The biggest challenge I have faced in my life was

Every day has its challenges but preparing for two years of touring with Clannad and maintaining my health at the age of 67 is as big as it gets. We will embark on the In a Lifetime Farewell Tour next March and, although Im very excited about it, I know I will have to look after myself especially well to run the course.

The moment that changed my life was

When I met a photographer called Tim who came to Donegal to do an article on Clannad for New Musical Express in 1987. We have been married for 28 years now and being encouraged by my other half, especially when I started my solo work, was very important and continues to be.

Who I admire the most is...

Those people who dedicate their lives to helping others whether it be abroad in troubled zones or just at home with loved ones. Every time I see these things on TV or around me in everyday life Im humbled by their self-sacrifice. Having been to several African countries, including Congo and Rwanda, with Christian Blind Mission, this certainly includes them. But there are also a lot of unsung heroes in this world who well never know about.

The biggest influence on my career is

My mum and dad! My dad got me up on stage at a young age in the family pub, Leos Tavern, and my mum taught me all those old Gaeilge songs and encouraged our musical abilities and practice. Last year we honoured them by celebrating 50 years of Leos Tavern and next year Clannad will be celebrating our own 50 years on the road.

A practical thing I do to help my personal development is

I start every day with a time of meditation and prayer. Id be very lost without feeling its encouragement and a sense of knowing that Im not alone. It helps me through all things and I feel I can take on anything when God is part of my life.

My worst habit is

I do watch a fair amount of Junk TV and soaps. Its undemanding after hectic travel, touring and performing schedules. That doesnt mean its the only thing I watch!

The thing Im most proud of is

For many years playing with Clannad, I missed a lot of special occasions, birthdays and school events with my kids, Aisling and Paul. To now have them in my own band and, amazingly, as part of Clannad makes me so proud. The fact that despite their own musical influences they love playing with me is wonderful.

My motto for life is

I have taken on what my father said: It doesnt take much to be nice, and I try to remember this on a daily basis. I do try to see the good side of everything which has helped me when things havent quite gone according to plan.

Moya Brennan headlines a Concert in the Dark at Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin, Friday October 11th. concertinthedark.ie

In conversation with Una Mullally

See the rest here:
My father always said it doesnt take much to be nice. I think he was right - The Irish Times

Albany, New York, Oct. 07, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to a new market report pertaining to the globalsoft skills training marketpublished by Transparency Market Research, the global soft skills training market is projected to reach a value ofUS$ 38 Bn by 2027. The soft skills training market is projected to expand at a CAGR of~12%from2019 to 2027. Growth of the market can be attributed to the increased skill gap in developing countries, and availability of online training platforms.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to dominate the soft skills training market at a CAGR of~13%during the forecast period. In terms of revenue share, the soft skills training market is dominated by North America, followed by Europe. In 2019, the corporate segment is estimated to be valued at~US$ 7.7 Bnin the global soft skills training market, and see an opportunity of~US$ 19 Bnin terms of revenue from2019 to 2027, reflecting a CAGR of~12%during the forecast period.

Increased Skill Gap in Developing Countries Promotes Market Growth

MNCs are expanding their operations in developing economies due to the availability of low-cost resources. However, these businesses are struggling to find the talent required, and governments are seeing slowing innovation and economic growth. Soft skill trainers are trying to bridge these skill gaps by providing easy services through online and offline platforms. Soft skills provide overall personality improvement and help individuals handle global clients. The rising skill gap is one of the significant drivers of this market.

To understand how our report can bring difference to your business strategy,Ask for a brochure

Soft Skills Training Market: Regional Outlook

In terms of region, the global soft skills training market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Asia Pacific is expected to see increasing growth in the soft skills training market with increased investments in India, Singapore, and other major markets in the region. The soft skills training markets in North America and Europe are also expected to expand rapidly during the forecast period.

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The report provides in-depth segment analysis of the global soft skills training market, thereby providing valuable insights at macro as well as micro levels. Analysis of major countries that hold growth opportunities or account for significant shares has also been included as part of the geographic analysis of the soft skills training market.

