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Just in case you are wondering how the presentation in Adelaide went....Maree ‘spoke’ for the first time in ten years and there wasn’t a dry eye in the audience. For those who don’t know the story......

Maree Bourke-Calliss suffered a stroke ten years ago and became paralysed or ‘locked in’. She communicates by blinking. She wrote her story over several months by blinking out the letters. Imagine the scene. Maree at the front of an audience at the CPA Convention in the Adelaide Convention Centre. Powerpoint slides of photos of her life projected onto a screen. Her voice supplied by Hilary Henshaw reading from the lectern. Tears from the front and tears from the back. Maree’s family had travelled from Whyalla, Quambatook, Brisbane and Wentworth. Even her dog was there, patiently sitting on her lap. The finale was a song and a poem. Hilary sang Edith Piaf’s ‘No regrets’ and included a poem that Maree has written for the occasion. There are moments that remain in memory forever. This was one of those moments. Let me leave you with a piece from the presentation...

Be optimistic beyond reality. Never waiver on the side of failure and have faith in yourself and faith in others coming through for you. I believe I will walk again and I’m not interested in having anyone around me who doesn’t believe that too. When I was in intensive care, I remember two doctors standing by my bed having a discussion about whether I would live or die. One doctor wanted to do everything possible to help me get across the line. The other thought I was a lost cause, an unwarranted use of resources and was damning in his spiel. You can guess which doctor I chose. Life’s too short for the negative, the pessimistic.

The entire presentation was filmed so there might be a possibility of making it available to the public. A local TV station was present to make a special program for Adelaide audiences. Hopefully, we can get a copy and let you know how to get one. Watch this space!

Last Christmas, I suggested that you don’t buy yourself a present at Christmas. If you are going to buy a present for someone, make sure it is really for the other person and not something that you would like to receive yourself. Small shift in thinking. Large shift in consequences. The trick is to think like someone else. If you learn to do this, there will be a huge change in your ability to relate to and influence others. So ...start thinking now. Show your gratitude to the people who have supported you this year. Christmas is a great time to say a big “Thank You”. You still have time to make an ‘other centred’ choice.

And by the way...I have just released a CD on “How to make an excellent first impression”. This is a great Christmas gift for someone who who wants to improve their interpersonal skills, especially the first minutes when first impressions are formed. Just imagine how successful you would be if you made an excellent first impression with your clients, work colleagues, friends and strangers.

Why not give a copy to all your staff? You only get one chance to make a first impression. Who do you know that needs to improve their ability to connect with others, listen more attentively and be more aware of the effect they have on others?

There is more information on my website. You can order the CD by visiting Products.

Have a wonderful Christmas and an optimistic New Year. If Maree can be optimistic with the ability to think and blink, how much more optimistic could you be with all of your faculties intact. Her dream is to walk again and get out of bed on her own. Make sure you set some goals for 2004 and pursue them with passion.

Thank you for being on my mailing list. Have a wonderful Christmas. I look forward to a exciting, purposeful 2004 with you.

Warm regards

Paddy Spruce