I recently had created the opportunity to travel to the Maldives to go on the "surfing trip of a lifetime". Along with traversing the Indian Ocean in search of remote, empty reef break set-ups, swimming with whale sharks and dolphins, and getting to know 10 new incredible new friends, I also wanted to be intentional about taking time to reflect, read, fill my soul, and deepen my relationship with self and the world at large!
Intentional is a key part of this statement. I made it a goal to stay off of my computer almost completely (Uploaded a few pictures and did some writing!), and to let go of the tug or urge to respond to work emails unless it was an emergency. I realized that because I was so intentional, this time became sacred and highly valued, I could focus on going deep, and exploring new territory!
I brought along Danielle LaPorte's new book, The Fire Starter Sessions to help stimulate the exploration and journey. I have watched several of Danielle's various keynotes online and had heard several of my friends and tribe rave about the book. Overall I was very pleased with Danielle's first book. It definitely has a very laid back, coffee shop conversation type tone- which took me a while to adjust to, but I ended up really liking! By the time I was done, the book had the usual highlights, underlines, and notes in the margins – I am a very tactile reader – and I had come away with a few pages of notes.
I wanted to share with you one of the exercises that stuck with me, and as I was reflecting on my notes and the book itself, it jumped out as something not only profound and powerful, but highly achievable… It is my "Dream Statement"… In which Danielle challenges us to write our ideal life, what does it look like and more importantly what does it feel like…
Going to bed with waves crashing in the near distance, feeling fulfilled from my daily spiritual time in the water,
Making Tash truly and fiercely happy every day, acknowledging and affirming her constant beauty and spirit,
Raising our kids with universal love and compassion at the foundation…
To be radiant and courageous when delivering work and exploring new opportunities,
Feeling confident and deserving in the money I earn.
Knowing I am playing life by my/our rules and travelling a special and unique professional path…
Adventures into nowhere for waves, but enjoying the journey just as much as the wave sliding sensation,
To be happy, rich, abundant, and constantly feeding others – as our own definitions of these feelings allow.
To play the Big Game but never forgetting what is most important in life,
Family, close friends, and an amazing life partner I get to experience and share all things in life!
… There it is!
It is a strange, almost uncomfortable, and at the same time empowering feeling to 'put yourself out there'- whether it is stating a goal, standing up for a belief, or writing a deeply personal statement like this… I want to thank you for taking the time to join me in my journey.
Whether it is declaring to the world through facebook, writing in a hidden place, or consciously setting aside time and creating the space… I believe that painting a vivid picture of where we want to go, using the full array of senses, emotions, and feelings, and truly owning whatever that looks like- can be a very powerful, life changing act!!
What do you think?
~Tyrell
