This month we are featuring one of my favourite people in the world, my boyfriend Ben. He is such fun to be around and one of my greatest teachers and inspirations. He is empowered by what he has experienced and what he lives by. I am excited to share his story with you.

Hi, my name is Ben, formerly known as Benedict, but these days I go by Ben. I am far from a Pope. I am 50 years old and feeling reasonably well, apart from a few injuries and scars from an active life. I have been an entrepreneur whilst also working within a business, achieving great success in both realms. I have experienced some exceptional aspects of life, including being a father to four children, including two stepchildren and two boys of my own.

What inspires you in your everyday life?

I enjoy my time in nature, which grounds and inspires me to persevere each day through my head noise and pain, which is not something I take for granted. I am a constant inspiration to myself when I reflect on how far I have come in my life and the gains I have made and continue to make.

Tell us your favourite: stress release practice, the thing you are most grateful for, book

My favourite stress release practice is to start my day off with a nice cup of coffee. This practice settles any head noise I have woken up with or anxiety I may have about the day. I like to end a stressful day with a meditation to calm my mind as I am falling asleep.

The thing I am most grateful for is fresh air.

I am not a big reader so I don’t have a favourite book. I prefer to learn and be entertained by watching television.

What has been a life-defining moment for you?

The birth of my two boys; Harry in 2002, and Cameron in 2006 has definitely life-defining moments for me. Being a father was always something I wanted to become however I wasn’t sure whether I had the ability to extend my emotions.

What is the most important thing you have learnt about yourself in your life’s journey?

That not all is as it seems. Unfortunately, I have learnt this the hard way which has caused much suffering. Because of it, I am a much more resilient person and have had to learn to trust again.

Who are you currently learning the most from?

I learn most from those people close to me. Both pros and cons.

What is your best life tip for others?

I would like to reinforce to others that they should not be afraid to look outside the square for answers. I enjoy and take pride in problem-solving and being resourceful and this can be very satisfying.

How do you deal with negative energy?

When faced with negative energy from other people I make an effort to try to express love to those I can trust.

What's one thing you like to do every day that cultivates peace and happiness?

I mentioned it before but each morning I love to visit my favourite local cafe and take time out to enjoy my morning coffee. It helps my day start calmly, with clarity and gives me an energy boost.

How can we make a difference in the world?

I believe by adapting our modelling of existence, based on previous, current and forecasted issues, we will be able to make a large difference in the world.

Outline a perfect morning routine for us

A perfect morning for me looks like waking up early, without an alarm but with enough time to leave for work comfortably without any rushing around. Saying good morning to my two dogs is important, and spending time with them before a short drive to order my morning coffee- a soy cappuccino with an extra shot and interacting and having a laugh with the café staff. I am then able to move into my day via enjoyable routines.

Thank you Ben for sharing your story and thoughts. It is a true blessing to share my life with you.

Each month, an inspiring individual will share their personal story and advice on living your best life. If you're interested in being featured in the coming months, please send us a note below.

To view past true self profiles click here.

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