Last summer I was desperate for adventure. I not only wanted one…I needed it. My life was fine, but one more day of routine “fineness” was pushing me over the edge of numb. It was time to break out, feel free, feel alive! The problem? I had no idea what I wanted to do. And I wasn’t alone. It seemed like everyone I knew was yearning for something to intervene and recharge their enthusiasm and raise their “vibe” to a place of “I can’t wait to get out of bed in the morning, because I have great things I want to accomplish.” Sadly, adventure was calling, but I was stuck with no answer.
And then? I got the call. A real phone call from my 24 year old son, asking if I’d like to go on a 6 week camping road trip out west. Hmmmm. Camping. Outdoors. Bears. Snakes. And the lifestyle of my son, which might not jibe with mine. And the biggest issue I HAVE NEVER CAMPED IN MY LIFE!
Should I go? I quizzed everyone for opinions. I heard: Too uncomfortable. Too inconvenient (no showers, internet or bathrooms). You’re too old (don’t like that one) and on and on…which led to the final agreement by most. DON’T GO! And I listened.
I remember clearly, standing in my living room shouting to the walls “I DO NOT WANT TO GO CAMPING!!!”
But the universe was not giving up on me. Luckily, I heard the words of Roxanne, the amazing young women who cuts my hair. As I shared the pitfalls of my possible journey, she answered…”sounds wonderful…hope I can do that someday” and “nothing to be afraid of.” Afraid? Me? Scared? Yes!!! But over-riding that fear, was Roxanne’s enthusiasm and words. I wanted to be like her. I want to be excited. I wanted to be brave.
Adding to that was the connection that my coaching business was focused on the the idea I created…Bravery Becomes You…the path to passion, power and purpose. I’d been talking the talk…so was it now time to put words into action? Looking back, I now wonder? Did I manifest the adventure to match my work, my dreams…my future wishes? So you’ve probably guessed…
I called my son and said YES, I’m on my way. “I’m putting bravery into action.”
And all it took was one call. One step over the edge changed my life.
For the next 6 weeks challenge and bravery were by my side.
Afraid to walk over the top of a waterfall? YES, but I pushed myself and found a way (that I thought was safe). Crawl across slippery rocks to get to a freezing cold swimming hole? YES, but awkward and uncomfortable didn’t stop me as, I chanted Bravery Becomes You and slid into the water.
Driving more than I ever thought possible: nonstop through Oregon, Washington, California, Utah and Colorado on steep, winding roads that sometimes made me cry (or get out of the car and walk). Camping mostly on public lands and in national forests with no one in sight (you drive down a road, find a spot and pitch the tent). Did I mention we had no set itinerary?
How about days of no showers, no internet, no makeup, no bathrooms, no phone service, nobody around except bears and owls and things that rustle the trees in the night?
I resisted constantly. Did it matter if we drove 10 hours through the mountains to hear a band in a bar? Did it matter if I hadn’t washed my clothes or my hair for over a week? Did it matter that we drank out of the same water bottle that was probably full of germs.
It all worked out perfectly. Every moment was 100% amazing. And all the worry? What was I thinking?
THINKING! Turns out that whether I’m on a great road trip or at home at my desk, the quality of my day is all about what I am thinking and how I am reacting. I knew this, but my trip showed me how to live it, feel it, believe it.
And being brave? It’s the secret push that transforms old thinking patterns into new ones. Bravery brings the magic power and energy of adventure into everything you do. Getting past your fears and what holds you back feels so great that you want to do it again and again. And the more you’re brave, the more confident you become. Nothing feels better…or looks better than that. And that is what Bravery Becomes You is all about.
I wanted adventure and I lived it my way with a little help from the universe. What adventure are you waiting for? Be brave…take a step over the edge and answer the call. It will change your life! I know. It changes mine everyday.
