A book review... or turning the page on it all.

"The average American will meet 10 thousand people in their lifetime. If everyone changed the life of just 10 people - Just ten - then, in five generations time - 125 years - the university of Texas 2014 graduation will change the lives of 800 Million people" - William H. Mcraven

After Britain has been put into its third and hopefully its final National lockdown I have sat and wondered what have I actually got out of this life changing event/time/nightmare whatever you want to call it. Well, the first two lockdowns I started to run a bit and became a professional NBA star on my PlayStation. But now we are in a new year I thought NO! No more messing around. Well okay maybe a little...

I started off by trying to read more than I was before and little did I know my first book would change my attitude a little more than expected. "Make Your bed" By Admiral William H. Mcraven. Already rated as The Number One New York Times bestseller. But of course my review is the one that really matters. Duh.

The book is only small and has 10 chapters. You later find out they are more than chapters but more like rules on how "little things that can change your life". The book is very military based, it is written by a Military Officer so that's expected. It all starts with a graduation speech at the University of Texas which is also written in the back of the book.

The first chapter is simple "Make Your Bed". We all need to start the day with a task completed and even if the world beats you down that day with anxiety or hate then you know you are coming home to a nicely made bed giving you the satisfaction of at least ending the day right.

"If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed"

Chapter two "you can't go it alone". I call my girlfriend my paddle buddy because of the words written in this chapter. One of the longer chapters but worth every word. The thing to take away from this chapter is that life can be full of tragic moments and sadly we know this more than ever in 2020. But if you fill your life full of good people we will all get to the final destination and never forget that success depends on other around you - you friends, partners, family are going to paddle harder for you the days you are struggling. Helping you reach the final destination even when you don't think you can.

"If you want to change the world, find someone to help you paddle"

Chapter three "Only the size of your heart matters" its simple lads, it's not size that matters, it's what you can do with it ... oh sorry, wrong book. Same principle it doesn't matter how big, small and strong you are if its in your heart you can succeed.

"If you want to change the world, measure a person by the size of their heart, not the size of their flippers"

"Life's not fair- Drive on"Lets all admit this, life can be unfair and its easy to blame outside factors and run off in a huff. This one really hit me because I have the tendency to do exactly this. Its okay to be in huff but just remember that everyone is hit down just like you. The best you can do is stand tall, keep moving forward and stay positive.

"If you want to change the world, get over being a sugar cookie and keep moving forward"

"Failure can make you Stronger". We have been drilled into us from a young age that we need to learn from our mistakes. Thanks Dad! Life is all about learning from previous events and not being scared to try again and keep motivated when a similar or harder situations comes round and slaps you in the balls again. Don't be afraid.

"If you want to change the world don't be afraid of the circuses"

Chapter six "You must dare greatly". Life is full of fears. Prime examples are being afraid of heights, spiders and Nomophobia (the young ones know about this). Those who live in fear or hardship or embarrassment are never reaching their full potential. Give yourself a push every now and then see how daring you can be. I am scared of heights and last Christmas I did a 47 meter bungee. Not flexing or anything but life goal completed mate. Its a leap of faith that's all it is.

"If you want to change the world, sometimes you have to slide down the obstacle course head first"

Chapter seven "stand up to the bullies". Put your hand up if you have ever been bullied? In school, at work or by someone ruling a country (Mr Trump, yes we are talking about you). They gain their power over you through faint heartedness and timidness. Just like sharks and orcas they will circle you in the water to see if you are struggling before they attack. Finding courage is something that we have seen in almost every Disney movie since we were children. Lets dig deep and find courage and stand up to the bullies. We all have it in us, it just takes some time to find it.

"If you want to change the world, don't back down from the sharks"

Chapter eight "Rise to the occasion". This chapter brought a tear to my eye. It talks about when a member of the Military dies, the soldiers will dress in their finest uniform showing only the best of themselves to the fallen. Not only is this the most respectful act but the most beautiful. 2020 has shown us that life is full of dark moments from wild fires, non equality and the Coronavirus pandemic. The year has involved a lot of passing of loved ones, crushing spirits and worst of all leaving us wondering about the future. This chapter is telling the reader to reach deep inside and be the very best person you can be when these hard moments strike.

"If you want to change the world, you must be your very best in the darkest moments"

Chapter Nine"Give people hope" the years events may not have given people the hope we all wanted when the clock struck midnight on the 1st of January. The UK entering another national lockdown days later and the United States madness at the Capitol building.

We all see New Zealand smirking over there "we are Coronavirus free". Pffttt fuckers. All jokes aside as I have the deepest respect for New Zealands response to the virus, clever gits. When neck deep in mud they all stood together sang loudly, smiled harder and kept everyone standing even in the hardest times. New Zealand is hope for the rest of the world "tomorrow will be better".

"If you want to change the world, start singing when you're up to your neck in mud"

Finally chapter ten "never ever quit". Do I really need to add anything to this statement. Life can be what you make of it; it can be great and it can be hard. Just don't give up.

"If you want to change the world, don't ever, ever ring the bell"

So there 10 rules that I am going to try and adapt my life towards and hopefully one day my life will be great. Make Your bed hopefully has changed my life for the better and I would suggest purchasing it and giving it a read. It's full of just more than simple rules but a story on how one man can encourage hundreds of people at a graduation through one life story.

I will leave you with this. Until next time bros.

"What about the children?

Look at all the children we can change

What about a vision?

Be a visionary for a change

We're the generation

Who's gonna be the one to fight for it?

We're the inspiration

Do you believe enough to die for it?

Who's got the heart? Who's got it?

Whose heart is the biggest?

Wear it on your sleeve

That we can make a difference"

- Nico Hartikainen / Justin Bieber / Michael Tucker / Sonny Moore / Jason Boyd / Brandon Green