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Soft Skills Training Market: Competition Dynamics

The research study includes the profiles of leading companies operating in the global soft skills training market. Key players profiled in the soft skills training market report includeedX, Inc., Pearson PLC, NIIT Limited, The Insights Group Ltd, Tata Interactive Systems, Skillsoft Corporation, D2L Corporation, Articulate Global, Inc., QA Ltd., New Horizons Worldwide, LLC, and Computer Generated Solutions, Inc.

Global Soft Skills Training Market: Segmentation

Soft Skills Training Market by Delivery Mode

Soft Skills Training Market by Soft Skill

Soft Skills Training Market by End-use Industry

Soft Skills Training Market by Sourcing

Soft Skills Training Market by Channel Provider

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Soft Skills Training Market to Reach a Valuation of US$ 38 Bn by 2027 New Report by TMR - GlobeNewswire

Dear Editor,

Thank you for publishing Dr. Shawn Healys piece on means of combatting lawyers stress (Under pressure, VLW, Sept. 30).

Members of our profession need to hear plain talk about a problem that besets us daily, sometimes with tragic consequences. But theres a glaring omission in his story, which presents six palliative measures to treat the symptoms but never even touches the underlying cause.

The cause is our collective inability to use the most empowering word in the English language: No. Lawyers have unwisely embraced the very scarcity mentality that Healy explores as it relates to our free time, but never touches when it comes to our incoming business. Too many of us think, in essence, I have to accept this new client because I might never get another one. We thus overload our schedules to the point that we dont have time to devote to the cases we already have, even as we suffer from the mounting stress.

It doesnt have to be that way. The judicious use of no is liberating. It allows you to have a life, including time for the precious sleep that Healy encourages.

I hear the howls of protest building. Yes, but I dont want my clients to desert me; Ill go broke. Yes, but my firm requires me to bill 2,000 hours a year. Yes, but Im a Public Defender and I have no control over my incoming clients. Okay, for that last group, saying no is a challenge. But for everyone else, youre just making excuses so that you can continue to torture yourself, all in an effort to maximize your income. Know that doing so carries a cost: Youre minimizing your life, measured by its quality and maybe by its duration, to say nothing of your own personal development.

Our profession suffers from elevated levels of stress, depression, and suicides. We do so because too many of us surrender to their own Yes, but excuses. You can do better than that. You can be better than that. You have a choice. Remember that youre a person first, and a lawyer second. The word is pronounced no.

Steve Emmert

Sykes & Bourdon

Virginia Beach

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Letter to the Editor: The power of 'no' - Virginia Lawyers Weekly

RossHelen / Getty Images

Ever landed a job interview via selfie? A decade ago, you likely would have been laughed out of the office; these days, it's not so ludicrous. In June of 2017, McDonald's launched its Snaplications program, which lets job seekers start their application by sending in a 10-second Snapchat video explaining why they'd be a great employee. The idea is to give applicants a chance to showcase their personalities, which McDonald's feels is key to a customer-facing role.

Walmart has also gotten creative with its hiring practices, using virtual reality headsets to test prospective managers. It presents applicants with simulated real-life situations, like an angry customer or messy display, and then evaluates their real-time reactions.

Such unconventional hiring methods give companies an opportunity to appeal to younger generations and show their personalized, relatable side. But if you're thinking about getting in on this trend for your next job opening, you should tread carefully. Launching an unconventional hiring method takes careful planning and a deep understanding of your target candidates. You should think carefully about whether such an approach would benefit your company.

There are many ways to be creative in the hiring process, whether you're seeking employment or looking to recruit. The most important thing is to be mindful of what you are doing and why throughout every step of the process. For example, as an applicant, you wouldn't want to send a milk carton resume to a law firm. Likewise, it wouldn't be wise for a business to request a Snaplication for a CFO position.

Samantha Lambert, director of human resources at Blue Fountain Media, recalled an application for a marketing and design position where the applicant sent her resume in the form of a chocolate bar, with her experience and education printed on the wrapper. "She asked me to review her 'sweet' resume and experience. I loved it. It was definitely unconventional, but it showcased her creative side."

Social media can also be a very effective hiring tool when leveraged correctly. Many companies have launched recruiting efforts on social media to appeal to members of the digital generations.

