Over the past several months (or likely, years) I’ve been trying to sort out what I’m all about. Sure, I’ve been a coach (and a fairly successful one) for over a decade. I’ve done this long enough that this is what I DO. But deep inside, the questions has been pulling at me. Nagging.
What is it that I REALLY DO?
What is my message that I send to the world?
What is it that I stand for? And stand for in a way that is just ME? Just who I am… and in many ways, who I’ve always been?
I’m drawn to writing in a powerful way and certainly, my dream is to be a successful author. This has proceeded in fits and starts and has been a major focus of mine over the past 18 months or so. I’ve spent hundreds of hours writing and rewriting book proposals. While this labor has yet to bear the intended fruit, the exercise of putting myself out there, getting rejected, and getting feedback and help continues to be super helpful.
People have asked me some great questions about myself that I’ve never considered before. In addition to reflecting back to me what’s unique/special about me, I’ve been askedto think about myself in ways I’d not considered before. Like, “How did you get this way? How did you arrive at this point in your life that feels so good? What happened?”
At first, I had no answers. I was just me, after all. The fish in water who knows nothing beyond the environment it has always lived in. But in time, the old memories popped in my mind. Experiences. Points of decision (do I leap or play it safe here?). Preferences.
And a clear pattern has emerged, like seeing a constellation where before you could only see a cluster of stars. Once you spot the constellation, you recognize it forever.
My “thing”, my message, is and always has been about freedom.
I coach people to live lives full of more freedom.
Freedom is what I’ve always been attracted to, even when I was a small boy.
It’s what I am continually willing to take a risk for. It’s what I’m not usually willing to comprimise on. It’s what I feel strongly enough about that I will voice my opinion fearlessly.
And, thanks to the people who have given me such wonderful questions and feedback, I’ve come to realize this is what I LIVE. It’s not a theory. It’s not a whim. It’s not a fantasy.
It’s what my life reflects. I have created a life of freedom. It’s what I KNOW. And it’s what I am here to share.
I cannot tell you how good it feels to know that…
If you want to discover your message to the world, the first step is to decide that you wish to find it.
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In celebration of my freedom, my friend Warren and I decided to do what felt best and meet at the mountain yesterday. The slopes are not crowded on Wednesdays, the lift tickets are half price, the sun was shining, the snow was plentiful, the company was great, the beer was cold, and my new skis rocked my world.
A couple shots…
View of the Adirondack High Peaks. Mt. Marcy (highest in NYS) is at center
Drew’s shadow from a steep knoll
top of the Rumor trail at Gore Mountain, NY