The Message

I always wanted to write something that would motivate people. I conditioned myself to believe I would do so when life was perfect. Well, look at it now, it's far from perfect, yet there is a compelling feeling inside me to share this lesson: "A message out of a mess!

This book is recommended to be read by everyone, especially businessmen and women or those aspiring to be. At times you might find it mysterious in its content. The reason for that is I felt I want to leave it to the reader to see where this book fits into their life, and not the other way around. If this book can help even one person avoid the circumstances I went through, then the purpose of this exercise has been achieved. It is said we have to learn through experience, believe me some experiences are better left unlived and rather read about! The idea after all is to learn. You might find the entire book intriguing, or perhaps a chapter will resonate with you. The important thing is the take home value I hope it will deliver.

I worked relentlessly for 35 years, over-seeing every detail of my businesses and personal life with passion and a great sense of pride. Then I lost it all. I fell from Grace.

I envisioned the "Fall" TO grace as my return to safety. It is all that, but much more than this, it's about the journey. The suffering and pain unravelled feelings I never knew existed. The slow release of their clutch on my soul, made me savour comfort and health. The hope that replaced uncertainty and fear that allowed me to concede to my past, relish every moment of the present and aspire to the future. The sleepless nights and worrisome awakenings, the conquering of my ego, ensued by the humility and knowledge I have gained in deciphering the Morse code of my identity, have been pivotal in empowering and composing the new me. I am now equipped to embark upon the dawn of the legacy I am about to create "Falling From Grace To Grace".

"Fall!!!" It's Natural

The word "Fall" has been condemned since the beginning of time. You fall and break your leg, you fall into a trap, fall on your luck, and the list goes on and on. Yet the word "Fall" is probably the most defining word in the natural development of human beings. Didn't Adam and Eve fall from the heavens onto earth? If it wasn't for the rain falling would there be life? What an empty life it would be if we didn't fall in love. And isn't the fall of a dictator a happy occasion for his people? You see falling is not necessarily bad. It is not the end, but a new beginning.

Society, culture and economics associate the word "Fall" with failure. You fall that's it! You are ostracized, without any regard for your circumstances, character or age. The phobia of falling starts in childhood. From your first steps you are not taught how to walk, but actually, how not to "Fall." The fear magnifies in your subconscious until it becomes an inherent behaviour and ultimately controls your judgement of yourself and others.

Naturally, the moment you feel you are about to "Fall," you are conditioned to resist. You grab onto everything you can get your hands on in a futile attempt to keep you from this fate, but falling is not the end, it's a new beginning. Take the "Fall" and stand up again.

The fear of falling blinds you to logical analysis. It consumes you to the extent of internal withdrawal. You may appear to function socially or professionally but in reality you are oblivious to the important details of your day to day life. You dwell on the tiniest negative thoughts, blowing them out of proportion in your mind, fuelling your fears of the uncertain and simply driving yourself towards paranoia.

The denial of the "Fall" is usually more apparent in people who are perceived as strong, composed, focussed, even role models. This was me and, I believe, could be me again, but the state I am in now, is far from my old image. Fear of losing my status or aura, levied upon me the responsibility of protecting my hard won image at any cost.

The "Fall" In The Making

I was born into a wealthy family. My father ran a business in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and provided admirably for us all, until the business ran into trouble. His failing health and ultimate death meant that, aged only twenty one, I was forced to assume responsibility far beyond my capability and experience. I will not deny that I struggled. I endured many hardships along the way, yet succeeded in bringing the business back on its feet while also providing for my mother, two sisters and brother. This commitment was considered by many to be admirable and commendable. As for myself this achievement moulded me into a respected contender in the challenges encountered ever since.

As the years went by, the business became a success story, growing from one to four major companies with branches in the region and a diversified manufacturing base. With time the company standing in our fields of expertise became very strong and the group gained a commanding reputation in developing and executing projects and new manufacturing processes. We formed a solid organisational structure and maintained a very loyal work force of over 2000 personnel.

Challenges were always there but they were overcome and the progress continued. I have to admit, although I worked hard, probably 24/ 7 as they say, for almost 35 years, day in day out in my factories, overseeing every detail, I was never relaxed!!! I was continuously stressed and thought that stress was part of the formula for success. I am sure it is, but not all the time! I never complained though, despite the burden of responsibility at an early age. I came from a culture which exemplified that hardship breeds better men. I was spoon fed that stress is natural and living under it is normal. Over time I even developed an appetite for stress and without it felt static and immobile. I didn't realize that aside from the heavy toll stress takes physically and mentally on a person, its most detrimental aspect is that it numbs your feeling and awareness and hence deprives you of alertness and proper assessment of the events that are transpiring.

As a result of this misconception I never allowed enough time for a process that was just developed to set in and mature. As soon as...