After just one single day of a practitioner training course that I am certain will change my life forever, this is what I have come to know:

1. Sharing your story with a complete stranger, while often slightly difficult, can be rewarding in ways we never could have imagined.

2. Having a complete stranger share their story with you, is a privilege that can open your eyes to a sense of understanding and empathy that no amount of words could ever fully express.

3. I am lucky, so incredibly lucky.

4. Life affects us all individually, often to varying degrees.

5. A day that has been ‘filled’ does not always mean that your days are being fulfilled.

6. Genuine authenticity in regards to a persons nature, speaks in ways that words simply cannot.

7. It is often our most painful experiences that lead us to our most rewarding lessons.

8. Believing we understand something and actually understanding that particular something are two very, very different things.

9. While extremely intelligent, the human mind has a tendency to wander.

10. Staying true to ourselves is far more important than we may ever realise.

11. Despite the constant thoughts that often lead us to believe otherwise, happiness is always within reach.

12. Ironically enough, emotions are not what confuse us most in life, but rather the thoughts we develop in order to reason them with.

13. Regardless of those thoughts, at the end of the day, sometimes our feelings will simply defy all logic; we should trust them anyway.

When it comes down to all of the finer details in life, how is it that we can ever really be certain just how well we know a person?

Is the extent of a relationship defined by the quantity of information that is so willingly given out or the quality of that very same information and more importantly, the raw emotion that lay behind it?

Is it hidden in the way that they so bravely bare their soul or is it merely a matter of picking up on all of the cautious little ways that they so carefully try to hide it?

Is it dependant upon their willingness to share their hopes and their dreams or more so the fact that they are open to telling us the contents of their lunchbox on any given day?

Is it more about the big things; the make or break moments that have occurred throughout their life or the constant little things that seem to fill their day with smiles?

Is how well we know a person based solely upon the notion that we know where it is they are heading or is it perhaps more valuable to become familiar with where it is they have been?

Is it about the endless things that make them smile from the very moment they walk out that front door or the precious little things that appear to be so safely hidden behind it?

Is a persons character defined by all of the grand life lessons that have been carelessly thrown their way or is the simple fact that we know without a doubt, that they prefer breakfast over lunch enough to vouch for who they are?

Is a long lasting conversation about third world hunger likely to give us an insight into the inner workings of a persons mind or do we have the ability to gain so much more from a simple, yet detailed observation of their uniquely beautiful quirks?

Is what they so openly tell us going to give us the answers that we seek or is what we are all truly looking for hidden behind that sparkle in their eyes, each and every time that they say nothing at all?

Is the truest indication of a persons nature shown in all of the facets that they so willingly allow to shine through or are the real secrets the deep and mysterious parts that always seem to lie so carefully hidden, only to emerge in amongst the darkest of clouds?

At the end of the day, are we expected to form friendships by delving into the depths of a persons memories, praying that we don’t come out empty handed or is it hoped that we simply sit back and patiently wait for the truth to happily be handed to us?

At the end of the day, aside from the overwhelming voice inside our heads and the instant, undeniable feeling inside our hearts, when it comes to matters of the human race; how can we ever really be certain just what it is that we are getting ourselves into?

Just when you reach a point in your life where you are certain that you have everyone you could ever need, fate comes along and proves you wrong in the most wonderful way possible and all of a sudden, in the space of an instant, you are left holding yet another piece of the puzzle that really, you weren’t even sure you were missing.

As many of you are probably already aware, due to slightly unfortunate life circumstances I have spent the past five years patiently waiting for a time when I could finally experience the magic of baseball in Lismore first hand and ironically enough, as luck would have it 2014 brought with it the chance to do just that and while I had obviously held long lasting expectations, I think it would be safe to say that those expectations have well and truly been surpassed.

Not only did I have the absolute time of my life playing a game that I love more than anything in this world, but I was lucky enough to become part of a team in which the bond was almost indescribable. In fact, for a group of people who were thrown together rather spontaneously, the extent to which we all instantly moulded together is something that I have never before experienced in all of my years of baseball and the simple fact that I was able to share in that, is something that I certainly won’t be forgetting any time soon.

An entire weekend filled with smiles, laughter and inappropriate inside jokes. Crazy adventures and countless silly selfies. Adorable sing-a-longs and rather impressive drunk dance-offs. Daily pool sessions and impromptu rain delay entertainment. On and off the field team bonding and friendships that will undoubtedly last a lifetime, all shared with some of the most amazing people that I have honestly ever known.

Another magical milestone on my long road to recovery, another mountain of memories to add to my ever growing collection and yet another reason to count my blessings, a million times over and all just from one wonderful little weekend.

Dearest Universe, you have most definately outdone yourself this time around. You have spoilt me rotten in the best way possible and for that, I will be forever grateful.

So to my hilariously wonderful, ever so talented and endlessly beautiful Brisbane North stud muffins; thank you for the weekend of a lifetime. Just in case I didn’t already tell you enough, you are all incredibly amazing and you have without a doubt worked your way into a rather well loved place in my heart. Something which considering the type of people that you all are, should come as no real surprise.

Baseball as a whole has always been a rather magical little family in my eyes. One which honestly, my life would be nowhere near as bright without and after the adventures from this weekend, not only have each and every one of you weaved your way beneath the wings of that family, but you have done so in a way that almost feels as though you have been there all along.

Lismore 2015; I am already counting down the days.