You can build up these walls but I can tear them down.

With all of this talk in recent years of building a southern border wall, I sometimes wonder if people realize there is already a wall that stands today. The wall represents an invisible line that was drawn on a piece of paper by someone far away, some time ago. I am one of the lucky ones that can cross this wall that divides two great countries to and fro with a little issue.

When entering Mexico from the US it becomes instantly real. The sights, smells and sounds are drastically different from the beachfront mansions of La Jolla you can still see in the distance of your rear view mirror. Mexico is beautiful; Baja is what California was before the Toll Roads and strip malls. The news headlines of cartel wars seem almost untrue in a place I find seemingly so welcoming and safe

I have a need to shake up my reality every so often. Increasing the gratitude in my life will recalibrate my attitude.  Last weekend I joined 19 dudes in a day of selflessly giving our time to help finish building new home for two families that live within 300 yards from the border wall.  There is so much we take for granted in this country but the small things to us are big things to others.  We came with purpose, to give our effort in building a home for someone we have never met and knew next to nothing about. It is important to build up those around us. Happiness and love is not a finite resource, building someone else up does not take away from mine, in fact it multiplies my own.  It seems ridiculous that I wouldn’t.

With the fast pace of life I can allow my focus to drift away from selfless giving; it builds walls up to allow the cadence of my routine to fill my Outlook calendar. These walls prevent me from experiencing the fullness of this life I was designed to live.  These walls prevent me from building the relationships and communities that fill my soul. You can build these walls up but you can also tear them down. By tearing down these walls in my heart I am able to pour into others, create authentic experiences and raise up others; who in turn will raise up others.

““Building someone else up in love and it will transform you””

— Phil

Consistency is momentum

From a dead stop the wheel begins to turn, additional effort is required each rotation to reach the desired increase in speed and then minimal effort is needed to maintain the velocity. In the physics of our world we incur external forces that will slow the inertia down, causing the momentum you built to return to a state of stillness. This is the case for our cars, the wheel on Price Is Right and our habits.

I use to have these big ideas, concepts that I was excited to share with others and information I needed to write out to allow full development of my own perspectives. The oversharing of opinions on social media this past year has made me cautious to do so. I felt it became like the Macaw your Grandma neighbor owns…just shouting noises into the sphere. This allowed my momentum to slow and I became less consistent. Time between posts came greater. I didn’t bother with ideas that I felt were not that special. My writing has slowed to a stop.

Cool. Here we are. Humans are so special because we can change… we can make a decision and start a brand new path. So here we go. Time to start the rotation of the wheel, time to put in the additional effort. It’s to Consistency of the applied effort that will build momentum. Momentum of habits, momentum of creating change and doing what we love. What I love…and more of it.

Montana

tame the savageness of man and to make gentle the life of this world

A few weeks back my buddy Mike and I were riding motorcycles across Tennessee. We stopped in Memphis for the night and ended up eating BBQ across from this Retro looking hotel. After eating we wondered over to check it out.

The Lorraine Motel was the location where Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4th 1968. A short 48 years ago. Standing there, the air sitting upon my shoulders felt significantly heavier. You could feel the weight and the significance of that location. It made me emotional; you could feel the intersection of love and hate.

On that day Presidential candidate Robert F. "Bobby" Kennedy was on his way to Indianapolis for a campaign rally when he was informed of King's death. Despite fears of riots and concerns for his safety, Kennedy went ahead with plans to attend a rally at 17th and Broadway in the heart of Indianapolis's African-American ghetto. Several of Kennedy's aides were worried that his speech would result in a riot and advised him against attending the Rally. That evening Kennedy addressed the crowd.

Kennedy spoke of the threat of disillusion and divisiveness at King's death and reminded the audience of King's efforts to

“replace that violence, that stain of bloodshed that has spread across our land, with an effort to understand with compassion and love.”

Kennedy then delivered one of his most well-remembered remarks: 

“What we need in the United States is not division; what we need in the United States is not hatred; what we need in the United States is not violence or lawlessness, but love and wisdom, and compassion toward one another, and a feeling of justice towards those who still suffer within our country, whether they be white or whether they be black”

To conclude, Kennedy reiterated his belief that the country needed and wanted unity between blacks and whites and encouraged the country to

“dedicate ourselves to what the Greeks wrote so many years ago: to tame the savageness of man and to make gentle the life of this world.”

We have lost great leaders but that does not mean we have to forget where we have come and lose direction as a country or a community. This speech and these principles are as applicable today as they were that historically significant day. I have seen young black men murdered in cold blood without consequences. I have seen police officers murdered while working a job in which they have dedicated their lives to protecting our communities. Both of these are wrong.