"[We want to] meet job seekers where they are their phones," said Jez Langhorn, U.S. senior director of human resources for McDonald's, in astatement. Over 79% of job seekers use social media at some point in their search, so it is wise to implement it in your hiring process.

While the ways in which applicants and employers can market themselves on social media are endless, the nuances of social media can be difficult to navigate, particularly for companies attempting to reach young people. The danger lies in walking the line between innovation and trying too hard. Millennials and Gen Zers have a keen sense for the disingenuous, and any indication of a "how do you do, fellow kids?" approach will send them running. Follow these tips to help you strike the right balance.

If you are using an unconventional hiring method on social media, first make sure you have a demonstrated reason why and a specific goal in mind for what it will accomplish. Otherwise, it will be clear to applicants that you are being unconventional for the sake of being unconventional, which will make your business look inauthentic and out of touch.

"If the unconventional parts of the application process have nothing to do with the job performance skills, [there's no real] need for unconventionality," said Jessi Beyer, a speaker and personal development coach.

For example, McDonald's describes itself as "America's best first job," which means its target pool for employees is likely people between the ages of 16 and 20. With 90% of people between the ages of 13 and 24 saying they use Snapchat, that platform makes sense for the company's goal of recruiting young people.

To see what might work for your hiring process, examine various aspects of your company and your employee demographics, particularly in the departments where you plan to hire. Create a rationale from there by focusing on the skills or personality types you are looking for. This will guide your creative process for determining a hiring method.

When deciding whether or not to use creative hiring methods, Beyer said, companies should ask themselves what their culture looks like. "Are they trying to be a societal game-changer, or are they set in their ways because they know what's working? Millennials and [Gen Zers] are tired with the ways that things have been, and this is forcing companies to attract them in a new way."

It is unreasonable to think you can judge a candidate solely on one element of their application. Many companies that have unconventional methods use them in conjunction with traditional practices like phone screenings and in-person interviews. For example, McDonald's uses Snaplications as a first step to drum up interest and screen applicants; Walmart takes the VR test into consideration alongside multiple interviews and testimonials from higher management.

Beyer said she experienced a hybrid of unconventional and traditional methods when she was interviewing for a customer service position. "They had a traditional written application with standard questions, but they also had me call and leave a voicemail like I was leaving a customer service voicemail for a client." She said the combination made her feel that she was clearly showing her skills in a context that made sense for the position. "The process definitely made me more engaged. It's easy to copy and paste your experience over and over again without ever becoming invested in each application."

If you are looking to use social media to get a job and want to do something out of the box, try thinking of an approach that demonstrates your creativity while targeting the skills mentioned in the job description.

"One of my favorite applications was from a candidate who ran social ads targeted at those who worked at the company," said Jake Lane, director of growth at NuBrakes Mobile Brake Repair. "It created some buzz around the office and ultimately helped the candidate."

Try to do as much research as you can into a company's culture to make sure your creative application will land well, Lane cautioned. "There is a fine line between someone creating an effective application and being too much."

You should also be sure that your social media profiles are helping, not hurting you. Your profiles should give employers a sense of who you are and your professional background and interests. Showing engagement with your industry by sharing applicable posts or following industry leaders can bolster your credibility as well as lead to new connections. [Read related article: How to Brand Yourself on Social Media]

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Creative Job Applications - Business News Daily

Flipping houses is one way of making money in real estate, and renovating old homes to give them a new look can be very rewarding. Aside from earning a good profit, flipping houses can also contribute to your personal development as youll learn to hone your negotiating and time management skills. But before you can actually enjoy the benefits of successful house flipping, do you know how to do it? What kind of house should you invest your time, money, and effort in?

Successfully flipping a house can have many advantages, but keep in mind that there are also as many risks. Diving into the industry without any knowledge in the process can result in financial loss and stress.

Steer away from this direction by learning how to flip a house right on the first time. Aside from using comprehensive resources such as REFlipper.net, the following tips can help you flip the right way:

Flipping houses means you have to buy a house, renovate it, and resell it for profit. However, in order for you to become a successful investor, choosing the right house to invest in isnt the first stepunderstanding how your market works is.

When you know how your market works, creating strategies that allow you to haul in buyers will become a breeze. The easier you can attract buyers, the faster you can earn a profit from flipping houses.

