Good morning friends!

I have decided to start a new series of columns today, and I would like to deviate from my usual topics of 'balance' and 'learning' for a change!

As an avid reader, I wanted to share with you all the books which shaped me in to the person I am today.

These are in no particular order, and are a broad range of subjects and styles ,but are my favourite books which I found most useful in my own evolution and development as a human being.

I hope you find this series interesting and are inspirational in finding your own unique path in life!

1. FINDING ULTRA - Author - Rich Roll

'Rejecting middle age, becoming one of the world's fittest men, and discovering MYSELF'

Book summary : 'Finding Ultra' is an autobiography about middle aged lawyer 'Rich Roll'. He is overweight, addicted to fast food, drugs and alcohol, and whilst running a successful law business in New York, he is extremely unhappy. One day whilst walking up the stairs he finds himself extremely out of breath, and struggles to get to the top. He is hit with a vision of being dead before his daughter's wedding day, and this moment essentially becomes the catalyst for incredible change in his life.

He manages to quit drugs, alcohol and fast food, and become plant based (vegan) whilst starting a training programme which leads him to compete in some of the toughest running and triathlon (running, cyling, swimming) races on the planet! As well as this he makes the incredibly difficult decision to leave the world of law which is making him unhappy, and set out as a spokesperson and educator for human development, animal welfare and climate change issues. 

How this book inspired me personally : This book showed me that you don't have to settle for unhappiness in life! It taught me that even though everything may look perfect from the view of friends and family - it is what you feel personally which is all that matters. From the outside it seemed that Rich had everything - money, successful law business and beautiful family. But often despite people thinking we are living a perfect life, we are in fact very depressed and unhappy inside. 

Reading this book eventually inspired me to want to leave my house and successful businesses in London in order to travel and explore Asia. It showed me that no matter what age you are - you can train hard and compete in any sport you desire if you put in the hard work. It taught me to dream - and that dreams can become reality if you take the appropriate steps to achieve them. 

It is due to this book that I not only realised running 100 miles is possible - but in fact that I could train hard and have great success in this sport of 'Ultra running', eventually coming 4th place in a 100 mile running race. 

This book taught me that following a 'plant-based' diet is not only better for your own body, better for the animals, and better for the planet - but we can actually THRIVE and perform to the best of our ability whilst eating this way.

Most of all - this book showed me that we don't have to live a life of unhappiness. I may have read this book when I was around 25, but the author of the book was in his 40's when he had this desire to change his life. 

It is never too late to incorporate positive change!

The belt buckle I was awarded for coming 4th place in a 100 mile running race which was the month I left the UK for Japan!

If you would like to learn more about following a plant-based (vegan) diet, have some training sessions, Yoga lessons or chat about health, fitness or following your dreams - please feel free to send me a message or book a lesson with me!

I have coupons available for new students, so why not take advantage of this and start changing your life for the better today!

Have a lovely day.

David

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I am a highly experienced professional English teacher, Yoga Instructor, Tai Chi teacher, Nutrition Consultant and Personal Trainer from London, UK. I recently left London to work and travel around Japan on a Working Holiday Visa with my best friend and longtime girlfriend Ashley (who is also a teacher on Cafetalk : https://cafetalk.com/tutors/profile/?id=54542&lang=en ). We love sharing adventures travelling, teaching, exploring and understanding new cultures. We hope to speak with you soon!