This is our problem to fix. We need to implement change on both sides of this issue. We need to start the discussion to include and consider perspectives contrary to the ones we currently hold. We need to formulate a solution we can work towards. It has to start with love, wisdom, and compassion toward one another. We need to stand boldly as Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.  and Robert F. "Bobby" Kenned did that day. We need strong leaders in the Police Force and in all communities who are willing to take a stand and speak out that we can no longer keep going in this direction and that it is time for change. I cannot let this mindless violence continue. We can do better than this.

“Have conversations about Race. In real life. With people that look like you and people that don’t.”

The Small group.

““To me, being a man means being kind, generous and a good provider. Having the self-confidence to handle any situation, whether you face traffic and crowds, or you live in remote areas and face weather and wild animals. It’s quiet self confidence. A strong man doesn’t announce his strength to the world. He leads by example. He’s a man who steps up and faces the challenge, then quietly fades when the issue is resolved.””

— From John Sowers book Quoting his Guide

@chubbard5 & I invite you to join us on a Six week journey to explore what it means to live out our full potential as the Men we were designed to be. We want to dive deep and do life together in search of answers in defining what it means to have a Masculine Heart. A Heart filed with Adventure, Leadership, Risk, Service and most importantly the focus of on being faithful stewards of God’s grace. Kicking it off April, 12th. Plus Tacos... What more could you want????

---

Download Week One: Topic Leadership

Download Week Two: A World at War

Download Week Three: Of Service

Download Week Five: Adventure

Relative Value

The difficult lessons learned are worth more. The value is relative to the experience. I have never appreciated anything that came easy or cheap. Have you ever seen a Teenagers car? The majority of their cars I see in middle class communities are full of disorganized “stuff” in the backseat,  the outside hasn’t been washed in weeks,  the wheels are curbed and bumpers scratched. Now in comparison I can tell you when I see a new grad that has purchased their first “grow up” car that bad boy is detailed out and parked in the far corner of the parking lot to avoid door dings. Now why is that? Cars are expensive and at the most expensive consumer purchase behind purchasing a home. The typical situation in the suburban area is that at 16 the first car is handed down or given to the new driver. The first big boy or big girl car is earned, payed for by the hard work put in for the biweekly paycheck. It is valued and because so; it is cared for.

Now that is a bit of a ridiculous example but in all honesty I think this concept transcends in to all aspects of life. No overnight success lasts. There are no secrets to get rich quick. No 30 day diet/exercise plan will accomplish impressive goals. The truth is if you set out to accomplish anything worthwhile it takes work, it’s the process that makes the victory taste to sweet. Cheap stuff breaks. A 7 day Juice Cleanse will not invoke a lifestyle change. Most athletes with signing bonuses in the tens of millions of dollars end up declare bankruptcy. The individuals that make a change in the world spend a tremendous amount of time working for free before the sun rises. Don't get discouraged. Keep going. The results and pay offs will be worth the effort.

I promise. 

Fail Forward

As the Sun set it marked closure of our legal allotted time, rendering the tags we possessed instantly striped of any value. This short three day season, came to a clearly defined close and we had failed. I was frustrated and angry, the list of excuses and alternative “should haves” began to compile in my mind. I walk through life so scared to fail sometimes. It takes time and in most cases days for me to deconstruct and begin the long process of reflecting on the lessons learned and identifying what I will do differently next time. Taking the chance to go after a new goal will always have to possible outcome of failure. Over time I have realized that you will always learn more about whatever it is your doing and who it is you are through failure. In the end I love it. I love taking the chance and missing. I grow to become better through it and to me that is the real goal.

Podcast: Life is a Journey

Our worlds couldn't be any more different: however they were brought together this past summer, untied through our shared love of Surfing. I was first introduced to Ramjan during his debut on the Big Screen in a Surf Documentary called Gum for my Boat. At the time I would have never been able to guess years later we would be sharing a boat, moped, barber chair or waves on one of the biggest adventures of our lives.  

In this episode we spend some time exploring all of life’s crazy turns that brought us to this place. I learn about what life is like growing up in Bangladesh, how surfing was introduced and about his dreams of opening his own Surf School and Orphanage in Cox’s Bazar. Ramjan has dreamt big, so big in fact his project has found a special spot in my heart. Coming to learn about what a wide spread change has been created in his community though the simple sport of surfing gets me fired up.

