2023 the year I was almost sectioned, but I am back

He’s back.

I’ve been quiet for a while. However, when you set yourself an iracing timetable and start buying way too much stuff on Amazon, it might just be time to get back to it.

I knew I was not good this time last year. I can actually remember the day I tried to change things. But the rest of the world carries on and everyone just assumes all is ok. It really wasn’t ok.

It’s fair to say my mental health has taken a battering this past year. I’ve been known to push my luck, and I learnt the hard way that there really is only so far you can push it.

That didn’t stop me trying. I had an accident. I split my head open, literally. A lady called CJ saved my arse that night. And then my wife, who instantly realised that this was way beyond her (pretty advanced) first aid skills. And then the paramedics who were on my doorstep in under 4 minutes. And then the doctors at the Horton Hospital in Banbury. It was an accident but it was also a cold hard reminder that, in the single second that it takes to hit a very solid road in the dark, it can all be over.

One weekend, I almost lost my wife. That moment watching your rock leave home in an ambulance while trying to keep two children calm, seeing them in so much pain and listening to the medics’ conversation, wondering if it might be the last time you see them is not something I would wish on anyone.

Had business issues that were avoidable.

This summer was a very dark period. There is no shame in looking in a mirror and telling yourself how bad it is. When you hear someone use the word “sectioned”, and you thank God you have loving, selfless people looking out for you.

When you cannot even deal with emails, calls etc, don’t stop for a week, stop for a number of weeks. Go to the doctor, tell your close friends and cry. Because they love you more than you love yourself at that point.

So those who checked in with me, thank you, I haven’t forgotten.

Those who didn’t but ironically are take take, &*(“^”^^”* &***((“ &*((. I am sure at some point I have been guilty of the same though, and I have learnt to not hold a grudge.

Those who got an out-of-office saying I was off until December but still hassled me, my lack of response probably tells you, politely, to get over yourselves. Seriously the world needs to know, and respect, when people are not about.

But do you know what? It’s ok. Because what doesn’t kill DMH makes him even stronger than before. Trust me, I am back.

While I’ve been taking time out from the day-to-day, I have spent time with people who are having a far harder time than me. I’ve experienced things that made me realise I am not as in touch with the world I thought. In fact, like most people, I am definitely not.

I have driven people to hospital, I have cut school bushes, saved a deer, nursed an ailing elderly cat (at the time of writing, he is still alive). I have done stuff that I forgot I like to do (not actually saving deer) and actually I know people value that time I spend with them.

So if you owe me in any shape or form business wise, then I suggest be ready for a hard conversation. The issue has not gone away.

But this is the real reason for my post.

I remember when I changed my linkedin to taking time off. I thought it would stop people from contacting me. It didn’t. My friend Dave (not David lol) said well you may as well take a year off mate. The same person saw me a few days ago and said yeah you need to get back in it.

So 2024 is going to be a clearer year for The Grumpy Entrepreneur and here are some top tips on how, and when, to get in touch.

If you are all about yourself, then don’t waste time contacting me.

If you don’t actually intend to follow through on the initial conversation, then don’t waste your time.

If you don’t value my time then don’t waste it.

If you are trying to sell me something, then please go away (unless it’s iracing-related, then let’s talk..).

If you are in a dark place and need help, then I might not be able to fix anything, but I am here.

If you are a friend and you need help, call me, any time, day or night.

If I take something useful out of my many hours, days, weeks on the race simulator this year. You learn to adapt to every situation, messing up a corner, or someone messing up a race for you. You over do it, you sometimes don’t give enough. But like life, you need to learn to dance and adapt to those dark times.

Check in on someone today that might just welcome a friendly chat, face or just to hear that it might be all ok at a tough time of year for them or just a shit time in general.

The good news, or maybe not for some people is, that I am back. This year I have had to dig deeper than I have done since I was 16, but I have grown amazingly strong. Taking some time to reflect also just makes you like the right people a lot more. You never know, maybe I will even lose the Grumpy bit at some point. I know a great marketer who is available to work up a quick rebrand.

Signing off for Christmas and then a holiday in the New Year with my family.

Watch this space… and Merry Christmas from us