Life is such a gift. EVERY DAY is a gift. What if… you experienced this as a daily practice? How now would you experience your life on a moment to moment, day to day basis?
Gratitude
Life is such a gift. EVERY DAY is a gift. What if… you experienced this as a daily practice? How now would you experience your life on a moment to moment, day to day basis?
Gorilla Trekking
Inspired by the 1988 movie “Gorillas in the Mist” with Sigourney Weaver and Aussie actor Bryan Brown, which depicts the real-life journey and odyssey of Dian Fossey who saved these beautiful creatures from extinction (though it is based in the neighbouring country Rwanda, her work impacted Uganda also), I set out to fulfil this adventure…
Gorilla Trekking
Gorilla Trekking in Uganda
I’m reminiscing this week of a fabulous adventure (one of my favourites) which I experienced this time last year.
I’d just spent an incredible 10 days in Kenya, Africa on safari with Mike Dooley and his TUT Adventurers Group, where I also met my dear friend Emily for the first time ‘in real life.’ We had connected several months before online as a result of joining the same TUT group adventure. When I had put it to the group in a Facebook notice that I was planning on going Gorilla Trekking in Uganda straight after the event in Kenya, Emily jumped aboard the adventure with me!
Inspired by the 1988 movie “Gorillas in the Mist” with Sigourney Weaver and Aussie actor Bryan Brown, which depicts the real-life journey and odyssey of Dian Fossey who saved these beautiful creatures from extinction (though it is based in the neighbouring country Rwanda, her work impacted Uganda also), I set out to fulfil this adventure.
Recalling watching the movie for high-school and doing an english essay on it, I couldn’t help but marvel how I was TREKKING THROUGH THE JUNGLE with a small team and guards with AK47s (to protect us from bandits, not the gorillas!) It’s truly amazing how you can shift a dream from thought in to action and REALITY!
Uganda Safari | Gorilla Trekking
This trip, amongst so many other amazing adventures, is an incredible example of ‘living the dream’. In this case, MY dream.
With My Porters | Gorilla Trekking Uganda
During the 4-hours it took us to hike and cut through dense mountainous jungle to find the gorillas, I pondered a lot of the time in silence (and kept my talking to a minimal to reserve my breath for keeping up with my lung’s demands from the hiking!) I reflected on a life-turning point for me in my early 20′s when I first read a profound book, “Think & Grow Rich” by Napolean Hill. Written in 1937, Hill not only shares how to ‘get rich’ he shares his complete philosophy on how to succeed in any area of life that is important to you. As you think, so shall you become.
”All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination, Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and wealth.”
~Napoleon Hill~
Growing up I was nourished with a loving family, but like many, experienced a lot of financial stress which impacted on the family. (Though, having traveled the world to now 7 continents and 52 countries and experienced many world views on ‘wealth’ our family was rich beyond measure!) The financial challenges as a kid and teenager created great drive in my soul to set my life on course for creating financial independence and freedom, so that I could explore the world, study and learn, write, teach… and relax and enjoy life.
While gorilla trekking through the high-altitude thinning air in the mountains caused me to catch my breath at times, so too does the regular realisation of how far I’ve come in my life… from a kid who dreamed (but really didn’t think it would ever be possible) to a young adult, ‘retired’ at 32 and still living the dream on my terms at 37!
While I’ve chosen to take a short sabbatical from an intense schedule of traveling (as I did for the last 4+ years) to focus my study and learning at University (Doctor of Chiropractic) I’ve got my bucket list building again for many more adventures. Africa is most certainly high on my list as I want to explore the depths of this incredible continent, it’s people and cultures, wild life and landscapes which captivate my heart and soul.
I want to go back to Uganda, this time to see the Chimpanzees in the wild… apparently they are extremely entertaining to witness! Perhaps I will add Rwanda to my global trekking list and go for another ‘leisurely’ hike through her mountains to see the “Gorillas in the Mist” yet again…
Where in the world do you want to travel to? What do you dream of doing with YOUR life? Stretch your imagination and believe the ‘impossible’ to be possible… think, then ACT towards your dreams by setting goals and supporting yourself with living out what is MOST important to YOU!
Dare to Dream!
Design Your Life,
Live Your Dreams.