For you to better understand how your market works, take note of the following tips:

Regardless of how small your first property is and how minor the renovations are, expect that flipping houses will always require a financial investment.

For beginners, its best if you research on your financing options and weigh the pros and cons of each. This information can help you assess the best financing option for your situation.

When flipping houses, you can usually pay for the investment through the following financing options:

The type of property you choose to flip can make or break your success as an investor. This is the reason why you should know how to find good deals.

To achieve this goal, be patient and look for a house that has below-market value. Doing this will allow you to afford a property with less financial capital, and youd still have money to pay for renovations.

The location of your fixer-upper is also an important deciding factor. Buyers would want to live in a neighborhood that will allow them to sleep soundly at night, not one that will cause them distress due to high crime rates. Check the neighborhood where the house is situated and make sure that its safe for buyers, especially if they have kids.

Aside from choosing a house to flip, you will also have to decide on what kind of renovations you should implement. Any renovation will have expenses so make sure that youre paying for renovations that can boost the value of the home and help you earn more in the long run.

Instead of doing some major renovations like adding another room or floor to the house, consider making small tweaks that can improve the houses functionality. Adding more cabinets are an affordable way to upgrade, but it will certainly boost the homes storage capacity. Many potential buyers will find this an attractive feature, especially if they own many belongings.

Continuous Learning Counts

If you want to make a career in flipping houses, learning should become innate to you. The real estate industry is fast-paced, so you should pour in time and effort to learn about trends and strategies. Knowing what your target market wants and what your competitors are doing are vital to becoming successful in flipping houses for the first time.

See the article here:
Learn To Flip A House Right On The First Try - NuWire Investor

Chloe Edwards believes adults with disabilities should have a place to go where they can receive care and be with others like themselves.

For the past two years she has been providing personal support services for adults with developmental disabilities in their homes through her Marion County-based business, Abiding Touch.

But she also saw a different kind of need for people in Citrus County a place for them to go during the week where they could learn life skills, watch movies, dance and play games and just be their best selves.

Even with well-established places like the Key Training Center and New Horizons, Edwards said there are still people who are not being served.

There are parents who want more for their children than sitting at home all day, especially if the parents work, she said.

On Monday, Oct. 7, Abiding Love Personal Development Services, Inc., a Non-Profit 501c3 organization, will open its doors as a supportive and encouraging family- oriented environment for adults with disabilities, providing social, educational, and daily living skills.

We want to bring something different, something new to Citrus County to assist parents, Edwards said.

The center offers three programs:

Day program from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday an M-F 7:30-3:30)

After-Care Program, which is also open to high school students with disabilities, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday

Social Club from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on first and third Wednesdays and from 9 a.m. to noon on the second Saturday of the month.

Transportation for Abiding Love clients is provided for select areas.

We have lots of plans and ideas, Edwards said. We want to help them accomplish their goals, whatever they may be budgeting, math skills, life skills. We also want to create a business that will be theirs.

Abiding Love Personal Development Services, Inc., is at 3451 E. Louise Lane, Suite 112, Hernando, FL 34442, in the plaza facing State Road 200, just north of the U.S. 41 split.

Tours of the center are available. Stop by during business hours or call 352-419-4436.

See the original post here:
Abiding Love opens Monday as a day program, after-care and social club for adults with disabilities - Citrus County Chronicle

Accomplished Derry singer Conor McGinty has had a whirlwind week, with the pre-sale launch of his debut album and a New York audition with a top Broadway producer.

The well-known performer has told the Journal of the exciting past few days and how he feels his two late grandmothers have been looking out for him.

Conor also paid tribute to Derry woman Cliona OHara, who lives in America and is helping as many Derry people as she can to achieve their potential. He said she has been a huge support to him.

The pair connected by chance through social media platform Instagram. But Conor told how Cliona, who works directly under Bob Proctor from The Secret as a personal development coach, had seen a pop-up banner of him previously while in Derry and asked about him. When they connected, they spoke about Conors career and he told her how his mental attitude was his biggest block.

Conor and Cliona put a plan in place to ensure he was at his physical, mental and vocal peak.

