Envision … Believe … Begin … Build … Become!
The last few posts here have provided you with a simplified version of some steps to help you create your Life Beyond Kids. Or – to reach any goal you might choose to pursue! “Simplified version” is important to note, because of course it’s not quite as simple as do this, then this and voila! Journeys are never simple. There are bumps, bends and turns in the road. I’m sure you’re all familiar with the quote out in the world today is that it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Overused, but true.
Becoming. This is what you’ve been working so hard for. The most interesting part? It’s elusive. It changes and evolves as you go along! It takes work, my friends. A lot of work. Your work. Nobody else can do it for you. You truly don’t magically “arrive” at a destination, because you’ll find the destination keeps moving. Maybe that sounds frustrating, but it’s actually the most exciting part. You grow. How you view the world, and how the world views you, keeps changing. You have to keep your eyes and arms wide open and embrace it.
When I decided in 2007 that I wanted to go back and climb Mt. Rainier again after a 30+ year break, THAT was my goal. Train and get to the top of that mountain. I was expecting that to be it. Goal accomplished and it felt awesome. Done. Cause for celebration! I had worked so hard and was so proud of myself! However, after a successful summit, and after taking a few days for very sore muscles to recover, I was surprised to find myself thinking “well that was fun. I liked having that goal to work toward. Hmmm … what’s next?” The plot thickens. Next?
Undeniably, some of it has been about the climbs. What surprised me was … the journey. Yes. You heard it first here. I went back and climbed Rainier again in 2008, but a different route. By then, I was hooked. Not so much by the mountains, but by the journey. There were so many unexpected “wins”. Standing on top of mountains was just the tip of the iceberg. The most astonishing discovery? Along the way (I’m not sure which mountain or country), I found me.
“In order to do great things, you must be unafraid to create yourself” Pharrell Williams
What great things do you want to create? What Life Beyond Kids are you envisioning? What’s stopping you? You have to just start!
Your biggest fan,
Jean
P.S. Keep your eyes on this blog. There are going to be more tools coming your way soon, as well as one-on-one mentoring opportunities. Because part of my journey now is passing this spark on to you!
Image: Summit Crater of Mt. Rainier. September 2, 2007. I’m holding a sign that says “Thanks Chris!!!”. Chris was my trainer at the gym. The guy in the background was one of our guides. Not an easy job!
