It's Your Duty to be Awesome.

"What humans can be, they must be."
Abraham Maslow

This is one of the most important -- and most challenging -- thoughts I've sent you. This one is not for everybody. If you're ready to really stretch yourself, read on.

This thought suggests that we all have a duty to realize our fullest human potential, not just for ourselves, but for everyone else. That's a tall order, because none of us can even begin to fathom how great our own potential is.

"So," you ask, "how do I go about maximizing this vast and wondrous potential of mine?"

First, simply recognize that your potential is awesome. Awesome! Then figure out what your passion is...what is most important to you...what you really believe in. Commit to that.

It will be challenging and often scary. But you'll never become all that you can be by hiding in your comfort zone.

This video will motivate you.

Thank you!

"Gratitude grows when we give it away."
From a Thanksgiving card I received the other day.

I am deeply grateful to all of you for who you are and what you do.

Thanksgiving trivia factoid: Americans eat more pizza on the day before Thanksgiving than on any other day of the year. I was so excited to hear that that swung by Papa Murphy's and grabbed a couple of pizzas on the way home this evening.

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!

Pur-r-r pur-r-r...

"Pur-r-r-r, pur-r-r-r."
My cat, Mochi

Mochi is more than just a treasured friend; he’s also my Guru.

As I was sitting in front of my computer screen scanning my collection of profound quotes for just the right pearl to share with you this week, I became aware of Mochi curled up on my lap (his favorite place), purring away. He was the picture of peace, love and contentment. As I tuned in to his soft purring, my cares drifted away and a feeling of bliss came over me. I closed my eyes, turned off my thinking mind and became aware of the true beauty of the world surrounding me – Mochi’s purring, the whispering of the wind, the music of the rain on my window. I sat for quite awhile enjoying it and reconnecting with what life really means.

Then I told Mochi, “Hey dude, you get the quote this week.” He said, “pur-r-r-r, pur-r-r-r.”

The most beautiful, profound messages are always the simplest. And often, they’re the most obvious, yet the ones we completely overlook. Take a moment right now to look around, listen, open your heart and learn from the beautiful wisdom that surrounds you in this very moment.

Life Is a Muddy Trail!

"Struggle ends where commitment begins."
Sumner Davenport

Do you want to know why I love life so much? Because it's like running a long, muddy trail in nasty weather.

Today I went on a trail run to Cable Peak, a rather obscure, out-of-the way peak south of Post Falls, Idaho. In trail running vernacular, my run today can only be described as "epic," meaning that I ran into a whole lot of challenges that I wasn't expecting and took just a tad longer than planned. (Well, okay, more than a tad.) I ran through pea soup fog, got rained, hailed and snowed on, slipped and slid up and down steep hills, and took a wrong turn up a long steep climb that turned my planned 13 mile trek into almost a 15 miler. Oh, and by the way, I also got to enjoy some sun breaks, views that took my breath away and a close encounter with a moose. And of course, there was the reward of bagging a new peak! It was a lot more fun than pounding predictable pavement.

Just like life, there were twists, turns, grueling climbs and unexpected obstacles right along with fun, adventure, stunning beauty and the deep sense of satisfaction that comes with reaching a challenging milestone. And just like life, it was exhilirating!

Through it all, I remained commited to reaching the summit of Cable Peak. The trip up the mountain was tough, but it wasn't a struggle. The challenges I faced are the very reasons I love trail running -- and life! -- so much.

Follow Your Own Vision

"Be driven by your vision or you'll be taken for a ride in someone else's."
Craig Valentine
1999 World Champion of Public Speaking

Wanna go for a wild ride...?

Last weekend at a Toastmasters conference I had the privilege of hearing a couple of awesome presentations by my friend Craig Valentine, the 1999 World Champion of Public Speaking. Needless to say, Craig is quite an inspiring, entertaining...and visionary...speaker.

(Visit Craig's website at http://www.TheCommunicationFactory.com)

The quote above really clicked with me. I've been pursuing my own vision for several years now. That vision is to facilitate a change in the way people perceive and approach their health and their lives. Rather than only be concerned with solving problems, I teach people to focus on maximizing their own infinite human potential. A key part of this vision is to help people reconnect with the simple and powerful gifts that Nature has given us to remain healthy, and to continue to grow, evolve and thrive.

My vision drives everything I do. And it's a powerful vision! If you have been reading this blog you know that it has--quite unexpectedly--steered me onto the path of endurance training. It's a transformation in my life that I can only describe as breathtaking! Not only is this transformation a great personal triumph; more importantly, it has become a new vehicle to allow me to serve. (See next week's post for some musings on service...) Now I can stand up and say, "I'm living proof. If this is possible for me, just imagine what's possible for you!" This wonderful transformation happened for me only because I stayed true to my vision.

The key message here is: If you want to go on the most exciting ride of your life, follow your own vision!