People have been trying to talk me in to going to Bangladesh for years and it had gained zero traction. In spending time on this trip considering that sometimes identifying the things you don't want to do are exactly the things you should focus on doing helped reshape my perspective. I want to be a part of it…I want to go to Bangladesh and spend more time with Ramjan and his community building something special…I want you all to come with me. So who’s in? 

“Life is Journey…Just focus on whatever’s in front of you ”

An alluring documentary that touches on the redemptive power of surfing in Bangladesh. This short feature tells the story of how a group of more than 30 boys and girls, many of whom are poverty-stricken street kids, are making a difference in their community and how the surf club they started is the catalyst for this change.

Backcountry Clarity

I am not sure if this is even a thing, I am a little nervous at this point to even Google it. It definitely can’t be an original concept. No way am I the first to have thought about this.  The more I consider it, I bet you it has at some point been printed on a Patagonia T-Shirt.

I can make it about 3 weeks maximum before I have to go. Go away…away from traffic lights…text message alerts…the busyness of the metropolis that is city life. In my profession I can communicate with my co workers through…email…design change databases…Instant messages…my desk phone...my cell phone…text messages…action items and forbid someone stops by to do it the old fashion way and speaks to me. There is no shortage of distractions diverting my focus. I love people and I love communication through all of these channels, but it has become just too much. So much going on and to many things moving so fast. Maybe it is running away or maybe it’s just running towards something else.

On the trail my mind has a way to filter through and compartmentalize what’s important and what’s not…to explore what’s broken that needs to be searched through and thought about and separating what can wait until Monday when I return. When on the trail I usually spend the first 5 miles trying to remember whether or not I locked my tuck doors back on the trailhead. The next five are spent considering what I should have left out of my pack to save weight. Slowly the unimportant thoughts filter there way out…the one or two issues I need to work out come into focus. It becomes clear with the Clarity that comes only with being in the Backcountry. This clarity comes with purpose; the purpose to work through thoughts that you need not be pulled away from; the ones the busyness of typical daily distractions don’t allow you to explore. This is the time in which decisions that can potentially change the path of my life are explored. This is the time where I have the opportunities to consider alternative perspectives. It becomes the space in which I set new goals. This allows me to reach the decision points where I can decide to make a change. This time draws the starting line in which I can begin something new.

Backcountry Clarity is important. It’s where the work takes place. Not all questions get answered not all perspectives change but it’s the space within where growth can happen. 

Love, Hope and Nasi Goreng

For me the Trip doesn’t start until I hear the audible “ding” sounding from the ticket scanning machine, acknowledging approval to pass by the gate attendant and locate my seat on the airplane. Up until that point it's all speculation made up of flight confirmation emails, time off requests and the conversations attempting to explain why I am going. I quickly snap my seat belt together, strapping in for a journey in which I know I won’t return the same.

I have never been content with my ability to explain why. I have never felt that I was able to thoroughly convey my reasoning and the emotional pull as why I feel called on these service trips. Don’t get me wrong I wanted to go and Surf. Surfing is a reason but not the purpose: the purpose is greater; it’s bigger than me. The purpose is to create change, the change I want to see in this world and the change within myself. My purpose is to go beyond my comfort zone to share my knowledge and build lasting friendships. Friendships being the foundation of life that all experiences, learning and growth are all built upon. Something special happens when you go forward with selfless intentions.

This trip offered many experiences...

This trip offered the experience of; being scared on a new level. This one was completely my fault, as is stated to my friend Jeff “This trip I want to surf conditions that make me scared”. When this was spouted from my mouth not all considerations were taken. I have a skewed scale to measure fear upon. I grew up around racing motocross, jumping out of perfectly good airplanes, and dropping backcountry chutes that could have had dire consequences. It takes quite a bit. I can swim fairly well and in California worst case is coming out of the water with a board ding. I got what I wished for; I was greeted one morning by freight training barrels, current stronger than I had ever seen and reef so shallow it allowed zero margins for error.

This trip offered the experience of; teaching some kids who might have felt forgotten about that they are in fact loved. We partnered with Bali Life Foundation, whose goal is to give hope, purpose and dignity to unprivileged people. We took out some kids to Dreamland to surf for the first time and to session with some of the guys and gals at a fun little beach break. I have yet to discover something in this world that brings me greater joy than seeing the excitement on a child’s face when catch their first wave. We were able to see a few of the kids get up for the first time and others catch some good ones to create lasting memories of one great day. I might have had more fun snapping pictures than the kids in the pictures.

This trip offered the experience of; being able to teach. Being the only guy in the group born in the 80’s it made me feel old, but age has also offered me the time to gather knowledge through experiences that allows me to offer perspective on life, its challenges and undeserving grace.