Katie… xx
P.s. Have you trekked with the Gorillas? Or seen the chimpanzees in the wild? What was your experience?
Margaret River Australia
I have travelled ALL over the world… and there really is ..no.. where.. in the world like this ‘magic pocket of paradise’ called Margaret River, which happens to be just a short road-trip of four-hours from my home-city of Perth, Australia.
A year ago, I had a vision that was already seeded from several years before, to apply for University to study to become a Doctor of Chiropractic. I got in! While I had an extensive career background (Personal Trainer and Paramedic) I was still surprised, yet delighted, to be accepted in to study at Murdoch University for this new ‘career’ path (this is really more a personal research path for me, in alignment with my current coaching and teachings of ‘aligning yourself’).
With the second semester of the year in full-swing, and a week’s study break, I took the opportunity to head ‘south’ with a dear friend of mine, to relax, recuperate, study, and mastermind for business and coaching ideas.
We had a ball!
Margaret River | View from the ‘Barn’
Staying at a ‘friend’s’ farm, (which was fondly called the ‘Barn’) we relaxed in to the local sounds of crickets, crows, magpies and other bird calls, along with sunsets over the meadows and dam… while we relaxed with wine and a gourmet cheese platter talking about all aspects of life… and what makes life so great …and, what also …well… sucks.. yup, we talked about the full spectrum of life.
Margaret River Farmstay
My dog, Cooper-Kelly (‘Cooper’ for short) came with us on our journey. She’s now 13, going 14. In human years that makes her the equivalent of about 95 years young. SHE is the core reason why I have found a way to ‘ground’ myself this year, and for the coming years to celebrate the rest of her life with her EVERY DAY THAT I CAN. I’m very grateful for all the travel that I have done (extensively) for the last 4 years. But it’s time I honour the ‘guide-girl’ full-time, that has been by my side for so long. While I have come back to Perth every 3-6 months during my travels, it’s time I now give Cooper ALL my time, love and attention. She deserves it.
And the bonus is, as a lover of study and research, I am fulfilling yet another dream to get my University degree… as a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Margaret River
Our stay in Margaret River was at a beautiful and expansive farmstay property, with a ‘barn’ set up with all the amenities. The view was to die for! The property was a beauty to walk, to take in the fresh air and the expansive boundries, bordering National park land. Inside the property is a damn, lots of rolling meadows, bush and landscape that transported me back to my magical memories of Kenya, Africa. There are a lot of sounds, visuals and smells that are so alike!
Margaret River Wineries
The key difference about Margaret River is the gourmet foods and wineries, that abound the land and delight the senses. The grapes of the region are …..incredible…. and the experience of the different wineries is a real treat. From European influence, to modern Australian and a variety of ambience in-between, there is a lot of character in this part of the world.
Margaret River Gourmet Goodies
If wine is not your favourite ‘thing’ then there are so many other gourmet delights to tantalise your senses. Hot ‘real’ chocolate at The Margaret River Chocolate Factory; soap, olives and other Italian-infused delights at the Olive Soap Factory, a gourmet spread of cheeses at the Margaret River Cheese Factory, nougat which is made at several different locations, fine silks, soft wool, and oh gosh, so much more…. it really is heaven in this region…
Margaret River Australia
And the flowers of this area are just.. incredible [yes, all photos are original and copyright, taken by me at the time of my stay in the area this past week]. Plus, as the earth spins on her axis and enters into September, we also celebrate the beginning of Spring – and the new blooms that she brings. So …thank you, Mother Earth!
If you haven’t yet visited and experienced Margaret River, I am finally letting the ‘cat out of the bag’ for my MOST FAVOURITE place in the world (OK, it’s my second favourite next to Kenya… I just LOVE the Maasai Mara!) But this region is truly diverse, magical, relaxing and there is NO OTHER place in the world like it, with all it’s beauty, refinery, elegance yet simplicity…
Thank God, that ‘she’… Margaret River, is in my own ‘back yard’!!!
Best-Selling Author!
“Nothing But Net” Best-seller
Tick!
That’s the sound of me marking off another achievement on my Bucket List.
