How can I let this week pass without mentioning the sad loss of Michael Jackson.

Never having been what I'd call a real devoted fan, I've found myself looking back and realizing how much of his music is etched in my memories; fond times with people I love - what I call 'magic moments'.

It is a rare gift to have written and sung the soundtrack to so many people's most special times, and that for me will be Michael Jackson's lasting legacy. Some of my magic moments and best memories of Michael's music include:

• Christmas 1979 in New York dancing to 'Rock With You'.
• Seeing the 'moonwalk' for the very first time.
• Watching the TV premier of 'Thriller'.
• Rushing home from school as a teenager to watch 'The Jackson 5' TV show.
• Michael singing 'ABC' as a youngster... the list just goes on.

Of course, I've been shocked by the 'Wacko Jacko' persona through the years, and even though I'm sure some of it was 'smoke and mirrors', some more of it was probably true.

However, what he gave us was wonderful music, great entertainment, and a few surprises along the way, though maybe what he lost (or at least missed out on along the way) was his childhood and youth, real friendship, and knowing what it was like to grow up into the person he never became - a truly adult Michael Jackson.

It seems he paid a very heavy price for his fame.

I'm sure the sideshows to his life will carry on in the shape of courtroom dramas, speculation of what really happened at the end, not-to-mention trying to discover who the real Michael Jackson really was.

However, best of all we're left with his music.I hope you're lucky enough to have some of his music as a soundtrack to one or two of your own magic moments.

'Thank you, Michael - God bless'.

New online course is launched!!

Okay, so it's been delayed a few times, but I'm pleased to say my new online course 'Communications Skills Upgrade' is now finally ready, launched, and available in hyperspace for you all to grab a copy of!

What began as a simple idea to create a programme to help people improve and upgrade their communication skills became more and more a labour of love for me.

Three main reasons:

1. Communication, if you've read the 'biog' page of my website, is dear to my heart as well as being my number one value. Because I had a severe stutter until my mid 20's, being able to savour easy, good quality communication became my life's ambition - and I guess explains much of the drive behind my coaching practice.


2. Nowadays, as a Master Practitioner and Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), I've long been excited to share the varying ideas and solutions that come from such a fascinating study of excellence. Often known as 'the user's guide for the brain', and 'the science of communication', I knew very quickly that this new ecourse would include much of what I've learnt in NLP.
   
3. After working with over 1,600 people in a one-on-one coaching capacity, as well as many thousands more during my workshops, I know the one thing that keeps us alive is the communication we have with those around us. We are social creatures. We thrive on interaction, and on one of the most basic levels we NEED love from others to survive.

So, in short, communication is important.

If you want to read more, you can by visiting my website, signing up for my FREE eNewsletter 'Your Best Life' (now in it's 6th year), reading about and by buying 'Communication Skills Upgrade'.

After all, what else do you think you could achieve in your life with even better communication skills?