There is a popular story about a kid named Timothy. It’s an old story, so old no one knows of Timothy’s exact age at the time the story begins but scholars have estimated him to be somewhere in his mid-teenage years. There was this great leader named Paul, he saw the potential in this kid and took him under his wing and helped to develop him into a great leader. I have always considered it my duty to do everything I can do to raise up those coming behind me, by helping them they in turn help me become better. This trip allowed me countless opportunities to do life and help guide my friends to the answers and perspective they are searching for. In doing so it allowed me the realization that my experiences and knowledge are more valuable that at most times I consider. Spending time helping lead made me realize how important it is to me to invest into teaching others.

This trip offered the experience of; being able to realize that I stand in the exact spot I want to be. We spent a few hours the night before saying our goodbyes, packing up all our gear and cleaning out our bungalows. We had spent a few amazing days in the village of Desert Point but it was time for us to leave. I enjoyed every minute of time I spent there but with the anticipation of our boat arriving to take us on the next leg of adventure... I was ready to go. I had been sitting atop our mountain of luggage for a few hours past our anticipated vessel arrival time when I was notified the boat had headed back to port due to weather I over anticipated its arrival and allowed myself to get upset with the situation. These things happen no big deal. Shortly after someone offered up the option to go surf the other side of the island and asked for willing participants to go on an adventure. I never say no to an adventure, so I committed before I could get my hand into the air. A few of us grabbed boards and hoped into the back of a pick up. It wasn't until sitting in bed of the truck rock crawling up the jeep trail until I fully realized what I had committed myself to. The island is not small and there are no straight roads: nor seats, radio or room to extend your legs.

We bounced around in that pick up for approximately 6 hours, through curvy rough roads before we arrived at our destination. We were informed we had a short window before the tides changed and we had to get out quick. From the shore the wave did not have the best shape and had a little wind chop on the face. I Picked off 4 or 5 killer rides not knowing at the time they would become my favorite of the entire trip. But it wasn't those rides that made them so special. The tides changed and we all ended up back at the beach rehydrating with fresh coconut water signifying the session coming to a close. As we loaded back up the reality of the 6 hour return trip hit me. Suddenly I thought about how cramped my legs were going to get and how the loud the wind whistling by was going to be.

As we bounced down the road the sun began to set and I was washed over by a flood of mind focusing direction. As the red and orange streaked sky erupted around us, all my previous thoughts were halted. I took inventory of where I was and who I was surrounded by. I laughed out loud thinking...I love this...this is life and it's meant to be lived. I traveled days, paused my career to follow a calling that brought me right here to this specific moment. In that moment this is the exact place I had been dreaming about while sitting in Southern California traffic and at my desk for months. I finally realized this was the exact place I wanted to be. There is no other place I would rather be than surrounded in his love and with the people that have given so much more to also be jam packed in a pickup with cramped legs laughing continuously along with me.

This trip offered the experience of; Learning the meaning of the word “Ginosko’. I had never heard of this of this word until moments before my flight but it is a word that has been given to me as a gift. The word means to know, learn and realize... especially through experiential knowledge and firsthand experience. This word set my focus for the trip and encouraged me to be more aware of the opportunities to learn through vulnerable knowing.

In spending close intimate time with people you inevitable form a sense of family. I don't think there is a quicker way to truly get to know someone other than to travel with them. Life long friendships can be established in such a short period of time and lasting lessons can become vivid unforgettable memories. Once such instance came unexpectedly when I was introduced to this guy named Keolie, I met him the previous day and he was a shaper originally from Hawaii he had set roots in the village of Desert Point and started a family. He had overheard a vulnerable testimony and asked if he could share a story of his own with the group. He ran and fetched his young child so we could all hear a story that was close to his heart.

“An anthropologist proposed a game to children of an African tribe. He put a basket full of fruits under a tree and he told children that the one who reaches it first will win the sweet fruits.

When he told them to run, they all took each other by the hand and ran together, then sat down together to share their sweets.

When he asked them why they had ran like that, while one of them could have all the fruits to himself, they said: UBUNTU!

UBUNTU in Hausa culture means: “I am because we are””

I haven’t been able to shake this story. It could not be more applicable to this situation and all situations. There is no difference... we all are.

This trip offered the experience of; Learning the lasting potential of Love. It’s my calling in life... to love. I know with my heart of hearts that I was placed on this earth to show love to the forgotten and bring hope to those who have never been told of their true value. Long term missions and Short term each have their own place and purpose. At this point in my life Short Term mission work is allowing me to develop my long term calling. I don't think I will change this world but I have confidence that I will be gifted the ability and the opportunity to help encourage and lift up the one that does.

