A message of hope, strength, and appreciation of our sporting world brotherhood and sisterhood in this world's turbulent times; Hope, motivation and the white light can still be found in this crazy world Media Man Int

A message of hope, strength, and appreciation of our sporting world brotherhood and sisterhood in this world's turbulent times; Hope, motivation and the white light can still be found in this crazy world - 2019

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by Greg Tingle

Today for some reason I had a bit of writers block... maybe it was the weather, or maybe it was something else. Anyway, I had a walk, grabbed a cappuccino, and got thinking - I should have no reason to have writers' block. God knows I have more than enough material to write about, past, present and even future! Articles and books... the books are just taking me much longer to write than I initially expected.

This article is done in a bit of what is known as Gonzo Journalism style, (but with cappuccino, not hard drugs), as per Hunter S. Thompson of Rolling Stone fame re 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas' and 'The Rum Diaries'. No, I don't drink or do drugs, but I enjoy the edgy side of things on occasion. I'm currently at one cappuccino per day, which is one less than last year and the year before.

Sometimes even the best of us just need a little kick along for whatever reason. Whether that comes from our internal strength, or maybe we just need a mate or two to help motivate and inspire us. I'm fortunate, I've got all the above. We can all have our great days and not so great (bad days). Part of the secret is to keep the "bad" to a minimum, if you follow my lead.

Life and business is not always easy, but in this world we should all be able to find things to help see the glass more full, and to see the light come up and overcome any darkness. We can make our own sunshine, or another friendly soul will help us see the sunshine.

At present quite a few of my mates, friends and associates in the sports and media world are having a bit of a tough time. I believe the world is going through a very significant period of change at the moment.

The world's financial instability, the breaking down of the traditional family unit, elements including diverse religious beliefs, widespread corruption and distrust in politics. Financial and banking scandals and the continuing decay of Australia's and the world's natural environment. Some aspects of social media are replacing traditional social interactions, and we could go on all day.

Surly we can find reasons in life to keep being the best we can, seeing things in a positive (or at least balanced light), and also finding strength and reassurance in our overall love of life, like our hobbies, pastimes, friends, family (both traditional, non traditional, extended and so on).

My life and career has been amazing so far, and has also had its fair share of ups and downs. It has had the highest of highs to lows into darkness, to beaming light again, 5 stars to no stars, back to 5 stars, and up, down and onwards and upwards again and again. Life is an adventure, if you let it be!

I would like to share something that may help others while also helping ourselves. Helping other can also help us feel good and even great.

Over the last number of years I've known many sports professionals, some quite famous, succumb to the Black Dog. This can be linked to them not performing in sporting arena as well as they once did - when they were winning awards on a frequent basis.

I currently have a number of mates struggling with massive debts, some with family breakdown, and other nursing injuries.

One friend was recently involved in a scandal. They really should have sidestepped, but stuff happens.

It is a great idea to check in on your mates. You have likely heard of RU OK? Send a quick email, Facebook or SMS message. Helping others can also make ones self also feel good or even great. It can help us fully realise just how fortunate we are. Isolation and disconnection from society can also be a reality for many.

When I lived and worked in Australia's Outback on a tech and media project years back (to make some real money and change the pace), I experienced some isolation and a touch of depression. This happened even though I was the advertising and business regional representative of a major rural newspaper and I was meeting with Alice Springs business owners and folks on a daily basis. I went for swims at the Lasseters Health Club and Casino, as well as jogs around the block. It wasn't quite the same as the beach! The Outback project took me away from the ocean environment that I grew up with, so after a year I finished up and came back to Sydney. The media and sports world had generally became tougher in the city. Sometimes we have to do to survive (and hopefully thrive).

It is sometimes said that "balance" is the secret to a happy life. I believe this to be rather true. For examples, training in sport does not mean over-training. Drinking alcohol should not mean overdoing it. Writing in front of a computer screen, or interacting on social media should not be a 24 / 7 / 365 day thing, nor too much videogame time, as some of the world's youth and others have fallen trap to. You get the idea.

The essence of my scribblings today is to help others find the bright side of life. Even better, if you are going great already, that's good news. Perhaps you may be able to help out others. Try to find your happy space and stay in it.

Sure, there will be trials and tribulations along the way, but find the light, and help others find theirs : )

If you made it this far in the article, you've done well and give yourself a pat on the back. Stay with us, more ideas, tips and updates below:

Some Practical Tips

Get the body (and mind) moving. Exercise gets the blood pumping and helps recharge and rejuvenate those happy endorphins

Find your passions and build elements of them into your career - writing, sports. Whatever you are knowledgeable in. Art, photography, pop culture trivia, public speaking, fundraising et al. Whatever your passion

Work out if you are more a morning, afternoon or evening person, and build your career and life around your passion

Read books (not always on the internet) on topics that interest and inspire you

Get closer to nature, be it the beach or the rainforest

Be around other people who help make you feel good

Nominate some friends and contacts for community awards. Champions are everywhere!

Become a national or international "go to" person for specific sports, or subjects you know. Become the authority...

and sometimes just take a break for 5 more minutes or more!

Big shout out to our friends and associates in and around the sports world..

OneWave Is All It Takes - Grant, Sam

Father Dave's Old School Boxing Academy - Father Dave Smith and crew

Valor Bare Knuckle - Ken Shamrock and crew

Dan 'The Beast' Severn and crew