Posts Tagged with Life

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A Reminder To Dare Mighty Things

We all need people around us who are genuinely interested in our growth and progress.  They give you props when you’re on the right track, let you know when you’re slacking and freely share the resources they have in their toolbox. At the end of the day, the relationship is mutually beneficial as you support and push each other to overcome obstacles and do bigger things.

One of my good friends since college serves as one of those people in my life. He has seen the whole journey since then – the good, the bad and the ugly. A month or two ago, he passed along a quote he thought I would like.  He was right – it resonated with me as I read it.  Although I appreciated it, I didn’t do anything else with it at the time. It remained where it was as a long text.

I try to pay attention when the universe seems to be telling me something.  A couple weeks ago, I met someone who had a favorite quote listed on Facebook that looked familiar.

A great statement…this ones for me….does it speak to you? #TheodoreRooseveltQuotes #textgram

A post shared by Leterrion D Smith (@leterrion_a_blessed_gentleman) on

I liked the quote a lot and tried to remember where I saw it before.  This led me to dig up the quote my friend had shared with me.  I realized what I saw on Facebook was an excerpt of the full quote.

I’m never certain about the universe’s messages but this one aligned with my recent thoughts.  At the beginning of the year, the speaker at an event I attended talked about being in the stands vs. being on the court and in the game of life.  Whatever you want to pursue, you get a different experience if you approach it by being in the crowd as a bystander versus rolling up your sleeves and running plays on the court. Being in the stands is safer – you don’t have to worry about failing, losing or falling on your face in front of others.  Being on the court is more risky –  there’s a chance you will be defeated and you’ll have to decide if you want to continue or not. Despite the downside, there is also the possibility that you’ll win and achieve your pursuits.

The possibility of that favorable outcome makes it all worth it. No risk, no reward right? I prefer to be on the court – in any of my pursuits and in life. Even if I fail, there will be lessons that I can apply forward so that next time, I fail better and faster. I’ll put all the lessons in play until I win the game.

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What about you? How are you going through life and approaching your pursuits? Are you in the stands? Or are you getting on the court?

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Things To Do In Banff In Two Days

I first learned about Banff three years ago. I remember looking up photos and being in awe of how beautiful it was!  I decided then that I had to visit! Fast forward to now, I finally made the trip happen!  Banff is magical and reminds me how beautiful nature is – from the jagged and majestic Rocky mountain peaks to the turquoise-colored glacier-fed lakes. It is calming, inspiring and restorative. When you’re in the middle of somewhere so grand, you realize how small you and your problems are. It puts all of life into perspective. I love soaking up experiences like this!

This trip was particularly special because I intended to do it solo. I wanted to be on my own time, do things I wanted to do, travel how I like to and have the space to digest the experience. It was a personal lesson and reminder for myself – there’s nothing restraining me from doing or pursuing the things I want. When time, resources, access, etc. aren’t a roadblock then what’s left? The only thing left is me. Do I want to invest in myself and my experiences or not? There is only one option for me.

Before heading to Banff, I did some research and created a list of things I wanted to see and do. I like to keep my travel plans flexible and so the idea wasn’t to schedule out the entire time. Instead, I wanted to lay out my options so I could be proactive about logistical considerations. As it turned out, the effort was well worth it and came in handy when I ran into other solo travelers from Germany (Sibylle), Australia (Tim) and Jasper (Alysha), which is a few hours from Banff. We decided to explore some of the attractions together and my list was a hit! We ended the first day in full agreement that it was one of the best (travel) days of our lives!

Here is what was covered in two days in Banff.  This doesn’t include everything on my original list so I guess I’ll have to go back another time to finish it off!

Arriving to Banff

Calgary (YYC) is the closest airport to Banff.  I had a connecting flight through Minneapolis (MSP) and arrived in Calgary around 10 PM.  I stayed at an AirBnB that night and woke up early the next morning to catch a 7:30 bus to Banff. It is a quick drive with great views of the Rocky mountains along the way.  Everyone on the bus was excited and the cameras and phones came out to take pictures! I arrived in Banff around 9:15.