I try to always keep a story I once heard on the forefront of my mind.

“There was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions.

Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and it almost looked as if he was dancing but and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “

When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water.”

The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”

The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”
”

— The Star Thrower, by Loren Eiseley (1907 – 1977)

Just One...

 

Full Picture Set

Surfing The Nations

Bali Life Foundation

Loving Orphans Global

Podcast: It doesn’t take an Organization

In this episode Ferriy Bagus tells us about what he has done to create the change he wants to see in this world. He has taken to his network to fundraise the money to pay for the schooling cost for an amazing group of children at the Jewel of the Nation Orphanage. He has invited me to join him in delivering the fruits of his efforts directly to the people it is going to impact. He said something in this conversation that has stuck with me since. “It doesn’t take an Organization.” You can do it yourself. I realized I don’t need to fill out an application to volunteer with and organization, I don’t need to wait until the next facebook fundraiser to donate. I can do something right now.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/lets-get-better/id891506143?mt=2

This day changed me. I loved all of it. I was so focused on the ride there on conditions and circumstances that had taken place these allow children to get there. I quickly realized after spending sometime with them that it didn’t matter. All I could see was the enormous potential in each of them. These kids where so full of joy and happiness. You could see it in there eyes and hear it in their laughter. I loved it and saw what amazing things Ferriy has done and what everyone involved with this organization is doing. I considered the fact that most of the people I look up to and enjoy learning from are not the ones who came from the perfect situations; they are the ones who have overcome adversity to do something special. These kids.

“I might not change a million lives but I might be able to help the one person that does. ”

I want join Ferriy and lead along with him. I am putting out the challenge to my friends to partner with me in doing so. With the number of Downloads this thing gets we should be able to make a signification impact. I will match dollar for dollar the funds we raise to go directly to this great cause. Lets raise a thousand bucks together. My stretch goal is $10k. If we can get to Ten Thousand dollars I will take someone with me to give it to the kids. If we can get over $10k I will put all the names that donated (even $1) in a hat and I will take one of them with me for an all expense paid mission to Indonesia to deliver the money and meet my friends over on the islands.  Want to create change? I do.

Want to Partner with me and Donate? ---> davidrabe@gmail.com

http://www.lovingorphansglobal.org

A Captain is one who leads, or guides others

I have met people in this life where I have had to instinctually step back and question "Is this authentic? Is this person really this strong? Does this person really wake up this stoked on life, everyday?" There is just something unique and special about them. They are beyond average. I am pulled to them. I find myself crafting ways to spend more time with them. "Let's go walk over there grab a cup of coffee." "Awh bro, you can't scrub those dishes alone." It's because I want/need these kinds of people as my friends/family. I want to learn from them. I want to teach with them. They are the ones who choose to go with me with the purpose of bringing light to the darkest and gnarliest places on this planet. I love it.

Collect Experiences not Things

Last week my father said something to my brother that I couldn’t stop thinking about “I just sold the Corvette, it just didn’t bring me the happiness I thought it would.” Happiness… I had to ask my self; what was it about these machines that brings me such great joy? The simple answer was, not much really; usually these machines just cost more money than anticipated and result in busted knuckles most times I work on them. What brings me true heightened happiness is sharing a experience with my friends and family. There is nothing like it. Some my top memories of life are summarized by traveling open roads with the ones I love along side me.

No one person has taught me as many things as my father. I have become the man I am today because of him, Sometimes I frighten myself when I notice how much like him I have become. He has influenced me in many ways but most prevalent is my love for Cars and Motorcycles. It’s in our blood.

The love affair really took hold at the age of 16 with my brother and I got our Driver’s license and shortly after later our Motorcycle endorsements. As a family we have done cross country rides, camp trips to go ride dirt bikes and have even stood together in our garage to watch my mother try and win a bet that should could change a tire faster than we could.

I have had many smooth / easy moto trips, this trip was not one of them. I figured it was past due for one that was challenging both physically and mentally. The original plan was to travel from Orange County to meet my buddy Chris in Flagstaff, head to Durango travel through Silverton in route to Grand Junction, down through Moab, over to Zion national park and return home.

