It’s been quite the whirlwind last 10 days or so, after attending another stellar weekend at Summit Series in LA, followed by a last minute decision to head to Joshua Tree with a couple of friends in an RV to decompress after the intensity of it all. During that time, we shared stories, got to know each other (a LOT) better, and I really expressed my dreams more fully for the first time out loud, after a culmination of the last several years in the making…so here it is.
The Backstory
My goal is to connect love-filled, like-minded change makers and visionaries in an intimate haven where they have the space to just be – and from there, create as their true selves. Let’s come together to connect and reset, and then continue to carry forward our visions of positively impacting the world.
When people are comfortable being themselves, I feel that they can do greater things without concern of their own and others’ expectations. They are more able to move through what’s stopping them and use that as a platform and solid base to take action.
I want to inspire transformation through authentic connection, so that people can see the possibilities that exist and unleash their potential. My childhood and journey so far has been a struggle at times (for who is it not?), but I appreciate every minute of it, because I think moving through struggle can lead to greater achievement and more interesting and complex lives.
While I’ve been asked to speak to being location independent and digital nomad lifestyles or all about digital marketing, that has never seemed to hold enough depth for me. I’m more interested and passionate about showing people possibility so that they don’t have to be only one of those or other identities, but whatever it is they want – to know that there is possibility to create whatever life you want and design your day to day.
What lifestyle do you want? It doesn’t have to fit inside a single box, whether that box is a status quo one or not. This can mean something much more – a way of being and living – that can encompass all parts of you and also change as we grow and shift over time.
The world doesn’t follow a single model or mindset – there are limitless options that exist and are yet to be created. We have a very short time on this earth, and as a result, we should cherish how valuable our time is and move towards whatever model works for us and truly fulfills us, without judgement from others.
So, in saying all this, I would love to continue to create more spaces and experiences that will help others achieve this.
What are these spaces like? What is my idea of heaven on earth?
Warmth.
A space that makes everyone in it feel held and loved. Open-hearted. Willing to share stories and be fully themselves. Surrounded by and integrated with nature, ocean or sea, beauty, clean lines but not at all sterile, and takes into account the environment seamlessly (water, plants, animals – all of the natural surroundings). A home for the rebels, outliers, and dreamers – the leaders, change makers and visionaries of this world.
Like wrapping yourself in a blanket while drinking tea and reading your favourite heart-warming book. Centering. Grounding. Spaces and a community to come back to, that feels like “home” before sending us back out into the world again.
I see a tendency of loneliness within those rebels who are creating and innovating in the world – as we are often going against the grain. These spaces and experiences will create a community to reduce loneliness and social isolation (namely through surrounding ourselves with others who we resonate and align with and can thus connect to) to inspire us to operate at more optimal levels for continued creation to reach our potential. A gathering place. We can always go back to these spaces when we are feeling the need for support, connection, or a reset when challenged by the usual daily lifestyle of the status quo.
- Core Values of Freedom, Abundance, Growth, and Connection (these values are interwoven through all parts of my life)
- #achieveitforward. Celebrate our successes and pay it forward to local charities to provide the opportunity for others to reach their potential
- An environment built for connection – to oneself and others – and collaboration
- Sustainability (delicious food / living options / natural environment / etc)
- Exploration and adventure
- Thoughtful architecture and design of healing spaces, integrated into the surroundings
- Beautiful art and creations, by the community
- A multi-purpose creative studio and gallery for art, recording music, content creation, learning, wellness, and community gatherings
- You can see both sunrises and sunsets from the haven, but if only one is possible, then sunsets for sure!
- If anyone has been a part of one of my dinners this year, it’s something like those, but to the extreme
What I envision for the moment are 4 of these locations around the world, in my favourite places. Thailand (Koh Yao Noi), Portugal (in or around Lisbon), the Western Coast of North America (Sunshine Coast, perhaps?), and one other yet unknown place (California coast?). I’ve always thought that I wouldn’t “live” in a single place since I started my major travels over 9 years ago, but in at least four places, somewhat more permanently for a part of each year. I have no idea how this is going to happen, or the details of getting there, but sharing this for me is the first step.
Who will join me?
Photo Credit: Merrick Mosst – Joshua Tree National Park
About the Author
