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So, I was going to continue where I left it last time. But before I do, there are a couple of things that happened that I just have to tell you about. In fact, now I’ve finished writing, and to avoid having too long a post, Part Two will have to wait until next time.
Just Blog-Hopping
The first thing that happened shocked me to my very core and brought it right home how fragile we human, sensitive beings can be sometimes. I was sitting in my study working away at my laptop. I was blog-hopping, i.e. leaving comments on the blog websites of some of the other people in the same Beginners Advantage training course.
What’s This?
A Facebook notification popped up on the screen in front of me. At first glance, I could see it was from a friend of mine, so I opened it immediately. What I saw next made the blood in my veins freeze. My friend was by the ocean that he loves, watching the sun set for the last time. He said he loved his life but now would end it on his own terms. God bless.
Are You OK?
Someone had left a comment saying, “Are you OK?”. My first reaction was to send a comment of my own, essentially, please get in touch, don’t scare us; you have friends that love you. I tried calling his mobile; it went straight to voicemail. As I sat there desperately wondering what to do, more and more comments came in from anxious friends and relatives imparting similar sentiments and concerns. I wanted to jump in my car and try and find him. The problem was he didn’t say which beach he was on and by this time it had gone dark outside.
Where Is He?
I knew where he lived so I figured I’d drive to the beach nearest his house and try and spot him. Remembering that the sun had already gone down, I dropped that idea and decided a trip to his address would be a better place to start. Maybe his house mates would know where he could be. It’s about half an hour from my place and on the way, my wife called. She was still in the clinic in Melbourne and had seen the Facebook posts about our friend. She was beside herself with worry. I tried to reassure her that I was on my way to his house, and I’d keep her updated.
Police Are Helping
When I got to his place, a police vehicle was already there. I could hear one of the officers talking on the phone with my friend, who as it turned out, was actually at the beach in the suburb where I live. I spoke to the other officer and told him about the Facebook post and showed it to him on my phone. He assured me that my friend was OK and would be taken to the local hospital emergency department. Apparently, he had taken some pills and liquor but was still conscious and relatively responsive.
Let Them Know He’s OK
There was nothing else I could do to help; he was in good hands. Hang on, I could post an update in the FB comments letting his friends and family know what I’d just found out. So, that’s what I did. Well, the number of folks that replied to that message thanking me for what I’d done, totally blew me away. After all, I’d just driven to his house; I hadn’t even seen him in person.
Welcome Release
My friend was released from hospital the following morning and got in touch to let me know he was OK. And that he was so grateful to have such a good buddy. I was so relieved that he had come through the ordeal relatively unscathed.
We Don’t Realise How Many People Do Care
He had so many people he could have turned to. Friends and relatives who could have listened but at the time he felt like he was alone, and nobody cared. How wrong he was. The outpouring of support and concern I saw from those people was amazing. It has totally restored my faith in people.
Back to Business
The second thing I wanted to share with you is this. I had submitted a question to this week’s Founder Q and A session, formally known as the Beginners Advantage Q and A. I asked Dean Holland, my mentor, if he would review my blog website and TikTok videos. No one from the Internet Profits coaching team had ever seen them before and I thought it was about time I found out if I was on the right track.
So, Wednesday 10 pm (Aussie time) came around and I sat in on the live Zoom call. Usually, I don’t attend these as they start around my bedtime, but I thought I’d make the effort this time. Dean was very encouraging overall and made a couple of suggestions on potential improvements.
Get Your Links Right
One observation was that I had some icons for social media links at the bottom of the page that were pointing to my “about me” page. Fat lot of good that is! The truth is I’d never even noticed them. I thought they came as part of the theme I’d chosen and came ready linked. Jumping into WordPress, I found the icons in the Footer Builder section of the Astra theme that I’m using. I was able to assign the correct link to the existing icons and even added a few more. So, I now have icons and links for Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Pinterest and YouTube. If you scroll to the bottom of this page, you’ll see them there.
More TikToks Please
Another criticism (and rightly so) was that my TikTok video output seemed to have dried up of late. What I had done was OK but I needed to maintain a presence on the platform. As I usually do what I’m told, (my wife can attest to that), I have produced three new ones this week.
Have A Great Week
I’d be delighted if you’d like to leave a comment or let me know if you have any questions or just leave me a “hello”. I hope you enjoyed reading this and it has been helpful. As always, it’s been a pleasure to see you in here.
If you’d like to subscribe to my free newsletter, there’s a link in the side bar (or beneath this if you’re viewing on a mobile) or you can find a link here. (There’s a couple of gifts in it for you!)
Until next time.
Take care.
Andy
P.S. I will resume Part Two of How Did I Get Here next time. Stay tuned.
Your story about the suicidal friend was moving. I was a Crisis Intervention Worker in the early 1980’s. We prevented several suicides, and I was led to question how and why people can be so desperate as to take their own lives. Life can be both perilous and precious, at the same time. Every moment is an opportunity to begin again.
