As we progress through our own personal development and wonder where our true purpose lies in life we should pay attention to where we think our true responsibility is at. What is it that we see in the world that needs changing either locally or globally, personally or professionally that only we have the power to do something about.

With my own purpose I don't seem to be able to get away from the fact that there needs to be an environmental element to my work, however much I get involved with personal development and corporate identity.

18 months ago I was introduced to the idea of Peak Oil. I have since written articles about it, designed various logos and leaflets for organisations raising awareness about it, helped arrange talks and attended lectures getting inspired by it and the type of communities that it can create for the benefit of all of us. Indeed it has featured more than once in these very newsletters.

Over the months I have begun to realise that all that was very well and good but who was taking responsibility for my own community, what was happening on my own door step, in my own home town. Who was best placed to help promote the idea locally.

With all my skills, it began to dawn on me that responsibility for this particular issue actually probably lay squarely across my own shoulders, and trying to gather enough other kindred spirits around me in order to make it really happen.

It seems as if instigating a Transition Town Ivybridge idea has been a long process, but gradually the right people have come on board, to help the project along, giving much needed support to myself. Special thanks with regards to this particular matter go to Tess, Carol, Gareth, John and Sally all good friends from my local environment group.

Synchronicity too is slowly playing it's part, helping with funding and training. Last Monday saw me stand up and present the idea for the first time to the local press & town council. A nerve racking experience for someone who is more comfortable working one to one rather than being centre stage. However I got through it and got the message across. It was hard, but I realised the buck stopped with me and it simply just had to be done.

As for future talks well synchronicity was at work again the next morning when there was a message in my inbox from the Plymouth Chamber informing me of a course on how I could make my presentations even better. Coincidence or not??

I believe that there are no coincidences in this life and everything happens for a reason. That's why we should pay special attention when something noticeable crosses our path. This can happen by way of a person, event or other more natural source of inspiration.

I believe even nature can help us in our quest if we allow it to. Part of the Walk of Life exercise I offer through my coaching is to go out into nature and ask it a question related to the problem we are faced with at the time.

During the walk all sorts of animals can cross our path or enter into our space. Together we can work out what they are trying to say to us either metaphorically or in real terms.

When searching for inspiration recently no end of unusual sightings of animals and birds have come into my circle. Notably Otters, Kingfishers and Dolphins. All urging me to communicate better and to enjoy the journey as much as the destination itself.

This week saw the 1st birthday party of Transition Town Totnes the initial Transition Town Initiative. One year on from unleashing the idea on the town there are now almost 200 initiatives up and down the country either involved in the process or mulling over the idea.

Evidence of what happens when a good idea is instigated for the benefit of all and how it can spread like wild fire when it captures the public's imagination. The boldness of Rob Hopkins original idea is surely as good an example as you are likely to find of what Goethe is talking about.

It has been a pleasure over the past 12 months to have helped the organisation as much as I have been able to do through the brand creation and publicity leaflets that I have helped design. Rob is an inspirational leader and seems to be one of a growing band of such figures that are stepping up to be counted just at the right time in our society. Neil Crofts (Authenticity) and Rebecca Hosking (Message in the Waves) being others to note and I have been fortunate enough to know or meet them all. Inspiring me on towards my own purpose. We all have this ability to bring forward our own personal leadership when the time is right. So be bold and vow to start making your own purpose count today.