Day One

I headed to the information booth at the Railway / Greyhound Bus Station once in Banff to figure out how to get to the Banff International Hostel. I got one of the great maps they had of the town with key landmarks (you can find it here).  As I followed the directions, I took in the scenery along the cool, early morning walk.  I packed light with my main backpack and a hiking backpack for running around during the day.

Check-in wasn’t until 3 PM so I left my backpack for the day and got some directions from the front desk before heading out. The first stop was to exchange currency at the Clock Tower Mall but I ended up going to the Money Mart on Banff Ave. instead.  Next, I grabbed some coffee and a parfait before rushing back to the Railway / Greyhound Bus Station to catch the 11 AM bus to Lake Louise.

Since Canada is celebrating 150 years, all the national parks are free this year and free shuttles were being provided to certain destinations around Banff including Lake Louise. A win-win for Canada and visitors!

I made it to the shuttle just before 11 and got situated for the 45-minute ride to Lake Louise. Along the ride were more amazing mountain views and trying to capture pictures on both sides of the bus got everyone talking. This is when I met Tim from Australia and Sibylle from Germany. Tim and I hopped off the bus, realizing we had no solid plan for the day and decided to create our own adventure! We ran into Sibylle again by the lake and the rest is history!  We were especially lucky to have clear blue skies and temperature in the mid-60s, a rarity in the final week of September! But the timing was perfect because it is just after peak season and before it was too cold.

I was so excited to walk up to Lake Louise after three years of anticipation! The lake was more beautiful than I could have imagined!  Before taking any pictures, I just stared and took in the scene.  Then, of course, the snapping began!

Next, we hiked to the Lake Agnes Tea House. We quickly noticed and felt the elevation gain and reduction in oxygen!  It was steep and made us short of breath. The hike from Lake Louise is 2.2 miles each way with an elevation gain of 1312 ft. to arrive at an altitude of 7005 ft.

We passed a waterfall and Mirror Lake along the way.

We arrived to the Lake Agnes Tea House which sits right next to Lake Agnes. The Lake Agnes Tea House was built by the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1901 as a refuge for hikers. It has no electricity or running water. The staff bring all fresh food up the trail daily. We relaxed by the tea house and had a snack before heading back.  We debated hiking up to Beehive but decided to try to get to Moraine Lake instead. Visitors are invited to help the Tea House staff carry waste down so on the way back, Tim helped out with carrying a bag.  

This part of the hike was so much easier! We encouraged hikers coming up, remembering what it was like to be in their shoes! We also stopped to take some photos, including Lake Louise from above to capture the amazing turquoise color of the water!

By the time we made it back, we had missed the last shuttle to Moraine Lake which left at 4 PM.  I was really disappointed.  We got on the shuttle to head back into town and headed back to our hostels for a while before walking around town. We visited the All in the Wild Gallery where the sales associate told us about the aurora forecast.  She said she had never seen it as high and there was a really good chance we could see the Northern Lights! We added this to the list for after dinner!

We had dinner at Athena Pizza and Spaghetti House. After a long day of hiking, it was great to sit, eat and drink water. We were especially dehydrated from the elevation gain. After dinner, we headed to find a spot to watch the Northern Lights. We started on the pedestrian bridge over the Bow River then ventured across town to find somewhere with less lights. We were heading out of town but found ourselves surrounded by trees and without the elevation we needed.  So we decided to head back into town, and made an obligatory stop by the Welcome to Banff Sign.

