Picture this if you will...

You're in your car listening to your favorite CD. Just the two of you. Idling along. Not far to go now. Cruising at a nice gentle speed. You press a remote key. You're almost there. You slow down, change down through the gears and make the right hand turn towards the sturdy wrought-iron gates. They're still swinging slowly apart as you crawl towards them. You pass through, down the long cream brick driveway bordered by tall trees on either side.

The dappled sunlight plays images across the bonnet. You make one final sweeping turn left as you gradually come to a halt. Switch off the ignition. All is quiet. You stretch briefly, take a deep breath, open the door and step out.

The scent of magnolia is in the air. A familiar aroma. Again you breathe deeply to take in its haunting perfume. You can almost taste it.

It's a lovely day, hardly a cloud in the azure blue overhead. The tinkling sound of gently cascading water in the fountain, the centre-piece of the circular driveway, adds to the serenity. All around the fountain the pavement is moistened as fine droplets bounce down, creating a fine spray. The sun causes a miniature rainbow in its mist.

You close the door of the bright red sports car. It hardly makes a sound. Just a gentle click. Porsche Boxsters are renowned for that. Your partner does the same. Your eyes meet. A knowing smile is shared. You're both lightly tanned, completely relaxed.

It's been a long flight from the Bahamas. You glance briefly around the gardens. Bright flowers add to the beauty of the perfectly manicured lawns, themselves a luxurious deep green.

Your partner gives you another loving smile and, hand in hand, you walk towards the large house. Its stately stonework gives the high facade a majestic appearance. The right hand door slowly opens as you mount the steps.

It's been a wonderful two-week break. But you're both glad to be back. You're home!

Did that sound good? Dreamy even? You bet. Why not turn something like this into reality. Other people have. Why not you? There are many people who live just like that.

Hello. My name is Gary Simpson. I hope you found my little story enjoyable. I certainly enjoyed writing it.

Some people really do live like this. Why not you? All it takes is a decision.

This article comes with reprint rights providing no changes are made and the resource box below accompanies it.

Gary Simpson

Gary Simpson lives in Perth, Western Australia.

His passions are writing (of course), reading, karate, body building, investment and growing tropical palms.

His website is devoted to helping people achieve greater success and self esteem through personal development.

Gary is a regular contributor to numerous magazines and newspapers. His articles and short stories appear in many forums. Thanks to the wonders of the internet, they are now being shared worldwide.

He has written eight books:

LARGE VOLUMES:

- "Journey,Life and Destiny" - personal development (2 vols)

- "How to Save $1000's and Increase Your Personal Net Wealth"

- "Brain Training - Affirmations to Strengthen Mind and Body"

- "Strike Back 1" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

- "Strike Back 2" - Self Defence Instruction Manual

SHORT VOLUMES:

- "The Power of Choice" (FREE e-book) - a popular story about a man looking back on his achievements from the hereafter. It is a poignant story that has received accolades from all over the world - from Iceland to Canada to Great Britain to Morocco to New Zealand to the Czech Republic to the USA - and dozens of countries in between.

The Power of Choice is a free resource and can be downloaded directly from Gary's website.

- "Using Motivation and Self Esteem to Excel in Everything You Do" (FREE e-book) - valuable resource to introduce newcomers to the wonders of personal development. This book is available on request. You can secure your copy by leaving your name and email address (no "hotmail" addresses accepted) at his Motivation & Self Esteem for Success website.

Gary's unique approach has been shaped by his 35 year pursuit of karate and his 15 year study of the principles of motivation. He has two personal mottos. These are:

"Excellence of Execution."

and

"Imagination is Infinite."

You can learn a great deal about all matters regarding motivation and self esteem at his website. You will find articles, interviews with achievers, motivational messages and other material. You can even opt to receive free material by visiting the "zenspiration" page.

The Motivation and Self Esteem for Success website was constructed by Linda Caroll who Gary has called the "Kyoshi of Website Design" (In karate terminology Kyoshi means "Polished Master"). Visit Gary's website to see for yourself.