First things first. Determine if you need to DYF:

Define – identify what is affecting your life and clarify what needs to happen to create meaning.
Your – the wonderful little things which make you unique and authentic.
Fit – a place where you can embrace your true self and achieve greatness.

If you have something going on in that is keeping you from living a full life, you might be needing a wee bit of a change. Identify this issue first! (I am not a doctor, nor am I trying to diagnose!) Once you are satisfied with what the “issue” at hand is that’s keeping you down, it is time to figure out how to utilize your unique qualities to help solve it. Final piece: find your happy place, somewhere you can find peace within. For me it was hiking, waterfalls, anything nature related. 

Several factors came into play and, when combined, made me realize I wanted more in a career and in my life overall. After some lengthy therapy, I came to the conclusion I not only needed to connect with people on a deeper level in general, but that it was somehow driven by a sense of comradely, setting goals and achieving them together as a team is what made the magic happen for me.

A Cohesive Team is a Successful Team – Hood to Coast Marathon

A defining moment for me was being part of a team whose members were complete strangers, not knowing each other before training began. Even so, we completed a grueling 3-day marathon and redefined teamwork as we knew it. There’s something about sleeping in the dirt in the middle of absolutely nowhere, being chased by giant raccoons and dodging cars in the dark that really brings people together. Not only did we gain the capacity to see past ourselves but we also formed close friendships, maintained to this day.

 

 

The Creative Team Gets the Worm – Taking it to a Personal Level

A team is comprised of members who are ready (and willing) to jump all in should the need arise and do whatever it takes to get the job done. In this particular instance, it was non-negotiable. Bringing my kids along on these rafting adventures was a creative way of teaching them the true value of teamwork. This also provided the opportunity for them to learn the different roles and why each is important since you never know when you will be called upon to step in. It was not because I was unable to find a babysitter! (sheesh)

 

The Final Push and the Ones That Did NOT Get Away

Setting goals and the achieving them can be smooth sailing if the wind is just right. In my case it felt as if a tornado and hurricane merged in my front yard. I knew it would be challenging to balance work, family and school but to move across the country and climb a mountain too? SAY UNCLE! But I persevered and nailed it! Below are my two of impossible dreams, ones I chased fiercely and are my biggest achievements to date: College graduate and summiting Mt. McLoughlin (for the second time too!)