After hanging out at a local bar to warm up a bit and pass the time, we headed back the Bow River bridge. We heard the best time to see the Northern Lights is between 1 and 3 AM but learned there was a good show while we were at the bar!  We waited a while and eventually the lights started dancing across the sky again! It was so awesome to see! There were beams and what looked like clouds spreading across the sky before disappearing. We also saw shooting stars! We were all so thrilled! This was a great surprise and way to close out the already amazing, serendipitous day we had! This is why we rated this day high on the list of the best days of our lives!

Day Two

After being up late watching the Northern Lights, we were a little sluggish getting the day started.  We caught the 10:38 Route 1 bus ($2 each way or $5 day pass) to the Banff Gondola (you can get tickets in advance here at a discount). The gondola took us up to the peak of Sulphur Mountain for a view of Banff and the Rocky mountains. The ride up is approximately 8 minutes and isn’t for those who are afraid of heights! But it brought amazing views as ascended the mountain to the 7,486-foot summit! There is also an option to hike the Sulphur Mountain Trail to the top.

At the top, we walked around the Sulphur Mountain Boardwalk which takes you from the upper gondola terminal to the summit of Sanson Peak, where there is a stone weather observatory built in 1903. All along the 0.4-mile long boardwalk, you get amazing views of the surrounding mountains and a 360-degree panoramic view from Sanson Peak. Mountain peaks were in every direction!

Once we got back to the upper gondola terminal, we browsed the interactive exhibits, the multisensory theater and gift shop. Then we caught the gondola to head back to the valley floor.

Next, we got on the Route 1 bus to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. This stop didn’t disappoint, especially after hiking the previous day and walking around the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk. The hot springs pool is outdoor with 100% natural mineral water. Its elevation is 5,200 feet, which makes it the highest in Canada, and it provides mountain views while you soak in the sun. The water was very warm so I had to take some breaks and sit out a few times.

We headed back in town after and saw Tim off to Calgary. Sibylle and I walked around town, got some ice cream, and checked out souvenir shops. We went back to the All in the Wild Gallery and were happy to tell the sales associate that we saw the Northern Lights thanks to her suggestion! We then walked along the Bow River at the edge of town and came upon Bow Falls. I enjoyed the scenery, especially the fall colors against the bright blue backdrop of the sky.

We eventually made our way back into town, had dinner at Indian Curry House and then Sibylle was off to Vancouver.  I made a quick stop at one of the grocery stores in town then headed back to my hostel.  I took a quick nap then packed before settling in for the night.

Day Three

I was up early to check out of the hostel and get on the bus to Calgary. I reflected on the past couple of days while taking in the mountainous scenery along the drive one last time.

Once I arrived in Calgary, I took the train into downtown then walked around a bit.  I found a coffee shop and stopped for some coffee and used the Wi-Fi to request an Uber to the airport. I thought I would have more time to explore Calgary but the time was tight.  So Calgary will have to be for a separate trip or Banff Part 2!

I am so happy I committed the time to visit Banff! Everything worked out well including the benefits that came along with Canada celebrating 150 year, making new friends to share this awesome experience with and the wonderful weather we enjoyed!

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Do you have any trips that are on your list that you want to take? Have any of them been on your list for a while? What’s holding you back from taking them?  If you’ve taken a recent trip, how was it?

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Inspiration for Multipotentialites, From Vincent van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh is one of my favorite artists. Aside from admiring his amazing artwork, I enjoy learning more about him through his surviving letters. There are over 900 letters that provide insight into his mind and universe, especially those to his brother Theo. I first got insight into Van Gogh’s life when my high school art teacher gifted me the book Lust for Life by Irving Stone. This book brought me to tears, with its descriptive narration of Van Gogh’s passionate and dramatic life.

Van Gogh continues to inspire me – from his yearning to do more in life and have an impact, to his love of nature and allowing it to inspire his art and his commitment to his work.  As multipotentialites (polymaths, scanners, renaissance souls) often struggle to find their place and purpose in a society that promotes “normalcy,” I find Van Gogh’s experience and point of view relevant and inspirational.