Cliona also connected Conor with a Broadway producer, who she had sent his work to and who loved what he does. Conor flew out of Dublin at 8am on Wednesday, auditioned in Brooklyn for the producer, and returned home the same day as he is performing in local venues this week.

He will hear if his audition for the top-secret new show was successful in the next few weeks. Conor described the opportunity as amazing and added that while he would have loved to have had a look around New York, he didnt want to let any local venues down, so returned home. Conor said he wasnt tired after his mammoth trip and thinks he is kept going on the adrenalin from it.

He is also busy preparing for his concert in the City Hotel on November 1, for which hes hoping to release more tickets. His album, A New Dawn is on pre-sale at iTunes and Amazon.

He had been working on it for three years with Eamonn Karran, but the death of his grandmother, June, recently, prompted him to finish it.

On her death bed, she said she hoped I got my break. That sparked something within me.

My other granny, Madeline, who was like a second mother to me, died two years ago. Things have started to happen now and I think the two of them are looking out for me.

Conor said that even if things dont work out with New York, he is going to undertake an Irish tour next year, which is he really looking forward to. He said he has found that positive things happen when you have a positive mental attitude.

See more here:
Its A New Dawn for Conor McGinty with album and Broadway audition - Derry Journal

Location Edinburgh, GB Organization Name HR Directorate

About Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University has five campuses: three in the UK (Edinburgh, Scottish Borders and Orkney), one in Dubai and one in Malaysia. The University offers a highly distinctive range of degree programmes in the specialist areas of science, engineering, design, business and languages.

With a history dating back to 1821, Heriot-Watt University has established a reputation for world-class teaching and practical, leading-edge research, which has made it one of the top UK universities for business and industry. We connect with industry at every level and develop programmes to match their needs so employers get work-ready industry-fit graduates.

Heriot-Watt is also Scotland's most international university, boasting the largest international student cohort.

We have an established set of values that help us to nurture innovation and leadership, and show our commitment to continuous improvement and development in all our activities.

For full details on our University please view our Careers at Heriot-Watthttp://www.hw.ac.uk/about/careers-at-heriot-watt.htm

About our Team

Covering all University Campuses internationally, the HR Directorate provides a range of strategic and operational HR Support and Guidance to the Leaders, managers and employees of the University.The services cover the full employee cycle from the point of attracting staff as potential employees, through their recruitment and induction, career development and reward and recognition.There are HR colleagues based in Edinburgh, Dubai and Malaysia organised around five Divisions, Recruitment, Organisational and Professional Development, Reward and Wellbeing, Employee Relations and Policy and Operations.

The Head of Recruitment is a new senior leadership position and a key strategic appointment for the University.The post holder will define the talent attraction and recruitment strategy and operational processes for the University, creating a centre of excellence to manage the recruitment and selection process, supporting hiring managers with the end to end process. They will build a small team in Edinburgh and oversee the recruitment approach globally, developing our Employer Brand and candidate proposition, positioning and selling the unique opportunities we have within our academic and professional services communities.

Attracting academic leaders and world class professional services is critical to the Universitys ability to deliver its ambitious strategic goals set out in Strategy 2025. The Head of Recruitment will work with the Global Director of HR, Senior HR colleagues in the UK, Dubai and Malaysia along with senior stakeholders internally and externally to build a best in class, flexible and creative recruitment function for the University.

Detailed Description

Purpose of Role :

Key duties and responsibilities

Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Education, Qualifications & Experience:

These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made

Essential

Desirable

Competencies, Tasks and Responsibilities

The tasks and responsibilities listed under the following Competency Headings form part of all leadership roles in the University at this level and it is expected that the role-holder will perform them to at least an effective standard at all times.

Strategic Outlook

Leadership

Management Responsibilities

Team Work

Championing Change

Decision Making

Planning and Organising

Initiative and Problem Solving

Service Excellence

Clear and Consistent Communications

Citizenship

This job description is intended as a flexible framework which outlines the key general areas of activity in your position. Other activities may be required which are not outlined above but which are appropriate to the position and grade. Your personal objectives (Forward Job Plan) will also set out specific tasks and objectives for you to achieve, including objectives to help your career development.

How To Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight(UK time)on Friday 18th October 2019. Please submit your CV and a covering letter as to why you are a suitable candidate for the role.

