut feeling and low and behold it was positive.

After my presentation I felt like giving my gut a hi 5 or buying it a drink or two as it was spot on the money. All went well and thanks to all the people that endorsed my gut feeling with some real positive feedback.

Always trust you gut.

Cheers

Donnie

How would we cope living in a world with no rules, no laws?  Would it be mayhem, would civilisation survive? Is there a chance we would all die without order or would we all get along?

I have often been fascinated how a simple line on a map, a sign, a river maybe even an ocean can be the difference between life and death for doing or not doing the exact same thing. Is it just me or do others get curious about the many laws of our lands. How is it in some countries you are free to smoke Marijuana yet in other countries you will be incarcerated.

It amazes me that in some countries kissing or ’going to homebase’ on a beach is fair, for all those fortunate enough to have the opportunity they would say it’s their right to do so but be caught doing it in another country and you can find yourself on the wrong side of the law.  How about the countries albeit under the premise of religion, where men can have multiple wives yet that very way of living is not accepted or tolerated in other regions of our planet.

These differences are everywhere, the countries with auto barns and open speed options to those that are so hell bent on slowing all vehicles down at every opportunity, whatever the example my point is still the same. Are we lost without rule and who’s to say what rules are right and wrong?

I am not for one second suggesting some have it right and others are wrong, nor would I be so naive to think our world would be anywhere near as amazing without these divides and differences. The only true thought I have on the issue and advise I would offer is regardless what laws we are governed by, agree or disagree at the very least we can respect others and there ways. It’s simple really the laws that apply are the rules of the land in which you stand. Do I think laws should change to accommodate those differences, the people that go to other countries? No, no I don’t feel the land and the people of the land should have to change. If I was to go to another land then it is up to me to abide by those rules and if I am not willing to do so then I would fully expect not to be welcome.

Our world really is a unique and amazing place and I believe it is big enough for us all and I welcome the rules of the different countries to which I travel.

I hope you get to see more of our world, it really is amazing.

Cheers

Donnie

There is something about going to a country footy ground that just makes me smile. I recently spoke at a sponsors day in Warrigal, (thanks Manny for your recommendation mate) Maybe it’s the memories I have as a young bloke playing footy for Tocumwal, maybe it’s the thought of people enjoying the opportunity to shine for an hour or two each week, to unite with other like minded people in a common goal, whatever it is I love it.

Some of my best memories are of my mates and I coming together in the rooms before we ran out and took on the opposition, the smell of liniment oil and deep heat, the air was always filled with optimism, no matter who we were up against we always thought we had a shot of beating them, and we weren’t a great side by any stretch of the imagination, but we always had hope. We knew that if there was going to be any trouble ya mates wouldn’t be to far away. We were happy and pumped and filled with hope, especially before the ball was bounced.

Hope, it’s a wonderful thing to have. If you have hope then you have reason and that creates purpose and before you know it you have belief. With belief you can achieve almost anything. So I say don’t stop believing not matter what the odds.

This doest just stop with sport, I think we can use it in all areas of our lives. So here’s cheers to all the believers in our world and lets never let hope die.

Thanks for the warm reception from all the good people of Warrigul who attended the recent sponsors day at the dusties footy club and all the best for the rest of the season.

Cheers

Donnie

Well I’ll admit I’ve been caught in the hype of the world cup, am I a soccer fan, nah it wouldn’t be fair to all the true supporters of the game to say yes but I will admit to being a marketers dream when it comes to getting behind the event. For that matter most big events will just about get me in and yes I like many millions around the world all of a sudden know all there is about the game and passionately scream towards my TV when we are on the receiving end of a dodgy decisions like the odd red card or two. After all isn’t that what the games governing body wants, people to be talking about their sport and following it, supporting the players and the advertisers to encourage them to come back next time.

I was watching the lead up to one of the games with my daughters who I have also encouraged to support all things Aussie on the world stage, the two teams were lined up ready to take to the field and I said, right now the feeling the players would be going through would be excitement, the adrenaline would be starting to go, for some there would also be anxiety, it would be absolutely amazing for them, the crowd was at fever pitch and the commentators were being drowned out. When just then one of my daughters turned to me and said, Dad how would you know, have you been to the world cup? she didn’t ask the question with attitude and it was a genuine question, not a statement. It was at that point I realised the feeling the players would be experiencing was universal, it was the exact same feeling I had when entering the stadium to compete at the Paralympics and world champs and the opening ceremonies of those events.

