About 12 years ago , I decided to see Sahar on a whim. At the time the 'usual suspects' were lurking about with general malaise about my job, lack of ambition, and a need for more fun.

Underneath it all, however , was a very deep desire and determination to change. There were secret dreams - I was looking for a roadmap for change and was hoping for answers. Amazingly, the next hour was to change the course of my life!

Sahar's reading highlighted the possibility of music in my future life.This was so far removed from my reality at the time that it was almost laughable as a proposition. When questioned Sahar simply said ' Music features in your reading , what you do with that is your destiny'.

The possibility of change , real change , was suddenly unleashed. The journey was instantly under way and 12 years later the shift from a dull dead end City job to a saxophone soloist has taken shape. These changes were not easy to effect , and it is some of my own first-hand experience that I would like to share with you.

A one degree change at the outset of a journey has a significant impact on your final destination

If you're happy with your lot then there is no need to do anything - you are already there at the journey's end...an enviable position. For myself , I began to take the small steps necessary for change.

The first step was to stay inspired and begin to think of a better future. Ask yourself questions, imagine, think and above all be brave and PATIENT.

In the bleakest moments remember the instrument of change is soley yourself. If you embark on any journey of self-discovery you can dis-embark at any time.But the chances are that once you begin to achieve even a minor degree of self fulfilment from the smallest of changes, it will become increasingly difficult to turn back the clock and go back to your old ways.

Be prepared for success

Learn to listen to the unspoken. A journey like this can at the outset be very lonely. There is no time frame. It took me this long to get real change; had I known that at the start I may not even have set off.

Your friends, for entirely selfish reasons, may not want you to succeed. You are in their comfort zone. The 'unspoken ' takes two forms - first your dreams and ambitions - my advice is only to verbalise them once you really do seem to be getting closer to them (and by then there may be no need).

It's difficult to do, because in your excitement for change the natural instinct is to tell your friends and family but these can be the very people who do not want you to embark on the journey- for whatever reason.

Bear in mind that you will make new friends en route, perhaps truer friends, but do not be negative towards old friends because their love for you is what makes them  try to keep you close - not a bad motivating factor. Secondly, 

Events but also people will guide you along your journey

Listen to what they DO and not what they say because only motion can move you forward. The unsung heroes are often the doers not the talkers.

Keeping an open mind is easier said than done, but key

Falling into old patterns of thought is easy. If you think you need more money to achieve your goals, then go after it. Do what you think it takes and formulate a game plan. Don't sit back and think you know nothing about money, as so many people do.

Money can create freedom of time, and of course plays a significant role. But money for money's sake is a prison. There are different degrees of increasing wealth:

• through a second job, a better paid job, a more profitable way of investing (once the homework of reading and understanding is done) all have degrees of risk. If the money still doesn't 'flow' then maybe nature has mapped out a different path for you -- just be aware of that possibility.

Walking on a pebble beach a few days ago - while looking down, it seemed that I may have been twisting my ankle with every step. When instead , I fixed my gaze on the horizon and continued to walk it became much easier.

The answers are buried within nature, and things natural

That is the biggest thrill, the connection on every level. I'm not advocating being a religious freak - the majesty of nature is awe - inspiring as it is.

If you want to delve deeper that is another subject, but the greatest empowerment and energy can come from the smell of a flower or the tenderness of a freshly picked blackberry.

My ' natural surge' comes from cross-country running where I feel utterly at one with nature . Find your own 'natural high'. Finally,

Embrace the people you meet on route

Your soul, at any given time and point is the way it is for a reason. That reason may not have manifested itself yet.

When things feel right they tend to 'click' right. When you begin to experience that inner voice, then remember to listen and chek your feelings every now and then, to see if you're on cue.

ENJOY YOURSELF AND GOOD LUCK.

PS-Magazine.com and MerlianNews.com
a trans-Atlantic holistic internet resource