Inspiration – Page 2 – HIKES & HAMSTRINGS

Gratitude on Mount St. Piran

In view (to name a few): Lake Louise, Big Beehive, Mount Fairview and a snow-capped Mount Temple

Today’s mountain view comes from the summit of Mount St. Piran, high above the water and crowds of Lake Louise. With rewarding views of the lake below, Mount Fairview, and a snow-capped Mount Temple, what’s there not to love?

As an introvert, I try to venture out to the mountains for a solo thinky trip at least once a summer. It allows me to be at one with myself and my thoughts while surrounded by pristine natural beauty. This hike was one of those trips. Continue reading “Gratitude on Mount St. Piran”

World Domination Summit: An Inspiration Punch to the Face

Chris Guillebeau of "The Art of Non-Conformity" and creator of the World Domination Summit. Photo: Armosa Studios / Chris Guillebeau — Chris Guillebeau of “The Art of Non-Conformity” and creator of the World Domination Summit. Photo: Armosa Studios / Chris Guillebeau

inspiration [inspəˈrāSHən], noun: the process of being mentally stimulated to do or feel something, especially to do something creative

A few months ago I was feeling fairly blah in my job. As a statistical analyst in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis research, there’s always something new to learn, but a sense of complacency seemed to seep into my day-to-day work spirit. What if there were other paths to take? If there are many people travelling the world and making a living abroad, or even while doing the 9 to 5, then surely I could work my way toward a similar goal, right? I took to the interwebs, and perhaps I Googled how to not conform because somehow I landed upon a book called The Art of Non-Conformity, by Chris Guillebeau. The premise: don’t live your life the way others expect. It’s something that I know logically, but reading this book re-emphasized that I really could do what my heart desired, even if that meant having to take an unconventional approach. I highly recommend the read! By happenstance, I stumbled upon an event in Portland, Oregon called The World Domination Summit (WDS), also created by Chris. It’s a bold title. I didn’t really know what it was about, but it looked awesome! So I signed up. Continue reading “World Domination Summit: An Inspiration Punch to the Face”

“Take Imperfect Action” – Jadah Sellner

Jadah Sellner of Simple Green Smoothies. Photo: Armosa Studios / Chris Guillebeau

“Take Imperfect Action” – Jadah Sellner

One of my favourite talks of the World Domination Summit 2014 was by a woman named Jadah Sellner, the co-founder of Simple Green Smoothies (www.simplegreensmoothies.com). At one point, her and her husband were living pay cheque to pay cheque and both had multiple jobs to provide for their family. Jadah had the entrepreneurial drive but a few businesses failed to take off. When she gained weight due to stress, she began drinking kale and spinach smoothies each day. She felt better. She felt healthier. And she wanted to help others benefit from her recipes. Fast forward less than 2 years later, Simple Green Smoothies is empowering hundreds of thousands of people to put their health first. It takes determination and perseverance to make your dreams happen. Jadah’s wise words were delivered in 3 ideas: Continue reading ““Take Imperfect Action” – Jadah Sellner”

If You’re Lost, You’re Learning

The emotion of gratitude. How often do we feel it?

For the last few months, I’ve been focusing on the 2014 digital overhaul. In short, it has not been fun. I’ve spent so much time updating passwords, switching e-mail accounts, and figuring out the hosting and plugins for my websites that I felt like I was becoming a hermit. After programming throughout the day and then attacking these digital projects in the evening, blogging has taken a back seat. But back seat no more! Now it’s time to move out of Q1 and into the next phase of the year. Travel, blogging, adventures, and changes are all ahead.

Last weekend I spent Thursday through Saturday in a course offered by the Newfield Network (www.newfieldnetwork.com) called Foundations of Personal Leadership. It was quite different from other courses I’ve taken, which is what prompted me to enrol in the first place. Continue reading “If You’re Lost, You’re Learning”

2014: Making Things Happen

I cannot believe that we’re already halfway through January! Usually this month feels tough with winter chills and short days, but between work, fitness groups, trip planning, snowboarding and reconnecting with people, the year has started strong with no signs of slowing down! It’s been busy, just the way I like it.

I recently discussed themes for the year. Before the excitement of life gets in the way, I’m finally dedicating some time to write down the goals I want to accomplish. Once they’re out there in the universe, I really should follow-up… Continue reading “2014: Making Things Happen”