It is the feeling that creates a memory for a lifetime and is available for anyone who aspire to be apart pf something special and does all that is required to present for that moment. It is awesome.

I explained to my girl that I had not been to the world cup but I had a pretty good idea of what it would be like, my only hope is she and my other daughters throughout their journeys get to experience that universal feeling for themselves.

For the record, with Australia out my moneys on Germany all the way.

Cheers

Donnie 

I have just returned from a family holiday in Phuket, Thailand. What an amazing country, one that has had it’s most recent troubles highlighted through plenty of media interest. Fortunately having been there before we were confident our family would not be in any danger with no plans to stay  in the troubled city. Sometimes it is hard to truly appreciate just how good our country is until you leave it. Our freedom,safety and right to express ourselves is something often taken for granted, so too are our beautiful surrounds. To call Australia home is a privilege and every time I leave I am reminded of how amazing it is to live here. 

Though I would dare not say that Thailand is any less amazing, with some beautiful beaches, awesome shopping and some of the most amazing food you will ever taste all at the ready for the world to experience and such a liberated way of life it. I will never forget the feeling of absolute fun of dinking my daughters on a little scooter, they were so relaxed and loving every minute of it. It took next to no effort to get them to jump on with me after seeing local families of 4 & 5 people riding past. The road rules in Thailand were nothing like our formulated structure we have here, there were bikes and cars going the wrong way in one way streets, all moving at variety of speed, on some roads you would be on the left hand side and turn a corner and then you are to travel on the right hand side. The thing I like the most about it was that it worked, it all seem to just work. People gave way when they had too and the place just flowed. I loved it and we loved being apart of it for a couple of weeks.

Other highlights included seeing so many beautiful animals, the day we rode an elephant and handled an eagle was awesome. Though I think I will just stick to my pets that I have at home. I am far more  comfortable with my dogs, my fish and my budgie.

I truly do believe the loving nature of the people, particularly the ones we met is the thing that creates that warm feeling inside when I think back to our 1st overseas venture as a family.

One thing’s for sure the more you see of the world the more respect you gain for all those around you. We live in exciting times, get out there and enjoy what’s on offer and seek out the places that you are most welcome. Some countries relay on tourist for survival and will make every effort to ensure your stay is a good one. Ours sure was.

Keep traveling

Cheers

Donnie

Negative people in my opinion a people with way to much time on their hands. A simple solution is to get busy.

There are many things that I find keep me from falling into the trap of being negative, the main thing I do is to move in different worlds, some would say this is challenging the comfort zone, but when you do it enough you find that it’s just a way living. In my opinion a great way of living.

By different worlds I don’t mean like Sir Richard Branson and travelling out of this world, I quiet simply mean by moving in different circles, having different interest, having different people you associate with. It keeps you interesting to the people around you and will also help you learn so much more about the world and what other people feel is important.

By moving in different worlds you will also gain an appreciation for other peoples views. I am a big believer that we are not here for a long time but for a good time so we should enjoy it, life is some much easier to enjoy when people can respect your views. Help yourself by respecting others.

Till next time try something new

Cheers

Donnie

Have you ever noticed how injuries never come at the right time, then again I don’t know of a right time for an injury.

One thing is for sure when you do get an injury the key to being back on your feet as soon as possible is having good people looking after you.

I have recently damaged my right knee, this is also my good leg, so I have found my movements have slowed a great deal, the simple things like having a shower and hopping to the toilet are now done with a lot more care, riding my motorbike or driving the car also provide a few headaches, at least I am confident the pain is only temporary.. well so I hope. As an amputee I don’t spend much time if any worrying about what is not there, but when what is there gets damaged, well that’s a whole new ball game.

Fortunately for me the problem was picked up pretty early by the great team at Osteo Health Group in Beaumaris, I was quickly sent of for a MRI from my doctor at the VIS, and I can not begin to tell you how grateful I am for the caring people at Victoria House Medical Imaging. The next step is the arthroscopy and again I am thankful for the helpful team at The Windsor who have made the process seamless to date.

It is comforting when you know you are in good hands and fortunately for me I have had a great experience with my surgen Jonathan Bare, he will again take care of proceeding, so from all accounts I will be up and going in no time.

