FORGED IN THE FIRES

I just took a long relaxing deep breath to gather my thoughts. As you know, my mom has terminal cancer and has been moved to Hospice care to spend the rest of her quality life. This afternoon, I will be traveling to go see her and give her a huge and kiss and spend time with her. So, please keep me in your prayers as I travel and lift my mother up too.

Today's author, Fireman Rob, as he is known brought a smile to my face this morning. No, not because he is holding kittens and posing for a Fireman's Calendar, but because he is a hero in every sense of the word. His book, "Forged in the Fires: The Seven Catalysts to Ignite Your Life," is set to publish next spring. The book will be published by Absolute Author Publishing House in eBook, paperback and audible. I can't wait to introduce you to Fireman Rob and his book.

 

ABOUT THE BOOK



Our lives demand purpose or passion for moving forward with motivation and desire to live. Once we find the purpose, then we can find the strength to take ownership of our actions, in-action, words and habits. This is so important because it will create a strength in us to be able to make decisions without fear of success or failure. Making a decision to act is key, since understanding our path will lead us to be more emotionally in control when faced with adversity or fear. When we control our emotions through the darkness, we can build resilience by stepping outside our comfort zones to find our true potential. This resilience along with our purpose, will drive us to have more faith in ourselves and less fear of the unknown. With a piece of these six catalysts, we build our mental strength, which, I believe, is our greatest asset in finding ourselves and living our potential, forged in the fires. My dad would always say, “You can’t control what someone else does, just control what you do.” We must try in our life to be not a person of success but rather a person of value. The greatest asset in finding ourselves and living our potential, forged in the fires. My dad would always say, “You can’t control what someone else does, just control what you do.” We must try in our life to be not a person of success but rather a person of value.

 

 

FIREMAN ROB

 

Tell your readers a little about yourself, where you grew up, where you live now, where you went to school etc. Let them get to know the personal you.

My name is Robert Verhelst, yet most people know me as Fireman Rob. I am a dynamic storyteller with a unique, iconic story that brings your audience to life. From numerous years in the fire service to breaking a Guinness World Record to surviving on Discovery Channel’s show Ultimate Ninja Challenge to performing search and recovery after the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the impact of my message resonates with everyone. I truly live and emphatically believe that power of purpose and a strong mindset can overcome any challenge or fear.

Along with keynote speaking, I work with organizations and groups to Forge in the Fires their leadership and an elite mentally, strong mindset to perform to their most genuine potential and capacity. I bring concepts I have used to thrive as a firefighter since 2000, break a World Record as a sponsored athlete, survive PTSD, and become an inspirational thought leader.

I was a college basketball and water polo player.

What inspired you to author this book?

I have found that throughout my far from linear life, I was able to continue to move one inch or one step forward, even in darkness or confusion, by using these seven catalysts. Now, I want you to know that I did not create these, nor are they magic. I just took the time to look backward, forward and in the present at myself and my surroundings, asking myself, “What are the catalysts that drive me to live daily and why?” My conclusion was these seven catalysts, individually strong, yet together, a powerful family of characteristics.

 

 Where did you get the inspiration for your book’s cover?

I wanted to have people drawn to the power of the fire on the cover and feel what it is like to walk into the fire because that is what life is about. Walking into the fires, i.e.. the challenges, dreams, obstacles, lofty goals, to come out on the other end of your journey feeling like you lived your life.

 

 

Who has been the most significant influence on you personally and as a writer?

My Dad, who died of cancer in 2019, was a huge part of my life from being my role model supporting me through racing and coaching me as a high school basketball player. My dad and mom have always believed in me dreaming big and finding my way. In addition, my wife, Nicole and my kids, Avery, Payton and Noah, have also been driving catalysts for me to find my journey and path to live a full life.

What were your struggles or obstacles you had to overcome to get this book written?

This book and the contents are personal, and I'm putting my struggles and my beliefs out so others can find how to make their demons and obstacles take a backseat to the dreams and goals they want to achieve. It is about showing people that we all will fall, we all will struggle, but there is a way to crawl and/or roll to the finish.

Tell your readers about your book.

Our lives demand purpose or passion for moving forward with motivation and desire to live. Once we find the purpose, then we can find the strength to take ownership of our actions, in-action, words and habits. This is so important because it will create a strength in us to be able to make decisions without fear of success or failure. Making a decision to act is key, since understanding our path will lead us to be more emotionally in control when faced with adversity or fear. When we control our emotions through the darkness, we can build resilience by stepping outside our comfort zones to find our true potential. This resilience along with our purpose, will drive us to have more faith in ourselves and less fear of the unknown. With a piece of these six catalysts, we build our mental strength, which, I believe, is our greatest asset in finding ourselves and living our potential, forged in the fires. My dad would always say, “You can’t control what someone else does, just control what you do.” We must try in our life to be not a person of success but rather a person of value. The greatest asset in finding ourselves and living our potential, forged in the fires. My dad would always say, “You can’t control what someone else does, just control what you do.” We must try in our life to be not a person of success but rather a person of value.

 

 

Who is your target audience, and why?

My target audience is people who what to find their journey or what to continue on their journey or feel lost. It is a book about a real person who used real actions and ideas not to stop my journey early, but continue to move forward to greater things and live the moments. People need to know that social media photos and news is not where you find your happy or path, it is within you and I challenge that in this book.

 

What do you consider your greatest success in life?

Being a parent first and foremost, then overcoming PTSD every day, then getting a Guinness World Record for most Ironman 70.3 triathlons in one year with 23 while wearing 50 lbs. of fire gear on all the half marathon run portions of the races.

 
What one unique thing sets you apart from other writers in your genre?

I am a blue-collar, family man who has made mistakes throughout my life like others have and struggle to find the journey or path that will find me being the best me. I write about how my life and experiences lead me to find seven catalysts that continue to help me every day. I am a real person who is relatable and I talk about my experiences to get the points across.