UTTERLY INSPIRATIONAL

It's been a while since my last post - too long.
Recently I've ben concentrating on sending out a daily inspirational thought to my list which I call Daily Motivation.
It's just a short quote for your inbox each weekday. It's designed to make you think, make you smile and get you up and going!
Interested in receiving it? Just contact me through the blog or via the website and I'll add you to my list.

I felt I had to share this one with you. Regular readers will know that I love a good sports autobiography and have recommended quite a number over time, but the one I read last week was absolutely amazing. It was "Taking on the World" by Ellen MacArthur and tells her story from childhood up until the end of the Vendee Globe single-handed round the world race in 2001. It is all written by her, no ghost-writing and her personality shines through each and every page. She really wears her heart on her sleeve and gives the reader a fabulous insight into her thoughts and feelings - I loved it.

You don't have to be into sailing to enjoy it either. I barely know one end of a boat from the other but it's about so much more than the sailing. Her single-minded determination and drive to achieve her goals is nothing short of incredible. If you only read one book this year - make it this one!

In recognition of her achievements, she has been made a Dame of the British Empire, received the OBE and the Legion D'Honeur from the French people. She is still only 33. Ellen has, at least for now, given up competitive sailing to concentrate on her charity work and her environmental campaigning. I'd be hard pushed to think of a more inspirational role model. As she says in the book, A donf! (Go for it!) Yes - she speaks fluent french as well....