This week, as part of a book collaboration with some amazing speakers, authors, entrepreneurs and Celebrity Press Publishing, our book “Nothing But Net” was launched and within a few days has already hit FIVE of the Amazon Best-Seller Lists in:
- Marketing
- Communication Skills
- Entrepreneurship
- Direct Marketing
- Small Business & Entrepreneurship
To add to the thrill, is being inducted into the ‘National Academy of Best-selling Authors as a verified ‘Best-Selling’ Author! Wow! Pinch me!
One of my key mentors, James Malinchak, is also a leading contributor in the book. You may recognise him from T.V. from the “Secret Millionaire” series (U.S.) in which he appeared in Season 2.
James is one of the best marketers I know, and genuine with a heart of gold to boot! His Big Money Speaker training Boot Camps are the most highly recommend events I could refer you to. Simple, elegant, clever, and attracts incredible people for you to mix with. James has a consistent history of truly taking care of you at a personal level to make sure you meet your goals.
If you have any desire to study marketing, or Speaker Training…. then be sure to check out Big Money Speaker Training Boot Camps. James has another bootcamp coming up this December 6-9, in Los Angeles. Be quick to get in, as these events fill up so fast!
Oh, and when I went through James’s Big Money Speaker Bootcamp in December 2011, the bonus opportunity I had was to meet Steadman Graham. A wonderful man in his own right, and also just a hug away from Oprah! (She’s on my list to meet too)
James, Katie & Stedman Graham
So, it is through James, that I had this wonderful opportunity of being invited to share in the collaboration of “Nothing But Net.” I want to shout out a big THANK YOU JAMES! Thank you Nick, Angie and the rest of the team at Celebrity Press Publishing!
I really appreciate you all, for helping me to bring life to one of my BIG dreams.
Dreams do come true. But, you have to be deliberate in designing what you want to happen. Then take action as opportunities unfold and open up to you.
To get the twelve FUNDAMENTAL STEPS in how to “Design your life and live your dreams”, order your copy of “Nothing But Net” today, and you also get access to hundreds in dollars worth of bonuses!
Keith Barry – Magician Illusionist
Keith Barry "Brain Hacker"
Normally I’m a globe-trotter, yet recently am more ‘grounded’ in Perth, Australia as a I have chosen to do more research and study the field of Chiropractic at University. I have missed the ‘heady-spin’ of travel and experiencing new cultures and lands. But that’s temporary. I’m continually building my bucket list of where to go next, when my studies are complete.
I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland. Yet last night, I experienced a large Irish culture here in my home-city in Perth, Western Australia.
Ireland came to me.
Meet Keith Barry – an Irish Mentalist, Hypnotist, Magician, Illusionist… and and Activist for the Elderly!
He performed his event (well truthfully, we – the audience – performed, while he facilitated) here last night at the Octagon Theatre at UWA (University of Western Australia). There were probably 600 people at the event, with at least HALF being IRISH. Many came dressed in supportive green colours. They stood out, but none more so than the conversational tone heard amongst the crowd with the Irish lilt!
I first saw Keith Barry ‘live’ on one of the morning T.V. shows (Sunrise) a few weeks ago, while laid up in bed with back pain (separate topic to share another time). But, I do have the ‘time out’ to be thankful for as because of it, I watched MUCH MORE T.V. than I would normally tune in to. I witnessed Keith’s incredible slight of hand and magic (down right fantastic illusions!) performed on the morning show’s co-hosts, David Koch and Melissa Doyle.
His performance on the morning show, and his performance live on the stage last night….still has me reeling today with AWE, wondering how the heck he not only did all the ‘tricks’ but also how he wraps it all up together at the very end.
I’ve never seen anything like it!
I really don’t want to spoil it for you, and take you on a journey of a “write-bite” of what happened. What I am going to say is, Keith Barry is ABSOLUTELY worth your time, effort and money to go see him live.
…When he invited me on stage to be part of his “prove that psychics are NOT psychics” ‘trick’ ….I still don’t know how HE WROTE DOWN ON PAPER the name of my grandfather who passed over…The name of my grand father is not an easy one either.