At Heriot-Watt University we understand that being diverse makes us better which is why we support a culture of respect and equal opportunity, and value diversity at the heart of what we do. We want to increase the diversity of our workplace to underpin a dynamic and creative environment.

This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UKVI to enable sponsorship of non-European nationals. Therefore we cannot progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK. For further information on this please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website:https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator:https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htmto see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

Minimum Salary 51034 Maximum Salary 59135 Currency GBP Amount of Travel Minimum Travel

View post:
Head of Recruitment job with HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY | 182480 - Times Higher Education (THE)

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA - National Bullying Prevention Month occurs every October, and it shines the spotlight on how school districts address instances and consequences of bullying. How does the Seneca Valley School District address the problem?

"We host a number of programs aimed at addressing bullying prevention," district spokesperson Linda Andreassi said. "In addition to kick-off programs that include school-wide assemblies, students participate in weekly classroom meetings that incorporate a variety of community-building activities, career-readiness and soft-skill activities and, of course, bullying prevention strategies."

The bullying prevention programs are now a part of a personal development effort the district calls Learn, Explore, Act, Develop (LEAD). The iniative is designed to help students grow personally as well as academically.

The district website details the phone and online bullying reporting processes in place, as well as additional resources and parent tips.

The district's bullying policy defines the practice as an intentional electronic, written, verbal or physical act, or a series of acts directed at another student or students occurring in or relating to a school setting. It's behavior that occurs in or relates to a school setting, that is severe, persistent or pervasive; and that substantially interferes with a student's education, creates a threatening environment or substantially disrupts the school's orderly operation.

Bullying includes, but is not limited to, the following:

School setting includes school buildings and grounds, including travel to and from school, at a designated bus stop; on school vehicles and all activities and events sponsored, supervised or sanctioned by the school, whether or not on school grounds or during school hours.

Students who violate the policy are subject to disciplinary actions that can include counseling, a parent-guardian conference, detention, suspension, expulsion or other consequences.

Here is the original post:
Seneca Valley Proactive In Anti-Bullying Efforts - Patch.com

Dr. Mike Nally is a doctor from Manchester, England who set off in February on an around-the-world bike ride and hes still on the journey.

In the process, hesraising fundsfor Mind UK and the Royal Medical Benevolent Fund, raising awareness about the mental health struggles experienced by medical professionals. Sometimes he bikes along with other doctors and sometimes he bikes alone.

A version of this article first appeared as the Sunday Scaries newsletter. Sign up for free to receive it on Sundays.

I spoke with Nally as he rode along a rural stretch of road by Lake Superior that was, we spoke once he was able to wait out a sudden downpour. You can follow his journey here.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Hi Mike! Where are you en route to?

Were going to Wawa, Ontario, and we have about two weeks until we reach New York. Weve gone about 112 miles today. We got caught in a downpour, but were all dry now. We caught a tailwind and were flying along.

(Note: Nally made it to New York.)

Why are you doing this crazy ride?

There are many reasons. Personally, this is me achieving a dream. Ive been on what I call a conveyor belt since high school just going with studies, moving along, and never looking back. Ive been working as a doctor for two years and have come to a natural hiatus in my career because Im at a point where I need to choose my specialty. I came to the realization that if I didnt do this now, I would never.

This is a chance for me to realize a dream, but also to test my limits to put myself out there and see what my body can do. Working in medicine, theres a lot of pressure put upon you, and I found it difficult to cope with the emotional stress of the job.

There was this moment where a middle-aged gentleman came to where I was working at a family practice. He was very stressed at home, stressed in his family life, and had a breakdown that morning. At the time, I was 26 and found myself giving advice to this man with far more life experience that I have. I just thought that was wrong I needed to get out there and experience more of life and develop more as a person before I could properly advise my patients.

The relationship between doctors and mental health has also been something on my mind since Ive left university, so I also saw this as an opportunity to raise awareness about those issues and raise a bit of money, too.

Have you personally experienced any mental health struggles while working as a doctor?

I am lucky enough to have a really supportive group of family and friends around me, so during the times where Ive been low, Ive had them as a safety net. But many people dont have that, and this is my way of supporting my colleagues.

