“Just a Bloke” is the memoir of a man who confesses that he is “just an ordinary bloke.” Yet, as the reader delves into the pages of this work, they will discover a life that is anything but ordinary. Born in Greece and raised in Australia, I am to remember and recall my journey from a young man grappling with the harsh realities of growing up in a foreign land to a seasoned soldier in the Australian Army. My recollections of military service, with all its triumphs and tribulations, paint a vivid portrait of the values and mateship that have long defined the Australian soldier. The book will be published on line the months June and July.
But it is in the aftermath of my military career resilience and strength of character emerge. As I navigated through the challenges of civilian life, I am confronted with the heartbreak of a broken marriage, the physical and mental health battles that would have broken others less resilient and living with the ever-present demons of my past. Yet, despite all the challenges, I refused to be defined by those circumstances and looked forward to a brighter future. One could describe me as the eternal optimist.
I embraced my role as a single father, a mate, and a man on a quest for personal redemption. My words, at times may appear somewhat raw, harsh and unvarnished, but I offer a rare and unfiltered glimpse into the struggles faced by those who have served their country and then only to find themselves ill-equipped for the trials that await them in the civilian world. In this, I am not alone for there are numerous stories very similar to that of my own.
I would the reader to consider that “Just a Bloke” is a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration, insight, and a deeper understanding of the human experience. My journey is a reminder that, no matter how ordinary we may appear, what others think of us, we all have the potential to lead an extraordinary life. I thank my God to have been given that opportunity to have lived a life full of adventure, challenges and the will to fight the good fight and never give up in the face of adversity.
Peter Adamis