When Keith Barry asked me to think of someone who has passed over I first thought of my father’s father, Grandpa George Smith… but then immediately thought that name might be “too easy to guess”. So I focused on my mother’s father (who I barely knew) who’s name was (is?) Melvin Feldhahn. I can’t recall the entire line of conversation (monologue as I didn’t speak, except when my jaw dropped when he was CORRECT!) ….But he took me through quite a journey of making many very correct statements about myself and some people in my life… including a question of “What does ‘field’ and ‘man’ have in common with you?” Then the penny dropped at what he was eluding to: my Grandfather’s last name was “FELDHAHN”. Then (without me seeing) he wrote down “MELVIN” on a large pad which I held (without seeing yet) – to which he asked me what my Grandfather’s name was. Then had me look at the pad and show it to the audience. THAT BLEW MY MIND!
Keith Barry is currently on his “Brain Hacker” tour in Australia. Check out his tour dates here: www.keithbarry.com
This is really amazing:- Here’s a great intro to what his skill-set is like, at a TED Talk:
In the video above Keith Barry takes you on a journey about ‘brain magic’… dealing with the area of psychological and mind-reading effects. So unlike traditional magic, it uses the power of words, linguistic deception, non-verbal communication and various other techniques to create the illusion of a sixth sense.
If you still haven’t clicked play and watched the video yet.. do.. because he will show you how easy it is to manipulate the human mind once you know how!
Though… I’m still reeling with figuring out “knowing how”… rather, simply enjoying (and marvelling) at his skill-set and entertainment.
Have you seen Keith Barry live? Or been a part of his ‘show’? What was your experience like? (Mind-blowing isn’t he?)
Captain Cook Cruise Perth
Swan Valley River Cruise Wine Tour
My last post recently declared my “37 Wishes” to celebrate my 37th year on this planet.
Fast to take action, and delighted by a dear friend who bought me one of the wishes as a birthday experience, we both had a blast on the “River Lady,” a Captain Cook Cruise in Perth (Australia).
Just a reminder, here’s the list of my wishes:
- Get all my financials up to date and tracked weekly
- Recommence my helicopter flying lessons
- Write more – publish more
- Finish 1st year of University degree
- Complete first semester of 2nd year of University degree
- Launch my “Design Your Life, Live Your Dreams” webinar series
- Read a book a week… or a month!
- Enjoy my pool more — swim regularly
- Swim with the whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia)
Enjoy a swan valley wine tour and cruise- Organise my pantry
- Convert gluten free cookbook to PDF product for sale online
- Weigh 62 kilos or less
- Exercise 5-6 days a week
- Renew my senior first aid certificate
- Cook a roast duck meal
- Go gliding at Beverley (WA)
- Explore Fremantle Jail (museum)
- Experience a ride in a pink stretch hummer.
- Ride on a Harley tour
- Ride in a side car
- Go on the Kalgoorlie inspector train ride
- Go on a mystery tour flight within Australia
- Dine at Aires Rock (Uluru) and watch the sun set.
- Be a zookeeper for the day
- Experience the North Star Kimberley Cruise
- Go on a ‘Horizontal Falls’ Kimberley flight (Talbot Bay)
- Visit and volunteer with the orangutans in Sumatra or Borneo
- Do a renovation/flip property deal
- Perth Royal Show – ride all the 4+ fear factor rides.
- Walk a part of the Bibbleman track.
- Do a barrell roll in an airplane
- Sponsor a child’s wish at Starlight Foundation
- Do ‘nothing’ for 1 week, just because.
- Recreate my mentor board — of women only.
- Throw a summer pool party
- Explore the Caribbean on a cruise, and visit islands I haven’t yet been to.
With my dear friend Jen
Having enjoyed a quiet celebration at home with some of my family on the eve of my birthday I awoke early Sunday morning with a slightly sore head from a few too many champagnes. Jen and I headed out for a mid-morning start to a full day scenic river cruise.
City of Perth
It involved a lot of access to wine. We were reminded immediately that “wine is complimentary, not compulsory!” I wasn’t particularly in the mood for it anyway, as I had been low in energy and ‘fighting’ a ‘bug’ for over a week.
It didn’t stop me from ‘tasting’ though… why waste the opportunity, right?
Wine & Cheese
Not long after we departed from the Barrack Street Jetty in the heart of Perth City we were offered a variety of wines to taste. A cheese platter was also given “to clean the palate”.
