"What's your secret of success?"

I was walking with someone who has known me a few years now. In the time I've known him I've writhed and struggled with life.

But he was awestruck. I haven't seen him for a few years and he kept shaking his head at some of the things I was telling him.

And to be honest, I feel a bit coy when he asked me that question about being successful. I always react like this to this kind of question because I've never sat around thinking I am successful in anyway. Just like anyone else, I get on with life. I have challenges. And I also have the odd bad day too.

"Maybe it was just meant to be," I smiled.

But he wasn't going to let me joke my way out of his 'serious' question.

"No, he said. I envy what you have. I want to know how you do it, day-to-day."

He paused and looked at me. I paused and looked back. We shrugged and I could tell he was waiting for me to fill the silence. That was when I said something that seemed to hit a nerve.

"Okay, I've surrounded myself with great teachers. I learn. I meditate. I work with people who help me keep my energy clear so I stay in the flow. And every day I keep asking what might make life even better than this."

He nodded at the muddy track we were on, then frowned at me, angrily, before stepping forward. "Is that it? Is that all you're going to share with me?" he said, before he launched into one.

"Last week I broke into tears on my way into work. I hate what I do and I do what I hate. Then that night I burst into tears again because I love the woman I live with, but I'm not 'in love' with her. And hurting her like that, hurts me like hell."

Now at this point I burst out into what probably seemed like very inappropriate laughter. But stick with me and let me explain myself.

I held up may hand and bowed my head in the hope he'd let me talk before taking me to task for cracking up at the mess his life was in.

"I once jacked in a job I hated. Within a week of starting new work I met the love of my life through it.'

He sniffed at me. "It's always so poetic for you."

I shock my head. "You've known me long enough to know that it's not always been like that."

He squinted. "Maybe."

"I've just honed my awareness."

The squint grew deeper. "Well why don't you tell me about that."

So told him some secrets that I now believe everyone needs to know if they are to succeed. In simple terms those secrets are honesty, delicious dreams and miracle people.

With love and good wishes

Neil