When I was writing my first book, ‘Never Tell Me Never’, the conversation would invariably go like this…

“What do you do for a job?”

“Well, I am writing a book.”

“Really, what sort of book?

“Well, actually, it’s an autobiography.”

“Oh really, who’s it about?” 

I wish I had a dollar for every person who has asked this question, I would be worth a fortune!

Actually, writing my life story and having it made into a movie, launched a totally different career, that of the professional speaker. I have been on the circuit (yes, I used to believe the only circuit was the one in a gym!) for over ten years now, and I can honestly say I have loved every moment, every opportunity, to share what I have learnt from my journey. In return, I have been given so much back, and now truly understand nature’s law; that if you want something you first have to give it away.

However, for lack of a better word, I find it difficult to articulate to others what I do. Motivational speaker seems to be the accepted word to describe many speakers and how they perform on stage. However, this certainly doesn’t sit well with me, nor does it adequately communicate what I actually do. It may be descriptive but does not define me. You see, I don’t believe anyone can motivate another person to achieve anything, it must come from within. You can inspire them but you can’t motivate them. Motivation is an intrinsic quality.

Motivation comes from an understanding of ones’ inner purpose, ones’ mission in life. Carolyn Myss quotes in her book, ‘Sacred Contracts’, the words of late theologian, mystic, and Harvard professor Howard Thurman. There are two questions we have to ask ourselves, “The first is ‘Where am I going?’ and the second is ‘Who is going with me?’ If you get these questions in the wrong order, you are in trouble.”

I help people get these questions in the right order, to find their own inner compass.To step outside old paradigms and discover their real potential, who they truly are. To see the old patterns in their lives that no longer serve them and become their own ‘agents of change.’ To know that whatever challenges they may encounter on the path, they will be able to handle it. That they can take any situation in life and not only survive but thrive.

When we find our inner mission the path becomes clear and it gives real meaning to our lives. For many this requires a shift in consciousness to a richer, more authentic and empowered life. 

Jungian psychologist James Hillman once said, ‘You have to give up the life you had to get the life that’s waiting for you’. 

Well, the life that was waiting for me after being run over by a truck was certainly not the one I had planned, and it was a long way from Olympic glory, but I wouldn’t swap it for all the gold medals in the world!

Love Janine