Posted on 7th September, 2010 in: General
Hello and welcome to this my first blog post … from The Creative Plane!
My name is Derek Palmer – to be more precise, Derek Charles Palmer. And the reason for this precision will become apparent later.
Following 35 largely successful years in sales and marketing mainly in the financial services profession, I made one of the best decisions of my life a few short years ago in signing up for Adam Eason’s inaugural Hypnotherapy Diploma Course (incorporating NLP Certification).
As any self-respecting student of Neuro-Linguistic Programming knows, NLP doesn’t allow us “failures”. So let’s just say that I’ve certainly had one or two spectacular “feedbacks” in my time business-wise.
Now, however, I’m firmly on course for some more kaleidoscopic successes and I’m busy building an increasingly thriving Practice which is set to comprise therapy; training; coaching; teaching, speaking, writing and broadcasting.
Born and bred in South London, my wife Averil and I moved to Dorset in 1997 and currently live in New Milton, Hampshire on the edge of the beautiful New Forest National Park.
Our home also serves as the administrative centre for my business and I currently see my clients exclusively at the Wessex Therapy Clinic in Christchurch.
When not working, I love to relax (and think … and exercise) on long forest and coastal walks with our gorgeous black lab.
Being both a Leo and (lapsed) member of MENSA, it was inevitable that I would be attracted to appearing on TV Quiz Shows … and so I have: Channel 4’s 15 to 1 (twice – coming 2nd and 4th respectively); Channel 5’s Brainteasers (won show but didn’t win any money); and, most recently, triumphing in BBC1’s The Weakest Link! I was also invited to audition for Are You an Egghead?, which, although I am … I wasn’t, if you see what I mean … 
For as long as I can remember I’ve been fascinated by behaviour – mine of course, but mostly that of others. I love to discover what makes us tick. I recall former work colleagues being surprised at how I seemed to care so much about WHY people behaved in certain ways.
I’m also fascinated by the entire field of metaphysics and, in particular, the mind/body connection in relation to wellness.
So it’s not been surprising that throughout my life I’ve been increasingly interested in “Personal Development”.
Working within sales environments for the majority of this time has also fuelled my interest, as it’s been natural to want to discover ways to:
I then reached a realisation – probably in my late 40’s – that, on the basis it’s a good idea to “ideally make our living doing something we truly LOVE”, why not pursue a career in the Personal Development arena? I’ve always seemed to “come alive” when studying, working with, or teaching and passing on Personal Development truths and strategies for growth.
When, in 2007, the opportunity presented itself to work with someone I greatly admire and become qualified as a Hypnotherapy and NLP Practitioner, I seized it enthusiastically. As a result, I’m enjoying the most rewarding, fruitful, stimulating and professionally satisfying time of my life!
Oh and before I forget, what on earth is the relevance of today’s title?
Well, a number of years ago I was introduced to a website called Anagram Genius and of course the first words I tried were my own (full) name. From all the permutations offered, the only one which really stood out for me, made me smile and seemed strangely appropriate was … Relapsed Elk Charmer.
Great post – you Elk Charmer. Made me smile. It is time I did some blogging myself Derek.
See how quickly I spotted you had started. Was just doing some stuff on Facebook when up popped the link to this blog.
Keep it up Derek.
Keith
Posted by Keith Watson on 8th September, 2010 at 12:23 pm.
Dear Relapsed Elk Charmer,
A marvellous entrance into the blogosphere… I have added this blog to my daily reader and eagerly anticipate more…
Great stuff, A.
Posted by Adam Eason on 8th September, 2010 at 12:30 pm.
Brilliant blog Derek.
Of course I had to go to the Anagram Genius website. There was only one permutation for my name – gnarled oaf – strangely appropriate don’t you think?
Posted by Angela on 8th September, 2010 at 2:12 pm.
Hi Derek,
Well done, it’s about time, you’ve got a lot to offer others and you SHOULD be sharing it more. Really enjoyed it, keep it going.
Regards
Tom.
Posted by Tom Smith on 8th September, 2010 at 5:52 pm.
Many thanks, Keith and Adam. Your continued support, inspiration and practical teachings are hugely appreciated.
Posted by d.palmer on 8th September, 2010 at 11:25 pm.
Thank you, Angela. You’ll just have to acquire a middle name (or two) that’ll give you the breadth of permutation you’re looking for
Missed seeing you at Adam’s Peer Group meeting this evening – hope to catch up with you soon.
Posted by d.palmer on 8th September, 2010 at 11:30 pm.
Tom, that’s very kind – thank you. Great to see you again this evening!
Posted by d.palmer on 8th September, 2010 at 11:32 pm.
Hi Derek,
Now that’s a great start to your blogging career.
Welcome on board.
Andrew
Posted by Andrew on 8th September, 2010 at 11:36 pm.
Thanks Andrew. Great to see you last evening!
Posted by d.palmer on 9th September, 2010 at 11:38 am.
A Pluralist Locust
Posted by Paul on 9th September, 2010 at 9:47 pm.
There MUST have been a nicer one than that, Paul – surely
Thanks a million for all your help good buddy!
Posted by d.palmer on 9th September, 2010 at 10:08 pm.
Hi Relapsed Elk Charmer!
Its was great to read your first blog post Derek and find out a bit more about you. I am looking forward to reading your next one
I shall be following suit as soon as I get my website sorted!
Best wishes,
Dominique
Posted by Dominique on 6th October, 2010 at 8:51 pm.
Thank you kindly, Dominique. I’ll look out for yours for sure. Great to see you and Andy (and your great group) last month …
Posted by d.palmer on 7th October, 2010 at 11:39 am.