Remember to look after your body…we only get one.

Cheers

Donnie

Recently  I had the good fortune of attending the AFL National Coaching Conference in Adelaide, along with being the key note speaker for inclusive coaching stratetigies I had the chance to attend some of the sessions delivered by other industry experts, many by champion coaches of the game. It was very interesting to see a sport hold a conference for the coaches of all levels of the game and combine it with the Umpires. I loved meeting like-minded people and catching up with people from my past and am keen not to loose contact with them in the future. Footy, who would have thought the game can be credited for reconnecting old mates.

A few learning I took from the  my attendance are:

Umpires are very important to the game and have a huge role to play in the culture of the game.  They are not all white maggots…some are green. Nah that’s just a joke, I honestly have a new found respect for the guys that do the job and the coaches that coach them, often a somewhat thankless job.

Former Coaches are an incredible wealth of knowledge and it doesn’t matter how much the ‘game’ has changed they still have an awesome opportunity to add value to anyone willing to learn from experience. David Parkin, Stan Alves and Charlie Walsh are three of the most impressive former coaches I have had the chance to learn from, but if good old fashion discipline, plan hard work and the ability to take risk is not for you then don’t waste your time with these blokes, if it is, then the sky is the limit. 

AFL I love the game, I played as a kids and some of my most memorable life experiences have come from footy but I was staggered to learn the game is heading into trouble. Maybe not so obvious at the highest level but at grass roots, if we can’t get some more umpires into the game then the game can’t grow and people all over this great land of ours wont have the opportunities to partake in life long memories thanks to footy.

It’s funny what you think you know about something until you hear what others have to say and share, I was blown away by how little I really knew about the game and am grateful to have learnt from the best in the business. Thanks guys.

If you’re up for a challenge, keen to get fit, meet new people and make a positive contribution to the community then do yourself a favour and see what umpiring can do for you.  

Cheers

Donnie

Donnie training with Hawks

There are a few things in my life that bring instant joy. My daughters lead the charge when it comes to making me happy and giving me reason to love life, though getting a new leg is a feeling like no other.

To be honest I really only believe other leg amps can truly appreciate the joy that comes with getting a great fitting leg. I always look forward with anticipation and if the leg is going to be made for something other than my everyday walking then there is a fair chance the anticipation will be even greater knowing full well when a leg is made for something other than just getting around, it’s game on. It’s built to help me achieve something that I think is important in which case it has a job to do and 1st and foremost is not to hold me back.

This new leg is just that. It’s built to help me have no excuses. The rest is up to me.

I know Professor Leg and the team at APC Prosthetics will send me away with a great fitting leg and from there it’s game on, it’s up to me to put it to the test, to live my life my way and it’s easy to do knowing I have a leg that will not hold me back.

Every time I get a new leg I am reminded how lucky I am to live in this great country, to have some of the best in the business work with me and allow me to have the most amazing quality of life, a life that amputees in some countries would never dream of. To all that have ever had a hand in helping me walk, I say THANKYOU.

I love when I can put my leg to the test and it stands up. This time will be no different.

Don’t wait until you are missing a leg before you appreciate how good it is to walk. Enjoy every step.

Keep smilen.

Cheers

Donnie

The very first time I heard the word Paralympic I was 14 years old. I had no clue what my mates were on about, Donnie they said, ‘you could be a Paralympic swimmer’, a what? was my reply. That was in 1990. Wow did my journey begin after.

I never did become a Paralympic swimmer but I did make it to 3 Paralympic Games competing in athletics in the Pentathlon. Along the way I met some amazing people, (a few bone heads also) but it’s the people that I am still in touch with today that made becoming a Paralympian so special. It’s my life long friends, it’s the understanding of what it’s like to work as part of a team, to be willing to do things that others wont, to challenge yourself and what you believe.

To any person with a disability, I highly recommend you have a look at what the Paralympics are all about, it’s not for everyone, but if you love sport, travel, are willing to work your but off and can see yourself doing something special with your life then being a Paralympian might just be for you.

To every person that has joined the elite ranks of Paralympian I congratulate you, to those that are aspiring to do so, I encourage you to dig that little bit deeper and can assure you that it will be well worth it when the time comes.

Cheers

Donnie