The first leg getting to Flagstaff was a quick reminder how tough the first 300 miles of a moto trip are. My bike had issues at elevation, I had already ran out of Gas twice; so it ended up getting traded in at the rental shop for an Ol Man Electra Glide that would double as a pack donkey for my buddy Chris’s gear since he decided to ride his custom build (by someone else) Café Racer. The forecast said there was a 40% chance of rain. While cruising towards Monument Valley we got to experience our first taste of these brutal flash storms and got quickly soaked through to the bone. When someone says “a 40% chance of rain” to me I take it as better odds than flipping a coin, come to find out a 40% chance of rain in reality means that; It is currently raining on 40% of the square miles of the area you are looking at a weather forecast for.

We made it to Monument Valley in the late evening and were to tired to set up camp. We crashed right in the dirt which was fine by me, or at least I thought so at the moment. A few hours later I awoke to the sound of an animal in camp, I couldn’t stop laughing when I noticed there was an Australian sheep dog licking Chris’s head, attempting to determine what flavor of hair product he used the prior morning. No big deal he seemed friendly enough. One of the last things I have ever considered when choosing a camp site is whether or not it was in the middle of a horse travel path. Well this site ended up being just that, a few hundred horses passed around us as we had ignorantly chosen to sleep in the middle of their freeway. Regardless, all off the night time incidents were worth it, waking up to the towering rock formations located on the valley floor was pretty amazing.

We spent the rest of the day working towards Durango to see the town and take a ride over the Million Dollar Highway. As soon as we left Durango it started dumping rain. This particular stretch of highway is known to be one of the most dangerous in the world. As we traveled over the pass and the elevation increased, it changed. It changed from a rain storm into a snow storm. It didn’t matter in the moment, we decided that the best course of action was to push through, when I say best that does not equate to most intelligent. I have been in some dangerous situations but this one was extremely sketchy.

We made it over the pass and made it down arriving at dryer ground in the lower elevation. We celebrated that evening with a steak dinner reflecting on all of the reasons why shouldn’t have done what we just did.

The next morning the goal was to stay dry, stay away from the Highway Patrol and get towards Moab. We decided to take a side tour and rode through The Colorado National Monument as we passed by Grand Junction.

We encountered a little bit of rain as we headed to Moab to see the Arch’s. As we arrived at the entrance of Arches National Park we were greeted by Park Rangers informing us that the park was at capacity for the day. I have frequently been turned away from upscale night clubs but never before from a Geological point of interest. I was initially upset that we were not allowed in but after thinking about it for a little bit I was okay with knowing it was due to the best intended effort to preserve the area, which ultimately I support. Not a big deal there are plenty of other awesome things to see in the amazing state of Utah. 

Shortly after the picture above was taken we hit rain again. The rain we had encountered before came in short spurts, this rain just kept coming. It would not stop and it didn’t. We were headed towards the Grand Canyon when the sun set. We were nowhere near a city that had a hotel but we were close to Monument Valley where we knew we could get a camp spot.

We got the last available camp spot. Actually they had sold us a spot that they didn’t have so we set up in a location that could provide a bit of cover and keep us dry that night. Mike was cold and wet and had no interest in staying that way for the entire night. He was set on making the 200 miles trek to Flagstaff to get a room for the night. How he made it alone, in those conditions I will never know. Chris and I toughed it out and managed to stay fairly dry.

The next morning we geared up to make it to the last stop the Grand Canyon. I had lived in Arizona for almost a decade and the thought about making a trip across the state to visit a tourist destination was never appealing. I finally gave in on this trip, I was sick of having to explain to people why I had never see it. Once we arrived I could get a glimpse when riding by the vantage point and I was surprisingly shocked. It was in fact as impressive as everyone had made it out to be. After fighting though the crowds carrying an abundance of slefie sticks to get a view we noticed that just down the way the people barrier ended and we could climb out on this ledge to get a better view. As we came upon it I realize how slick the crappy rock was due to the mud, I became hesitant to scale the required boulders to venture out any further. There were a few family’s that did not and had no problem brining their kids across this slip and slide of death for a family portrait. A google search later that day supporting my decision showing record of a large number of tourist deaths each year right there at the visitor center. 

The final leg home coming off the Flagstaff elevation was on a boring straight two lane freeway back to California. It ended up being my favorite moment of the trip. We hit the basin floor, traffic faded away, the sky cleared up and the temperature increased. This encouraged us to twist the throttle all the way open. Mike and I were side by side pushing the limit of our bikes and our physical grip strength as we headed back to the reality of returning to work. I couldn’t see Mike’s face because it was being blocked by his helmet but my smile was so big it hurt. As the sun set it hit me, I let out a loud YEWWW, realizing that this exact moment will be recorded for eternity. This is what it is all about and these are the experiences that bring me happiness. No physical object can but sharing experiences and moments with my friends and family absolutely will. Till the next one.  

