Leap. Climb. Repeat.

Today, there are no tearful deep breaths or trembling fingers. As I sit in the glow of the sun in my Mexican apartment, I feel only incredible gratitude for the confidence and courage I continue to discover on my journey.

About That Leap…

Remember that door I pushed open?

Eighteen months ago, I took a leap, leaving my life as I knew it behind and plunging myself right off a cliff into a journey of self discovery. I chose a nomadic route, and this path has taken me to unimaginable heights and depths, to the end of the world and back more than once, only to take off again.

In hindsight, I wouldn’t trade this solo time for anything, because it has taught me more than anything else ever has.

But, something else is happening now.

At the end of 2016, I finally found solid ground. I had conquered the free fall, built my net, and climbed to new heights, and in one final heave, I pulled myself over the top.

I think I laid there for a while, exhausted from the climb and basking in the sun, but then I stood up and realized where I was.

In fact, it was someone else who pointed it out to me, someone I had only known for one week. Apparently, when you truly love and value yourself, it is no secret. I had finally arrived.

This. Changes. Everything.

On top of this new foundation, I finally found the strength to process certain things I hadn’t had the courage to face in the last 18 months. I tore down the last of the walls I had built to protect myself, which were necessary for a time, but now only stood between me and my future. I felt Sorrow, Anger, and Shame that had been residing in my heart diminish as each wall crumbled.

More importantly, I was able to close the door on a certain phase of my journey.

I feel like Forrest Gump, when he suddenly stopped running and turned around, with a new plan. I reached the top of this cliff, yes, but leaping is the cycle of life. What would come next?

The answer appeared before I even thought to ask the question.

The Misalignment

To kick off 2017, I sat down with a friend and fellow online entrepreneur to outline real, BIG business goals for the year. The results clearly identified my new priorities. Unlike the challenges behind the last door, these priorities are less personal and more professional. Sign. Me. Up.

In the weeks since then, my efforts to focus on these projects have been met with resistance in many ways. It appears that my current nomadic lifestyle does not align with these new, professional priorities.

Talk about a wakeup call.

I’m observing that I’m actually missing out on important opportunities because of the limitations I have imposed upon myself by being aimlessly nomadic.

I realize that may sound ironic, but as an entrepreneur with big business goals that require certain technologies, consistencies, and geographic locations (not to mention community), being constantly on the go is not necessarily conducive.

The aimlessly nomadic lifestyle aligned well with the personal goals I set in 2015. That path is one I’ve always wanted to explore, and I leveraged it to expedite personal transformation in the time I needed it most.

It worked. It blows my mind just how well it worked, and I’m SO proud of myself for going through with it. But as I try to move forward on that same path now, it feels like the only thing in front of me is a rearview mirror. It’s beautiful, but it isn’t getting me where I want to go anymore. It’s time for a change.

There is grace in letting go of a good thing when it isn’t what’s best for us.

In making the decision to change paths, to suddenly stop my aimless wandering, I have opted out of good opportunities I had already planned, so I can carve out the space I need for the really great opportunities that are more important to me. Essentialism never comes without sacrifice.

My pruning continues as I realign my path with my priorities, making room for what’s most important, even if those opportunities have yet to present themselves. (If you haven’t read Essentialism, buy it right now).

The New Path

After Baja (and in between other trips), my next adventure will take me to yet another new location, this time within US borders. There, I will attempt to establish a base from which to work and travel.

I have known for a while that the home base I seek is not my beloved Montana. Winter is ALWAYS coming in Montana, yet there is no sign of Jon Snow (not fair). Also, news flash: travel is not exactly convenient when you’re North of The Wall.

Coincidentally (or not?), as soon as I became serious about stopping my nomadic travels, a location came to mind. One that aligns well with my personal and professional priorities. Imagine that. Before I tell you where it is, let me go check it out first. I don’t know if it’s meant to be, nor do I expect the transition to be quick.

I do know that I am excited about this plan, I feel it in my heart.

This has taken me by surprise, perhaps more than anyone else, as I did not expect to be transitioning from a somewhat new nomadic lifestyle to creating a home base any time soon. However, I am now practiced enough in listening to myself that I know when I need to make a change, and I know I’m the only one who can do it.

In the meantime, I still have plenty of travel coming up. This is the beauty of my work. There ARE travel opportunities around every corner, and having a home base means that I will know what airport I need to fly in and out of to make them happen (and I will have more than five shirts to choose from!).

First, I’m going kayaking and whale watching with ROW Adventures before I leave Loreto. We’ll be exploring islands, camping on beaches, and petting baby gray whales.

Next, I’m going to Cabo for a 3-day mastermind. Watch out 2017, I will own you.

Next, I’m going to Europe! I have two trips I’m doing to two new locations while I’m over there. Stay tuned for more about those.

Indeed, my “next” adventure is always just around the corner. I am ready to take this leap to focus on what is most important now, and I’m excited to see where I fly in 2017.

Also, stay tuned to see what comes of my “big ideas” this year. Saying that out loud is scary, but so is everything else that has been worth doing in my life.

Here’s to pushing the next door open! #salta