I started writing The Great Gordino Newsletter back in 2003. The internet was a different place back then let me tell you!
I started it as a vehicle for my waffling about goal achievement, self improvement and wealth creation, using current events and my own past as starting points.
Originally I published it 3 times a week, and gradually built up a subscriber base. I did that the old fashioned way, by writing my own content and telling others it was there, mainly via forums.
After a while, (a few years in fact) I felt that 3 times a week was putting me under too much pressure for what was not a money making venture. If I wasn’t enjoying it, then I had the control to change things, which I did, moving the newsletter to once a week.
That worked well for a few more years, but after that I felt I was starting to repeat myself just a few too many times for my own liking. Most writers find that they are their own harshest critic, and I didn’t feel I was coming up with enough difference in the content I was putting out.
So, I went to an ‘occasional’ publishing schedule, which for someone with a tendency for procrastination ( lazy in other words!) was a mistake, as I just never seemed to get round to it without the deadlines.
Throw in problems with my email autoresponder, and the whole thing pretty much ground to a halt in 2010.
Fast forward to 2011, and I have been picking up with the writing. It’s mostly been in the form of articles, which I’ve enjoyed, but felt I wanted a format which allowed me to write without the structure of articles.
Yes, there’s Facebook, yes there’s blogging, but after considering it for a while I’ve decided to try the newsletter again.
You can access it either via Facebook page, (search on Facebook for The Great Gordino Newsletter)or the blog. If you hit ‘like’ on the Facebook page you’ll see the updates, and if you sign up in the box on the right of the blog, you’ll get updates in your email.
I’ll still carry on with the articles, but the newsletter should give a less rigid outlet for views. Blimey, I might find after a while that I want to just stick with the articles and nothing else, but that’s what I love about the internet – the possibility to simply try things!
Any readers of the old newsletter will know I rarely used content written by others, but often used once piece. That’s called ‘The Desiderata’ by Max Ehrmann. It’s over 80 years old and I love it. I think it gives a foundation for a fairly well balanced outlook.
So, I’ll close for now by using it again, I hope you enjoy it:
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The Desiderata
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Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be. And whatever your labours and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
Max Ehrmann, 1929.
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‘Til Next Time,
Health & Happiness,
Gordon
P.S. In 2003 I also wrote my book ‘Transform Your Life in 21 Days!’ It has a 100% money back guarantee, which means if you don’t like it, for any reason, you just get your money back!