Good Young Men

This quote stopped me in my tracks today:

“Instead of giving someone a piece of your mind, it turns out far better if you give them a piece of your heart.”

— Ann Voskamp

If this isn’t something I need written on my arm I don’t know what is. I mostly read though the rough masculine perspective but not always, today after a recommendation I went and read a Blog post by one of my email authors Ann Voskamp (Author of 1000 Gifts Not my favorite book but one I will still recommend frequently). This particular piece is fantastic advise for Mothers or any parent who is challenged with raising a Boy like me.

Help for Mothers Who Want to Give Up: 10 Keys to Raising This Generation of Boys into #GoodYoungMen

The Fisherman’s Son

Most of the time I am overwhelmed by the idea of taking on solving some of the smallest environmental problems. I feel to small to make any sort of difference. I have taken on sustainable practices to make my carbon footprint smaller but I have so much more I can do. This recent documentary from Patagonia gives me hope as it tells an amazing story about one guy from a small place who had to figure out for himself how to save something he loved.

“Born and raised at Punta de Lobos, Ramón Navarro found his passion riding the biggest waves on the planet. But his accomplishments in giant surf are just one part of a bigger vision to protect the culture and environment of the Chilean coast.”

Identity

“One may define identity as the distinctive characteristic belonging to any given individual, or shared by all members of a particular social category or group.”

— Weinreich & Saunderson 2003, Chapter 1, pp 54

I don’t think you truly ever “find yourself”, you're not a static state of being that is hidden within a specific experience or set aside in a secret location across the globe to be discovered. Is your identity the way in which you view yourself as being perceived by others or is it who you feel you are when you are alone in thought? I believe your identity is a collection of many characteristics. 

I believe we are built through the culmination of life experiences, thoughts, opinions, lessons, mistakes, conversations, scars, words and beliefs. I have started to think of the concept looking like a basic common Change Jar. Each life experience has a different value and they are all collected within the vessel culminating over time. Mine is full of all sorts of coins; Pennies representing conversations, Nickels representing thoughts and opinions, Dimes representing mistakes and scars, Quarters representing life experiences. There are a few invaluable coins representing my faith, patience and endurance; not only valuable gifts but hard characteristics to earn. There are even a few Paseos, a Canadian dollar, half dozen dress shirt buttons and a Matchbox Fire Truck. A photo taken of the Change Jar at any given time will be a representation of who I am at that specific moment in life.

I have been searching for years trying to figure out who I am; I have been focused on this concept of defining my identity for some time. Trying to figure out how I develop and represent myself as a Leader of hope, grace, change and faith in my community. I was focused for so long on filling this Jar with as much as possible, the more the better, saving up everything I could. I have filled the Jar with some amazingly beautiful things. My favorite part about this analogy of the Change Jar is; the wide opening at the top of the Jar. This opening, not only allows for everything to be put inside, it also allows for things to come out. I can remove opinions I once held and I can let go of things I am not and no longer. 

Realizing who we are is a matter of letting go of who we aren't. Surrendering who we think we are to become who we truly are. The concept of letting go of the things we are trying to be, or… are no longer is truly freeing.  Allow your Identity to be defined in only the characteristics that shine brightly. 

Starting A Movement

In this episode I sit down with one of my good friends and current Strength & Conditioning Coach Gilly Smith. It has been said that you are the average of your five closest friends; well Gilly most defiantly brings UP my average. I am gracious for her inspiration, guidance and thankful for her taking the time to give us a behind the scenes peak into this very special project she has been creating.

All of us have dreams of creating something special and financial supporting ourselves by doing something we love. Gilly started out with the goal to go bigger and she has developed a Movement. The Movement has commenced with her new Crossfit event series Femme Royale, through this she is empowering women to challenge themselves and grow through discovering their true potential. In this podcast we sit down to talk about how she found the inspiration to initiate this movement and gives us the secrets on how she did it. She walks us through how life’s challenges have equipped her with the ability to lift up the thousands around her by producing one of the premier Crossfit Events while also owning and coaching Crossfit Second Chance and producing a clothing line. Gilly is a beautiful reminder of how the challenges in life bring us new opportunities to grow and help other to become better. 

“Femme Royale is an expression, way of life for the women of our generation. Striving to live a stronger more passionate life. Not accepting defeat. Owning who they are and what they want to become. Powerful women who want to change the world.”

