It was always my dream to be an Army Officer. I had served for 23 years as a British Soldier. I wanted to be an officer but my Line Managers did not want me so I left my job for the last 2 years. At that time my new Line Managers saw the potential in me and I was put forward. I completed the 3 day course believing that I had the opportunity. I did well, I was one of the top 10 candidates out of over 30! Because my old Line Managers did not report on me, my final position was 12 and they only took 10 that year!

Still, I never stopped believing! I always remained confident that my army career was not over. I tried again a different way, and in a much smaller group of 17, I was one of 7 who were successful!

I was elated! My dream had come true and within a week I was a Captain; albeit on a 2 year contract! But that did not stop there! Three days later I was contacted by my old unit. The old managers had left and there were new ones in charge and they asked me to go back. I applied and was given a 10 year contract with the opportunity of a promotion if I was good enough!

At this point, my thinking about The Secret dropped away, I had achieved everything I wanted, I didn’t need it, right?

Six months later my wife and I took the tough decision that we would place our 2 youngest children into boarding school. I met the criteria for the Army to pay 80% of the fees. We went to see the school and the boys ‘aced’ their entry exams, and were offered places!! I applied for the grant, without which we couldn’t afford to send them, only to be told I wasn’t eligible! I discussed this with my boss who agreed that actually I was, so I tried again. Again I was denied!! I then spoke to the individual refusing me, who agreed if I applied again a few months later, he would authorize it. The school had been on my Vision Board for some time but I hadn’t really thought about it. I changed my thoughts and visualized taking my children to the school and them being there. I contacted the school and explained the situation and they agreed to extend the acceptance for another term.

Two months later I reapplied for funding but the application ‘timed out’. After 4 weeks, I spoke to the guy again who said he had to wait for a couple of weeks. I waited. Nothing. I contacted him again and he told me he’d received advice saying that I still was not eligible despite what all of the policies said!! I refused to give in. I spoke to my boss who spoke to the ‘refuser’, who gave him the same line! He told me to reapply and he would approach it a different way.

Two days before the end of the school term, I still hadn’t heard back. I hadn’t told the school that my children weren’t going to be able to attend, and I hadn’t told my children they weren’t going to the new school. I went to work feeling a bit down. Then, lo and behold, I opened my computer to read the first email saying, “I am pleased to authorize your claim!” Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Unbelievable! I think I yelped with happiness!! I had not given up hope, and once again the Universe had provided me with what I had believed in.
In 3 days’ time, my kids are starting at their new school, where they will stay until I leave the army no matter where I am stationed.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!