In all places, at all levels, at all times, we are surrounded by an abundance of life and opportunity. In the same way as answers to the most difficult questions are laying there at our feet and before our eyes, this abundance is all around us and yet we cannot easily see it. 

The surface of the sea may be still and calm or tossed and turned yet just beneath that thin layer is again the abundance. Even within that layer every drop of water contains many thousands of species of life and even within those species are others. As within a drop of your blood or the incomprehensible night sky we can only stare in amazement. 

As a part of this mystery we are entwined and able to share our lives with it. As did the ancient mariners who sailed the "seven seas" in search of new lands and riches, to seek out new lives or satisfy great dreams. As did those brave souls, it is our time and we are now sailing through those same uncharted waters. Today, it seems many of us have lost the compass or sit becalmed in a sea of confusion and debt. 

The mariners were as brothers on the high seas and looked out for each other since one was dependant upon the other. The ship took many hands to steer and the journey required many dreams and songs to match and hardships shared. 

Their hopes were shared in those dreams and songs and their great wealth held in their comradeship. 

The Global Creation of Wealth has no boundary and is paused, waiting patiently for us to have the dream and start the journey. Our wealth is hidden in our unity and determination that we can share that dream and make that journey together. 

There I were, no so trapped as in a prison cell or in the brig, but nere’ the less becalmed on a glassy sea with no so much as a breath of breeze to heave the sails. 

The days were weeks and soon the invisible bourdon weigh down on me until it is were a labour to raise me from my bed of dreamlessness, 
where I can do no more than think of dismal endings in my helplessness. 

My ship is now anchored fast to this spot of pain as I sink slowly deeper into despair. 
The water evaporates from my cup, my lips and my drying skin and I seem to age like a withering pear. 

Then, when all seems gone and lost, in my final moments, a friend is calling to me. A breath of wind and the smallest movement in the sails I can see. 
Her presence, a grey white cloud and a drop of rain. 

At first I hardly recognise this stranger as the friend I seek so eagerly whose gift of water is my blood and wind my very breath. 
The waiting is over. 

My invisible anchor is raised and hope arrives . My bed can be filled with dreams once more. 
Though no more than a whimsical fancy, my dream has power in it. An outrageous, impossible thought that I should find that old tattered map and a safe PORTAL with kind faces to welcome me. 
My ship is free once more and powered by thoughts of new horizons and better times. 

In the dusky cabin I fumble through the dusty drawer and find that scratchy map. The one I tossed aside with no so much as a huff. It were still in thar in its place, waiting patiently for my return like it knew its place in my future and my future place was in it’s parched directions. 

My friend has drawn an “X” and says the treasure be buried at no other place. It all seems too easy now. Me thinks, “Can it be that easy?” My anchor put away , my sails full and my dream now held in my hand. A safe portal and not so far away ? 

A mere few months at sea and surely I’ll stand at that place with shovel and gusto. 

Those few months seemed so much more with my longing to reach my destination. I did not count on the storms and tempest raging against me. Yet my eagerness, my determination laughed at those things and soon enough I saw the approaching horizon with the treasure I hoped for. 

There is my friend once again. She is standing on the shore and welcoming me to that safe portal. She never doubted when I doubted nor sank when I sighed. I asked her for a name and she relied, “My name is Providence, I only come to those who dream and seek me out“. To which I cried out loud in tears of joy. “At last I have arrived”. 
Then into my hands she placed the tools I needed. A shovel for labour and a smile for confidence. 

In my helpless despair I would have given anything to hear that sail shake in a mere breath of wind. 
Now wealthy and prosperous I am compelled to give thanks. 

To give hope to others I may encounter.... 
To fulfil the dreams of others by giving them hope in return.... 
To bring prosperity and happiness to my fellow traveller becalmed in a sea of plenty but unable to see through its illusive mirrored face.... 
and to share the journey, to heave on the ropes together, to share the dreams and eventually to share the abundance through a PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE business called International Trading were we trade old dreams for new. 
With my sincere best wishes to all I.T. members and future members. 

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When you retire will you sit infront of the box or think outside it?