— Femme Royale

“Femme Royale was born out of countless vision boards and big dreams. It lived within my soul. Standing up for what I believe in, staying true to my murals and core values was the pivotal point on really launching the Femme Royale Movement. ”

— Femme Royale

“Femme Royale really took off because failure was NOT an option. After having my soul crushed, I was determined to empower women to do what they were told they couldn’t. Inspire them to believe in themselves. Because these are all the things I was overcoming at the time. I knew my purpose was greater than just living out my own dreams, or over coming my own disbeliefs and fears. My purpose lies within helping other women. ”

— Femme Royale

“Vision. Dream. Purpose. Inspire. ”

Hope you beautiful people enjoy listening to it as much as I did recording it. 

http://crossfitsecondchance.com

http://www.femmeroyale.com

Light

Some people want to run into the burning building to try and save someone. Most times those people don’t want to be saved. They aren’t ready.

You need to stand underneath the Light Pole and stay revealed in the darkness. You can’t hide. Let them see you are there. Waiting. It’s easy to hide in the darkness. They will see you and when they are ready they will know where to find you. 

Reputation

I love this. It was a fantastic reminder today about how important action is. How important our actions are. I needed to see this as a reminder that our reputation is built on what you have done and not what you have talked about doing. It's time to get going. I love seeing people take the initiative in putting their plan into action toward achieving their goal. Whatever it is you want; say “YES!” and take a step forward. 

Anxiety

“Anxiety: is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.

People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat.”

— http://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/

I don’t feel that definition is all encompassing or defines this issue in an absolute comprehensive manner. I think there are so many varied aspects to Anxiety; some so far reaching that I can’t comprehend the complexity.  I have always been a nervous person, I am always thinking, over-thinking mostly. Most times it’s about small situations or unimportant things and in doing so can sometimes have many positive benefits by analyzing the situation allowing me to re-adjust my trajectory. However, sometimes these small things can develop into big things, it can become overwhelming and then transform into a state of consciousness that’s debilitating. It can become something that I can’t remove focus from and takes over control. Anxiety and Depression have a cyclical cause and effect relationship. These are terms that are thrown around frequently but what is it really? In modern medicine Anxiety can/is defined as a disorder:

“Disorder /dis•or•der/ (dis-or´der) a derangement or abnormality of function; a morbid physical or mental state.”

I have heard it talked about in a way that the diagnosis makes the conclusion that something is wrong, something is abnormal, something in fact is broken and that Anxiety is the result of this.

I can’t write this off as completely untrue. Medical Scholars smarter than I, know a vast deal more regarding the complex science behind this issue. Something I am sure of for myself is that Anxiety can also be a symptom. A symptom of something we have developed within ourselves. It can be considered a result of an action that we chosen and or are causing for ourselves. The good news is then we have the ability to control it and also fix it. I think Anxiety is in fact a normal part of life. I think it is something all of us will come to experience at some point, furthermore I think it can be good.

Anxiety is painful; it is an emotional pain that holds a tight grip deep down inside of us and that in no way feels good. What is causing it? I believe that Anxiety comes from something within us that is being brought to the forefront of our thought showing us that something is wrong; rather than the diagnosis of something being broken. I think that Anxiety can come as a result of many things: an interaction with someone else, a relationship issue, a choice we made but can also be a result of something that has happened to us. The physical feeling of Anxiety is an indication of us knowing something is wrong, something not being right. There is something we know we need to change or fix; a wrong that needs to be made right. It can be something that has been building and compounding for years. It can be something you have kept to yourself and never had the courage or ability to confront. It can be large, ugly, entangled, dark and tortuous.

The good can start by identifying the source. It takes some extensive searching and self reflection, it can take meditation, it can take prayer and it most defiantly takes time. As humans we have the unique ability to change, we can create a solution to remedy the source. We have the ability to ask for forgiveness for something we have done, forgive someone who has done something to us, learn from and make peace with any event. This is the Challenge; it is one that is difficult, requires hard work and will not be comfortable. We have the ability to remedy and eliminate these feelings of Anxiety by making the situation right. We can’t forget we are designed to adapt; without adversity there won’t be any change because; it’s only by pushing though that adversity and overcoming that you develop lasting change. The only way you can progress along this path is progressing though adversity. You can use these experiences to become better and grow into a better/stronger/more-knowledgeable human.

Anxiety feels terrible but should be thought of as an indicator/precursor to address something you need to change. In overcoming this adversity created by Anxiety you can become stronger. This is what makes it good.

“The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge, while an ordinary man takes everything as a blessing or a curse. ”

— Carlos Castaneda from Tales of Power