Having had a fitness and fat loss focus for now the last 7 weeks (and had NO “naughty” cheese during this time) I was acutely aware I could possibly put a huge dent in my success so far (currently down 6 kilos in 6 weeks). I was allowing myself to have SOME of the cheese. To keep my commitment I read the label for the calories, and worked out that the entire plate was pretty much worth a full day’s worth of ‘food’. So I did a ‘tasting’ on the cheese platter also and left the majority of it untouched. Pretty good reservation, since I’m normally a huge cheese fan!
The wine, was delicious… but the scenic view and spending time with my friend was the greatest joy of the day.
Scenic Cruise
The tour is narrated by the Skipper (in this case Narelle), sharing a lot of the history, Perth facts and even upcoming events and city progress. Have you heard of Rolf Harris? We passed the house he was famous for growing up in, and learned some interesting details including his daily habit as a youngster to swim 5km from his home-river backyard.
Captain Cook Cruise Crew - Narelle & Charlotte
The crew for the cruise tour was ‘intimate’ with Narelle our Skipper and Charlotte who was our host. Being a Sunday and winter, the number of passengers on board was small – only 14 of us in all! But we had a lot of fun together, forging some new friendships and bonding as three of us were celebrating our birthday on the day.
Sandalford Wine Tasting
Our first stop up-river was at Sandalford Winery for a wine tasting opportunity, and shopping! (They have an amazing gift shop!)
Wayne, our host at the winery is originally from Kenya. Our skipper, Narelle also has a passion for Kenya (and close ties to it with property and charity). For those of you who already know, ever since I did my trip(s) to Africa last year I have fallen in love with Kenya. I have a real affinity to it, drawn magnetically to the land, the culture, the animals, the people. There’s just something about Kenya that energetically draws me. Meeting two people in PERTH in one day with connections to Kenya captured my attention. I must… go.. back.. to… Kenya… somehow I feel my soul has a purpose with that part of the world.
Back to wine tasting, in Perth… and back on board the cruise… down the river (towards the City) this time, to stop for lunch – at the Water’s Edge Winery.
Water's Edge Winery
As soon as you enter the restaurant through the ‘cellar’ doors you feel the warmth of the fire crackling near the table that was set up for us. Unfortunately a few complained that it was too hot so it was eliminated. Shame. I enjoyed it!
No shortage of elegance with the three course meal – soup, then a choice of three options for the main, followed by a delicious dessert…. all of it washed down with plenty of wine. Given it was our birthdays and quite a small group, the restaurant manager was generous and liberal with adding extra champagne (not normally included).
The meal came with an ‘over-delivery’ of expectation. Our cruise host, Charlotte, began a solo-show of singing her heart out over the microphone somewhat cabaret style. Stunned by the beauty of her voice we were riveted with her performance, which often included engaging others at the table to lend their own voice at intervals with the lyrics of her songs. Occasionally the microphone was hijacked by a zealous singer in the group, causing us to roar with laughter!
Then… more wine tasting… for those who dared. I was full. But Charlotte entertained everyone while pouring liberal tastings to the ambitious drinkers.
Water's Edge Winery - Wine Tasting
Jen and I bailed and headed outside for the winter sunshine and laid out on the manicured lawn by the river for a rest. I really wasn’t feeling 100% (and not just from too many champagnes the night before [a few days after the cruise I was hit with a bout of tonsillitis which explained my severe build up of fatigue during the week before]).
On the way back to Perth on the cruise tour we were offered more wine, and the small group of us on the boat made it to the front sun deck to enjoy the sunshine while cruising back up the river. I asked for a cup of tea. Charlette looked a little shocked but organised a cuppa for me.
I continued to enjoy the beautiful winter weather – the sun shining, the water glistening, the fresh air against my face as Charlotte continued singing and engaging the passengers who were fully enjoying the cruise.
When you come to Perth (or if you live here), I recommend you add this experience to your bucket list… it’s a very enjoyable day out!
37 Wishes
Now that I have a focus on more of a ‘home and study’ lifestyle, my schedule has been hectic with my attention ‘hijacked’ particularly during the last several months.
I’ve really missed writing and updating my blog. I’m planning on doing something about that… as you will soon read…
Today is my birthday (22nd July). 37 has a nice ‘ring’ to it, doesn’t it? I recently thought “why wait until my Big ’40′ to do something daring!”