Being a doctor is something I have always wanted to become, but Ive become a bit disillusioned by the system and the support that is and isnt offered. Ive seen so many of my colleagues struggle, and had heard from friends who are doctors of stories of young doctors straight out of university taking their own lives.

The suicide rate amongst doctors is double that of the general population. My hope is that this ride not only raises awareness about that, but hopefully it helps doctors open up about their feelings and feel like they are in a position where they can share. Theres a lot of focus in medicine about professional development but not necessarily about personal development. I dont think we are properly prepared for the emotional stresses of the job.

Theres a huge stigma amongst the medical community against showing any kind of weakness. Obviously, feeling a certain way is not a weakness because competition is so intense I think people are afraid to reveal any chink in the amor. But happily, during this ride Ive received so many messages from doctors saying that they feel supported.

Have there been any moments over the past several months that have been particularly psychologically testing?

Oh yes. The hardest part of the cycle has been when I was in India. There was one day in particular: I was doing the ride in the middle of the summer, so it was 113 degrees Fahrenheit and 90 percent humidity. It was as hot as it can get. I was arriving at guest houses close to collapsing, just exhausted.

India is a fantastic country, but you cant ever switch off. Youve got cars and mopeds coming at you left, right, and center; people wanted to take selfies with me. In a lot of ways its fun, but when youre exhausted and there are constant distractions around you, it can be sensory overload. Ultimately, I ended up in a bike accident. I smashed into a taxi that was parked into the side of the road after being distracted by a lorry coming past me. My bike was completely destroyed. I hit my head on the car, but luckily I was okay.

To be honest with you, in that moment I was in tears. My bike was destroyed, there was cracks all through the frame. The whole family that was in the taxi was laughing at me; they just obviously didnt understand the significance of what just had happened. I felt like a school kid in a playground. I called my parents and I said, Mom, Dad, Im coming home. Its over.

But my dad said to me: Look, theres no problem with you coming home, but how are you going to get home? And I looked around and realized Im in northeast India, not close at all to any airport. So I put the phone down, the family in the taxi helped me re-bend my bike into a workable shape, and I was able to barely cycle to the next stop.

I thought that was the end of my dream, but then I received all these messages from people saying they wanted to help me get back out there on the road. I went to sleep and when I woke up, I found that friends, family, and strangers who had been following the journey on Instagram had rallied together to get me a new bike and raise $8,000.

I was so close to calling it. But it went from the worst part of the trip to a reaffirming life event where youre reminded that, wow, humankind can be the best.

Have you experienced other beautiful moments on the road?

Many, but one in particular was a stretch across the Australian Outback. For miles and miles, all you can see is bush and this flat straight road. It was the first time I have ever been completely alone to that extent. You dont have any phone signal; youre just alone with yourself and your thoughts. I dont want to say it was exactly a spiritual moment, but it was something quite like it.

It was just unbelievable landscape: A never-ending road with kangaroos bouncing alongside you and eagles flying above.

Have you noticed any changes in your mental state since you took in London?

Not to be cliche, but I had a lot of growing up to do. I left the United Kingdom with a more negative outlook on things, although Im not sure why that was. But as Ive travelled, Ive seen all these acts of kindness, and its filled me with emotions that can be overwhelming at times. You see someone waving at you, and you just want to give them a hug.

Im more positive now, pushed my limits and realized that my mind and body can go much further than I ever thought they could. The other really important thing has been learning how to be more aware of myself, physically and mentally, and this has come from spending eight to nine hours on the road cycling. Im much better at realizing when Im feeling stress or anxiety, and the ability to realize that those things are happening is a new, invaluable ability.

Whats next for you and what are you looking forward to when you get back?

So from New York, well fly to Portugal, and from there well cycle back up to London. The goal is to get there on October 26. Well have a bit of a celebration there and then Ill complete the last leg to Manchester.

Im looking forward to having a roast dinner, a good cup of tea, and a slice of cake. Thats my moms speciality, so Im sure there will be a cake waiting for me when I get home.

A version of this article first appeared as the Sunday Scaries newsletter. Sign up for free to receive it on Sundays.

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Dr. Mike on a Bike: The reason he's pedaling around the world - Inverse