From the category archives:

Faith

How a Hundred Dollar Gift to a Thousand Nonconformists Inspired me to raise $5000 for Charity:Water

The Newmark Theater was packed for the closing session of the second annual World Domination Summit early July in Portland, Oregon. As I glanced around me it was clear every one of the exactly one thousand seats was filled. After final speaker J.D. Roth presented, Chris Guillebeau took the stage to deliver the official send-off.

I tuned-out for a bit as he recapped the brief history of the World Domination Summit (WDS), newly minted but a year prior, and much unlike its name having more to do with conscious evolution, world peace, individual courage and “love domination” than what most people tend to associate with the words “world domination”. Guillebeau, a writer, blogger, entrepreneur and traveler extraordinaire, had created the event to unite nonconformists like him passionate about living a remarkable life in a conventional world.

He wildly succeeded, doubling the event in size from 500 to 1,000 people between its inaugural run in 2011 and its second time out in 2012. While he continued recapping the opportunities that had arisen and the many additional decisions that needed to be made in planning the second WDS, at which I sat, he began to tell the story of an anonymous donor. Despite being approached by numerous corporations, organizations and individuals alike, Chris and his team had made a firm decision that WDS would be entirely sponsor-free: no big brands, no speaker pitches, no logo fests; you get the idea. Despite knowing that, an individual wishing to remain anonymous had approached Chris and insisted on giving him $100,000 to use toward WDS 2012 in the way Chris deemed best with no expectations in return.

By then I was fully tuned back in, paying sharp attention to Chris’ story and beginning to notice murmurs throughout the audience, like the woman next to me gasping, then choking up in tears, muttering “Oh my god” under her breath in [click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

Five Guiding Questions for Living Life to the Fullest

photo credit: manymeez

We’ve all heard the clichés – life is fleeting. Time flies. As I write this the year is already a third over and it feels like it just started. Some years are like that, and 2012 is one.

That doesn’t do you a lot of good if you don’t have a guidance system for navigating life when it’s moving at warp speed (and I realize to many of you, it’s only moving at warp speed!). You can plan and goal-set and task-list all day long but you know what they say about the best-laid plans, right? Yeah, they change. Or you change. Or the universe takes matters into its own hands and course-corrects you, like it or not.

Which is why I’ve been pondering this post from Vicky White for a while. Given a forced choice between the two, I think I’d rather have a compass on my journey than a detailed, specific set of directions.

I didn’t come to that decision lightly. I’ve often wished for a higher power to “come down” and literally tell me [click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

To The Mountaintop and Back

photo credit: Dru Bloomfield – At Home in Scottsdale

My tales from the outer journey continue. If you didn’t catch the first one, check it out here.

I thought after meeting Daniel in the foothills of the Chilean Andes it might be a while before I ran across another wise old man on a mountain. Little did I know I’d meet Sam barely a month later.

Early in August I made a trip to Phoenix to see my new baby nephew who is, without question, way cuter than the average newborn. Coming from south Florida, I knew it would be hot in Arizona, but I am at least somewhat used to (and gravitate toward) heat. I figured there’s a good chance that ninety-five and humid in Florida is equivalent to 110 degrees in Arizona. And if you read my first post on the outer journey, you’ll know I can’t go anywhere without trying to squeeze in some outdoor native terrain time. Thus, my rationale for deciding to summit Camelback Mountain in Phoenix, the hottest month of the year in that desert city.

Camelback, Hiking, and the Arizona Desert

For those unfamiliar with Phoenix, Camelback Mountain is unique in that it literally sits smack in the middle of the entire city, not just Phoenix proper but the whole metro area. So, it’s an ultra-convenient outdoor escape into the native Arizona environment for urban residents. Easy to get to, challenging for a beginner, fast yet fulfilling for a pro, Camelback boasts an elevation gain of 1,200 feet from its base and two different one-and-one-half mile trails to its 2,704 ft. summit. People hike to the summit every day.

I’ve done it before myself on several occasions, although always [click to continue…]

{ 6 comments }

Show Yourself Some Love

photo credit: Marina Pics

Please, if you do nothing else as you are shifting, show yourself some love.

Shifting is not for the faint of heart. It’s simple, but it’s not easy. Whether it’s Ali Brown of Secret Millionaire going from star to stark (and as she admitted on a private call, from Jag to Prius), or your empty-nester mom starting a new job after staying at home to raise you, or you finally facing your relationship demons, it’s a roller coaster ride for us all.

What you’re about to read may sound rudimentary, but it’s amazing how quickly we neglect our basic physical, human needs for things that aren’t worth it. I assure you, now is not the time to do so. Thus, a gentle reminder feels appropriate. (Lord knows, I’m still struggling with the second point below almost daily!)

How to Show Yourself Some Love

I can philosophize on what showing yourself some love means but I’d rather tell you in concrete, actionable steps you can take beginning right now. So here goes: [click to continue…]

{ 0 comments }

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

photo credit: Rusty Boxcars

Three years ago when my daughter was in her final year of elementary school I wrote the story below. Much to my surprise, it holds true today.

Yes, my daughter is a rare eighth grader who still believes in Santa Claus. Despite the naysayers at school, you see, she has proof of Santa’s existence (but you’ll have to read on to understand what it is).

As a parent it’s a rare occurrence to discover you have taught any lesson, played any role or done any job too well. But given the season, and given the bitter-sweetness of 13, I’ll take it. After all, you believe in Santa too, don’t you? In my house this year, we’ve got only true believers.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and may the spirit of the season remain as alive and well in your hearts and homes as it is in mine. Enjoy The Gift of Believing, it’s my gift to you.