Throughout the project I realized that despite the immense effort and the suffering, and the sense of accomplishment I got from a large project like this, one of the most valuable parts of my travels has been the people I met and shared experiences with.
I haven’t done any of my adventures without help and I feel it’s important to use my experiences to help others enjoy their own experiences (passions).
Through the Project’s core values, I will encourage others to follow their passions regardless of what others say or think. I’ll do this through quality content, planning resources, guides motivational speaking, social media, sharing other’s passions and stories to help others find theirs and lastly, through personal interaction with those I meet during my adventures and daily life.
While cold and hypothermic at 12,000′ huddled in my tent during the Colorado Trail Race, I realized we’re all One of Seven Billion. This realization came from seeing my pruned fingers as I laid shivering. We’re all born with our own finger prints and DNA (unless you’re an identical twin). It was then it hit me we’re all One of Seven Billion. I believe it’s our passions not just our finger prints of DNA that make us unique.
Around the age of 31 I realized I wasn’t living my life as I wanted. I had forgotten what the Appalachian Trail had taught me and I wasn’t following my passion. As individuals we are constantly being told what to do, what to like, what we need and the result can be a loss of self. As a result of this, I made my first core value to encourage others to truly know themselves and their passions.
Unfortunately not everyone celebrates their uniqueness. Barriers come in all kinds of shapes and forms, keeping some from following their passions. It’s my goal to change that by assisting others in celebrating their uniqueness by following those passions that make them unique. This is why I’m sharing my stories, offering solutions, and simply reminding others what their passion(s) are.
My last core value is very much tied to the third. If you don’t practice Humanizing Adventure, you’re only hurting yourself. You’re either shooting too high or too long. The only person you should compare yourself with is the person in the mirror looking back at you. My goal of helping others be the best version of themselves isn’t just about self image but strength of character. No one goes through life alone. Everyone should carry themselves as they would want to be treated. By doing so you not only improve your life but those around you. I truly believe this giving back is important.