Here are some of my favorite Van Gogh quotes to inspire multipotentialites:

On life and your purpose

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?

Think of all the great accomplishments we enjoy today. Can you imagine life without these? What if no one had the courage to invent the light bulb, the internet, airplanes or cell phones? Do you want to be courageous and attempt something in your lifetime?

How can I be useful, of what service can I be? There is something inside me, what can it be?

Have you found your purpose? Are you still seeking it? If you haven’t found it yet, don’t give up.

The way to know life is to love many things.

Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.

There is so much to experience and enjoy in life. As a multipotentialite, you experience and learn a lot by exploring your multiple interests. As you explore, you learn what resonates with you and about yourself. This is a true path of discovering your passion and igniting your motivation to pursue it relentlessly. When your heart is in your work, the outcome reflects your passion.

On challenging the status quo

I wish they would only take me as I am.

You know when you’re meant to do something other than what everyone else is doing. And being true to this and who you are is hard. You want people to get it and understand you, but the reality is, many of them won’t. You have to find peace with this and own who you are.  Don’t limit who you are and what you do to appease others.

Normality is a paved road: It’s comfortable to walk, but no flowers grow on it.

It is easier to do what everyone else is doing – the path is already paved, there are many examples of what you should do, and you don’t have the onus of figuring things out on your own.  But when you want to be and do more, you realize growth doesn’t come from your comfort zone. Venture off the beaten track and explore.

One must work and dare if one really wants to live.

If you really want to live on your own terms and reach your full potential, you have to put in the work.

On your power

If one is master of one thing and understands one thing well, one has at the same time, insight into and understanding of many things.

Multipotentialites have interests in many things and purse them for a period or a lifetime. All things are connected, and due to their expansive knowledge and experience, multipotentialites are equipped to see patterns and connections.  This ability is valuable and powerful, especially for leveraging one field to improve others through innovation.

There is no blue without yellow and without orange.

We wouldn’t have what we know know if someone didn’t imagine possibilities and have the courage to act on them.  To get blue, you take two colors you know and bring them together to create something new and useful.

On taking action

I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it.

By staying in motion and doing, you learn and grow.  Multipotentialites pick up new interests all the time and roll up their sleeves to learn about them. They’re not afraid to try new things and make learning an action sport.

Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.

Sometimes you feel like you’re never going to reach your goal. But remember that in order to accomplish that big milestone, you have to take many small steps along the way. Take them and celebrate each one to stay motivated.

On perseverance

I am seeking, I am striving, I am in it with all my heart.

I am still far from being what I want to be, but with God’s help I shall succeed.

Once you know what you’re working toward, your “why” will motivate you. Stay the course and trust the process. Keep putting your work into the world.  The universe will echo the vibrations you emit.

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How do you stay inspired as a multipotentialite? Do Vincent van Gogh’s quotes above resonate with you? Share your thoughts below! I’d love to hear your perspective!

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Your Ideal vs. Your Reality: Balancing the Two

As humans, we seek a higher purpose, meaning and guidance. What is the meaning of life? Who or what can show us the way? We like to know what the end game looks like and our role and purpose in the big picture.

Although there is no book with official steps on living life, society has established ideals which emphasize how things should be. As these translate into norms and are reinforced around us, they influence our vision for our path. Ultimately, we align our lives to meet society’s expectations. Looking around, and in my own life, examples of this are easy to find.

The Ideal.  Ideals are what we aspire to achieve in life and they drive us.  “If only I had _____, I would be (happier, more successful etc.).” There is always something out of reach that we seek and conclude will provide some type of satisfaction.  How do we come to this conclusion? We adopt what we hear and see around us, including what society deems “acceptable” or “right.”  For example, society’s path to a “good life” is a good education, a good job, a family and house with a white picket fence.  We hear this from family, teachers, guidance counselors, college professors, employers etc. If this idea is so pervasive, how can it not be true?  Once we subscribe to it ourselves, we adapt our own path based on decisions and actions that are confined to outside judgment, meeting other people’s expectations, seeking approval and keeping up appearances.

