This past week I tucked another new experience into my memory banks – Sedona, Arizona.
I attended the “Inspired Livelihood” workshop with Barbara Winter, Terri Belford and Alice Barry.
It is difficult to describe exactly what went on before I left for my trip and what happened while in Sedona.
First, I don’t consider myself an adventurer. I’d much rather sit at my desk with my computer and a few books than pack my bags, leave my family, drive, fly, drive some more, search for places that can accommodate my dietary restrictions, suffer untold allergies and insomnia all while putting myself in new environments to meet new people.
Second, I don’t consider myself an outdoors person. I love nature, but prefer to experience it from a climate controlled environment.
Just because I don’t consider myself an adventurer or an outdoors person doesn’t mean I avoid either experience.
By consistently stepping outside my comfort zone, going places and doing things I don’t consider natural for me helps me grow.
If I hadn’t decided to go on an adventure…
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I would have missed meeting some amazing people and forging new friendships.
I would have never seen the famous Sedona red rocks and realized that there is a whole lot of green in those rocks. (Lots of vegetation.)
I would never of had the experience of sitting on a mountaintop with my sketch book and oil pastels to create my own memories of what the red rocks looked like.
I would have never connected with people I knew previously on a whole new, deeper level or realized how much we have in common.
I would have never eaten some of the most delicious meals I have ever had.
I wouldn’t have realized that there are certain times in our lives when our dreams and goals need to be pursued at a much slower pace than we would prefer.
I would have never realized that I am no longer the shy, socially unskilled person I was years ago and that I can move and adapt to a variety of situations and people…and enjoy the experience.
I would have never had the personal insights of who I am, or reached the level of acceptance for who I have become.
Life is an adventure and we can choose to live it based who we think we are or who we want to become.
For me, I think I want to keep exploring.
Sandy,
Your insights regarding your trip were wonderful. I wasn’t in Sedona with all of you, but in January I had the great fortune to be in Santa Fe for an event with like-minded people. Every year I do attend a few carefully-chosen events. They do help in my personal growth and ongoing learning. I cherish the friends I’ve made at them!
I’d actually hoped to be at Barbara Winter’s Denver event today, but things didn’t work out so I could take the day to be there. When the timing is right I will get to meet her personally. I’m looking forward to that.
Thank you, Alice. I had a GREAT time hanging out with you!!
Sandy
Thanks, Rasheed. It was great meeting you in person, too.
And had you not gone to Sedona, I would not have had the honor of meeting you in person.
Sandy! Great post. What I really loved about Sedona is that the people there made it easy and pleasurable to stretch outside the comfort zone.
Had I not gone, I would not have had the pleasure of learning all the amazing details we have in common, or what a good driver you are or how stunning you are when you are at work pumping enthusiasm into those in whom you believe.