Yes! Do more Tik Tok Videos!!
Hi, Andy!
I am so glad your friend is safe and getting the help he needs. I’m glad you are able to be there for him. I’m enjoying your blog. I especially like the pictures each week. It’s amazing that you live in such a beautiful place! What I’m most impressed by is your lead magnet. It’s very obvious that your freebies are films to watch. I like how you did that! I have seen a few of your TikToks. With a bit more quantity, I think you will see a great deal of progress. Don’t be shy! I look forward to seeing more 🙂
Nakina
Andy, your story is incredibly moving, and I’m so relieved to hear your friend is safe. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact we can have by simply being there for one another, even from afar. I also appreciate your insights into the blog and TikTok updates; those small tweaks like correcting social media links can make a big difference. It’s impressive how you’ve turned a challenging week into an opportunity for growth in both personal and professional areas. Keep up the great work, and I look forward to reading Part Two of your journey. If you need any more tips on boosting TikTok engagement, feel free to reach out!
Hi Andy,
I’m so relieved to hear that your friend is okay, and your quick thinking and care really made a difference. It’s a powerful reminder of how important it is to reach out and show support, even when we might not realize how much it’s needed.
It sounds like you’re making some great strides! Dean’s feedback on your blog and TikTok is invaluable, and it’s awesome that you’re already taking action on his suggestions. The social media links update and your renewed focus on TikTok content are sure to pay off.
Thanks for sharing both the personal and professional aspects of your journey, it’s clear that you’re putting your heart into everything you do. Looking forward to Part Two!
Meredith
Hi Andy,
Thank you for sharing your story about your friend. I’m glad everything is ok now. We all have our moments of weakness at some point.
That’s a great beach picture, by the way. Did you take it?
When I saw the replay of the QA, I remembered Dean talking to you about you being on the right path.
It’s great that you were able to make the corrections Deal asked you to. In my opinion, those little details, such as the icons, are important as well. They help make everything look more professional.
I hope you keep at it and hope to read your next post.
Wow, what an intense and emotional experience! I can’t even imagine how scary it must have been to see that Facebook post and feel so helpless in that moment. It’s amazing how you jumped into action and did everything you could to help your friend—you’re a true friend. I’m so glad to hear he’s okay and that he reached out to you afterward. It’s a powerful reminder of how much people care, even when we might not realize it.
On a lighter note, it’s great that you got some useful feedback on your blog and TikTok from Dean. I totally get the struggle of keeping up with content—I’m sure your new TikToks will be a hit.
Thanks for sharing both the heavy and the light stuff—it’s a reminder that life is full of ups and downs, and it’s all part of the journey. Looking forward to Part Two when you’re ready to share it!
Hi Andy,
As an Army brat growing up and a just recently retired Army Officer I can attest that what you did was beyond providing help.
There is still such a stigma relative to mental health but hopefully, people will see – as you just did – that there are caring, supportive and loving friends and family around them.
Thank you ever so much for what you did.
Hi Andy,
Wow, what a circumstance to suddenly arise! So glad your friend was okay in the end! You were a great friend to go searching for him. I dealt with a suicidal client once in my career counselling practice and it was very alarming but couldn’t imagine if it would be someone close to me.
Sounds like you received some very useful feedback and critique, good for you 😊
Hope you have a productive and less stressful week ahead!
Denny
Hi Andy – What an incredible post that covered a vast variety of emotions for me. I’m so glad that you were there for your friend and I’m so glad that he is going to be “ok”. And we pray that he continues his path to heal. Mental health has become less of a stigma than it was when I was growing up and I’m so very glad that there are many ways to find not only help but to find peace without relying on extreme measures. My heart, thoughts and prayers are with you and your friend. I’m so glad to see you’re getting your TikTok account going again. Your videos are fun and I always enjoy them and often get a chuckle at some of your content and ideas. I look forward to seeing a whole bunch going forward. Wonderful week, my friend!
Hi Andy! What a roller coaster ride filled with many different kinds of emotions! I’m glad that his safety prevailed in the end and that his good buddy was there for him. Kudos on jumping into action both with your friend and your business! What is your TT account I would like to watch some of your videos? Have a great week filled with less excitement!
Hi Ken, thank you for your kind words. On TT, pop in a search for ajacobs.affiliates
Hi Andy
Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt and intense experience. I’m so relieved to hear that your friend is okay and that he’s surrounded by such a supportive community. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying connected and checking in on loved ones. Your quick actions and updates were truly a lifeline for many concerned friends and family members.
On the business side, it’s great that you received valuable feedback from Dean. Fixing those social media links and staying active on TikTok are fantastic steps forward. Keep up the great work, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of your content. Thank you for always being so candid and open in your posts!
Take care,
Hello Andy!
what a shocking and terrible story you have here. By chance and hopefully it concluded on a good note.
I have to say that it’s been a while I didn’t post on TikTok, but I’ll get back soon. As a soon as my voice will get back in shape because weeks ago I got the whooping cough. Keep on posting!