The Plan. In order to meet our ideals, we outline a plan to make it happen. We believe that if we take these steps, exactly as planned, we’ll get what we want. Again, society says this is the path everyone should take so why wouldn’t it work for you? This process gives our lives the meaning we incessantly crave. Each day, we wake up knowing our why. By taking each outlined step, we believe we’re working to achieve our ideals and our ultimate purpose. We’re convinced that we’ll get what we want and there’s rarely a thought that things won’t go as planned.

The Reality.  Meanwhile, life is happening and it has its own idea of how things will unfold.  This can manifest in a variety of ways: plans going awry, discovering considerations that weren’t included in the plan, unexpected issues showing up, factors that can’t be controlled for taking their own course, etc. These impediments throw off our plan and can postpone or permanently keep us from reaching our ideals.

 

 

Where does this leave us?  It creates a gap between the reality and the ideal. Society rarely prepares us for such disruptions. We’re left with a plan that is no longer effective since it doesn’t account for any of the curve balls. We no longer have the meaning our plan gave us, and we’re lost without clarity on how to navigate toward our ideals.

Since we didn’t account for things not going as planned, panic sets in. There is no way this can’t work! I can’t let it fail! Let me roll up my sleeves and fix it real-time. I’m going to focus on how I can get it back on track.  I can’t imagine it not working out as envisioned and planned. Any alternate solution is “bad.”

What manifests is intense focus to repair, fix, prevent, and control to get things “right” and reduce the probability of failure (think Six Sigma on steroids). Our reaction is in response to not reaching our personal plan, but more often than not, we act out of fear of failing in front of the world. Failure means we won’t achieve the ideals society says we should have; and we fear outside judgment, not meeting other people’s expectations, not obtaining approval and not being able to keep up appearances.

I’ve been down this path many times and after reflecting on a recent instance, I have some new insight on making it more manageable and less exasperating.

There is no tragedy, only the unavoidable. Everything has its reason for being: you only need to distinguish what is temporary from what is lasting. What is temporary?… The unavoidable… and what is lasting?… The lessons of the unavoidable.  — Paulo Coelho

Here’s how you can handle the gap between your ideals and your reality better:
  • Revisit your premise. Your premise for this entire undertaking is that you think this is what you should be doing, is right and will not lead to failure. And this is all attributed to the meaning assigned by society or you. Whose meaning is the truth or final? Arguably, neither is right, how things should be or will guarantee certain outcomes.  But you define the meaning and believe it to be true; the only reason it has power is because you give it power.  If this approach and belief system doesn’t serve you, you should stop subscribing to it.
  • Don’t label things good or bad. Whether something is good or bad is subjective and depends on who you ask. Would it be bad if half of all the money in the world disappeared?  Those with extravagant lifestyles would probably care, but those who already live modestly probably wouldn’t care as much. Let things be, without being good or bad.
  • Don’t add stress or pressure.  Even if the situation seems malleable, that doesn’t mean you need to add stress and pressure.  A rubber band is flexible, but if you continuously pull it or pull it too far, it will snap. Sometimes it is better to do nothing. Leave it alone. Don’t question or try to associate meaning. Give things space to breathe.
  • Accept the reality and what happened. What happened happened and it is in the past. Don’t obsess about it, be stuck in it or be held hostage by it.
  • Appreciate situations for what they are. Focus on the lessons the past gave you and be grateful for what you have today. You’re better positioned now due to your lessons and experience.
  • Embrace the power of now. Take advantage of the present and take action to create positive opportunities. Create your own life the way you want it to be today. Your life today is important and I’d argue more important than any ideal life you aspire to have.

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Do you come across gaps between your ideals and your reality? How do you balance the two? Have you tried any of the suggestions above? How have they worked for you? I’d love to hear your perspective!

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