Fairy Tale?

[LesFloyd]

I just want to say thanks to everyone who has wished me well as I go through yet another bizarre episode in my life.

It's all very odd. It's less than four months since I had my first article published in the News & Star, and now I'm in the last ten of a pretty major journalism competition, up against nine others who all have journalism degrees (including one guy who just finished his Masters in International Journalism)... I'm not phased, though. All I can do is take it in my stride and let my writing do the hard work of convincing the judges.

My life feels like a fairy tale. I'm astonished with my progress over the past two years, and the past six months in particular. It's the stuff of dreams, but I'm living it. Wow!

Again, thanks to you all! If you have the time, check out some of these links and join me in laughing my head off at just how great things are turning out..?

http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/article/290905/first_task_for_press

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=286673

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=285201

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/unknown/viewarticle.aspx?id=281954

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/unknown/viewarticle.aspx?id=280133

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/healthylife/viewarticle.aspx?id=268741

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/opinion/viewarticle.aspx?id=264230

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=260099

http://www.newsandstar.co.uk/news/viewarticle.aspx?id=264239

If I can do this, really - anyone can. Just keep plugging away and don't let your sights off any opportunity which comes your way. Keep your eyes peeled for all possibilities, and no matter how stupid or unlikely they sound, go for them. Never be afraid. You've nothing to lose and loads to gain.

[PaulC44446]

I checked out the links. Very nice. I wish you the best of luck.

Paul

[Geoff_N]

In case you don't spot it, Les, you get a lot of GoLes stuff here http://www.cafedoom.com/forum/index.php?topic=618.0

All that journalism degree stuff means, is that they remembered enough to pass a few exams, and blagged a few projects here and there. It is your lateral thinking gift and humour that will get you through.

Best of luck, Les, and a huge thanks for helping me out with me book stuff!


Geoff

[Ed]

Yep, I'm astounded at how well you've done, Les.  I knew good days would come to you, sooner or later, but this is just great.  I'm so happy for you, mate

[LesFloyd]

Yoinks! I missed that. I knew you mentioned something about it, Geoff, but I couldn't find the link.

Thanks again, you all! 

Neil Marr, from BeWrite, said I'd never have a word published. Not only is he a bit of a hypocrite, but his sense of judgement obviously can't be what it used to. Anyway, happy days! Last laugh, and that.

"It is not in the psychology of BeWrite not to apologise." - Neil Marr, who has never sent me an apology, even though I was booted from his site, ridiculed and harrassed for simply pointing out a truth, which he well knows.

All is forgiven, from this end at least. Life is too short. 

[Ed]

Indeed it is.  I suppose all things happen for a reason and, if you want to look at it from a philosophical standpoint, the things Neil said/did must have given you some of the impetus needed to turn things around.  Proving somebody wrong can be a powerful motivating force, sometimes

Must have hurt at the time, though

[LesFloyd]

It was definitely one of life's low moments. I really respected the guy, so it was double the shock when he turned on me and ridiculed my 'mental health' in public. I hope he has the good grace to apologise someday - show me a bit of the BeWrite psychology - but it's over anyway; I forgive him, and having that sense of heart is enough for me. I wish him well in all he does, with complete sincerity. However tiring it is to hold out, hoping, the hand of friendship is always there, just waiting to be grabbed back.

I hope my motivation for my current progress has nothing to do with revenge! I'd like to think these achievements have been through hard work and a new perception on the world, free from the blinkers of an alcohol problem... but maybe Neil did give a little oxygen to the spark, somewhere along the way? Hehe... 

I'm genuinely stunned by what's happening to me at the moment. I never thought I'd have a life like this... the years upon years when I thought death was an answer to my misery in life... I feel like I've made it through to the other side. I'm alive again.

I'm starting to feel as though winning this competition could be a useful tool in showing the world (or the British bit of it, at least) that there's a lot a person with a history of 'mental health' problems can do, if given the chance. I was given some excellent support and encouragement from Nick Turner, the deputy editor of the News & Star, and his faith and perception has changed my life entirely. People with these problems could have their worlds changed, too, if they could be helped in what they want to do in their lives, rather than what they're been lumped with.

Stupid herbs. 

[SharonBell]

Hey Les, this side of the pond we say "Living well is the best revenge!" And you're doing it! Good at ya! 

[JoyceCarter]

It's all absolutely excellent.  I couldn't be more pleased, Les! 

[LesFloyd]

Thanks! 

It's such an exciting time in my life. I want more! Hehe...

[JoyceCarter]

I reckon it's on its way.  My father taught me this when I was about six (and what it meant).

There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries;
And we must take this fortune when it serves,
Or lose our ventures....

I think you're surfing just fine.