Today, I had the pleasure of meeting Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, known to many as ‘The Black Farmer’.
I’ve been fortunate to have met lots of interesting people over the years for coffee and a chat, but Wilfred is someone who took me by surprise. The British black farmer is a force to be reckoned with, and an inspiring man.
Wilfred and I chatted about a variety of subjects, and I found myself having a surreal experience. We instantly connected and I felt as if we had met before, but we hadn’t. I’d only ever seen him on television.
We spoke about each other’s journey in life and it was clear to me that his battle against cancer has given him a new zest for life, as he was more determined than ever for success.
After our meeting concluded, I left feeling somewhat compelled to write this blog.
For the past few years, I have felt lost, not sure what direction my life is going in or meant to go in. Like, I’ve been treading water to survive. Prior to this, I spent the majority of my adult life trying to fit in with others, especially in the police, when I have been different and never really did accept that I was. Wilfred got all of this, even before I had opened my mouth and spoke about my life.
Today in the UK is Bonfire Night when we “remember, remember the fifth of November” after Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Houses of Parliament in 1605. For me, I will remember today in 2015 as the day I began to work out and accept the past and decide the future direction I need and want to go in.
What legacy do I want to leave, if indeed one at all?
Take care, Max.