So I now want to set my intention for …much more fun… while I continue to move towards my study goal at University.
At a recent family gathering our discussion took it’s usual twists and turns for the exploration of what is possible… and with the pending approach of my (now) birthday I mentioned I wanted to focus on celebrating a year-long ‘birthday’ experience of fun, adventure, and over-all new things.
So with a diary and pen I scribed as a substantial compilation of ideas were thrown at me. Some I vetted straight away. Others I tried on like a new coat in a store that isn’t my normal taste in trend. But willing to see how it fits (and looks) anyway… I wrote many of those down – some I edited, some inspired me for more compelling ideas (to me), some just made me laugh — like my brother’s suggestion to create a “Danny Deckchair” moment and see how many helium balloons it’d take to launch myself in the air while sitting in a plastic chair!
My short-list of ideas are a loose blend of goals and ‘bucket list’ items. Experiences and desires that I would love to have and achieve during the next twelve months. (Some are to be more of a regular ‘habit’ that I want to consistently get in to and or maintain). But unlike ‘goals’ which are typically more ‘driven’ focused, these are ‘wishes’ which I am allowing myself open to attract, receive, ‘meander across my pathway,’ be at the fate of “co-incidence”, and even experience a touch of ‘magic’ in the unfolding of how these eventuate.
Don’t worry, I will of course still take plenty of ACTION.. which is the biggest component of ‘attrACTION.’ (And there are some items on this list which are indeed MUST goals, but included and ‘wrapped’ in gift paper to myself to inspire and associate even more fun and joy with what I want).
I’ll be updating my blog with my adventures, striking through those things on the list (see below) that I experience or accomplish.
So here’s my list:
37 Wishes
- Get all my financials up to date and tracked weekly
- Recommence my helicopter flying lessons
- Write more – publish more
- Finish 1st year of University degree
- Complete first semester of 2nd year of University degree
- Launch my “Design Your Life, Live Your Dreams” webinar series
- Read a book a week… or a month!
- Enjoy my pool more — swim regularly
- Swim with the whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef (Western Australia)
- Enjoy a swan valley wine tour and cruise
- Organise my pantry
- Convert gluten free cookbook to PDF product for sale online
- Weigh 62 kilos or less
- Exercise 5-6 days a week
- Renew my senior first aid certificate
- Cook a roast duck meal
- Go gliding at Beverley (WA)
- Explore Fremantle Jail (museum)
- Experience a ride in a pink stretch hummer.
- Ride on a Harley tour
- Ride in a side car
- Go on the Kalgoorlie inspector train ride
- Go on a mystery tour flight within Australia
- Dine at Aires Rock (Uluru) and watch the sun set.
- Be a zookeeper for the day
- Experience the North Star Kimberley Cruise
- Go on a ‘Horizontal Falls’ Kimberley flight (Talbot Bay)
- Visit and volunteer with the orangutans in Sumatra or Borneo
- Do a renovation/flip property deal
- Perth Royal Show – ride all the 4+ fear factor rides.
- Walk a part of the Bibbleman track.
- Do a barrell roll in an airplane
- Sponsor a child’s wish at Starlight Foundation
- Do ‘nothing’ for 1 week, just because.
- Recreate my mentor board — of women only.
- Throw a summer pool party
- Explore the Caribbean on a cruise, and visit islands I haven’t yet been to.
Some of these are easy to attain, others are a much bigger stretch given I’m also now studying full-time and based in Perth, Western Australia. Some require a lot of time to prepare for and do, others will take part of a day. All will bring joy and adventure to my heart and soul. Many will cause me to stretch and grow way past my comfort zone.
Is there anything on this list that inspires you? What WOULDN’T you do?
As I update and write about these adventures, I’ll mention why I chose each experience or ‘goal’ as well as sharing my ‘wish’ encounter.
RULES: My only rule is there are no rules… unless “have fun,” “enjoy,” “go with the flow” count as parameters.
This is a journey. A celebration every day of life. Of fun. Of adventure. Of being 37 years young. Come along with me, cheer me on, perhaps even join me for some of the wishes.
Most of all, may I inspire you in to creating your own wish list and living out your best life.
Love,
Katie
