What happened to the hippy man?

What could you spend all day talking about?

‘Four heavily armed Palestinian terrorists storm a Pan Am jumbo jet as the passengers embark. The pilots escape, the terrorists shoot a passenger and throw his body out of the plane. They collect in passports and call Michael John Thexton to the front of the plane as the next hostage to die’ – extract from Mike Thexton’s hostage survivor story.

When my husband Col casually mentioned that one of his football team happened to be a hijack hostage survivor, I knew I had to meet him. My opportunity came along a few weeks back when needing advice about publishing books, Col suggested speaking to his team mate to put me on the right path. An offer I couldn’t refuse.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when meeting Mike, when you’ve been through something as terrifying as what Mike had experienced – how does a person cope afterwards, how does it shape you as a person - I was very curious.

Meeting Mike was like chatting to an old friend, such a down to earth and easy going guy. It felt like talking to someone who had been there, done it. I felt I could open up to Mike immediately, obviously someone who holds very little fear and is comfortable in his own skin.

In fact we talked mainly about writing books and publishing, rather than the hostage experience. I felt completely captivated by our conversation. When Mike decided to write his hostage experience, it took him on an interesting path of how to publish a book and get yourself known as a writer. Not an easy task but his wealth of experience was extremely helpful and much appreciated. It gave me the missing jigsaw pieces I needed to get me writing that book I keep promising myself.

The time flew by, I never knew I felt so passionate about writing and could easily talk about it all day. If only I had discovered this interest at school!

So, what hidden talents do you have? What really interests and excites you? How could you be putting those talents to good use?

Life’s no rehearsal, there is no time like the present. Perhaps try something creative, there could be a hidden talent in there itching to come out. Even speaking to someone inspiring can be a huge lift to your day, so thank you Mike for giving up your time. Looking forward to the next pub outing.

By the way, if you would like to read Mike’s story. It’s certainly worth the read, helps to put life back into perspective!
www.hippyman.com