When was the last time you legitimately took a break from your never ending to-do list to breath deeply and reflect upon all the great things and people that are already in your life?
If you’ve done so recently, awesome. That’s how you enjoy the journey my friends.
Fortunately for me, my most recent encounter with gratitude was just last night… and the night before that… and the night before that. No, I’m not special and I’m not trying to rub it in your face. In all honesty, before a few weeks ago I was king of perpetually focusing on everything and everyone I didn’t have in my life.
It’s a pretty shitty way to live.
Think about it; is there any chance that you’ll ever feel satisfied if you’re always looking forward, always looking at what needs to be crossed off the list, always looking at what you want next to fill some inexplicable void?
It’s like trying to drink Mountain Dew to quench your thirst. Newsflash: it doesn’t quench shit other than your desire to develop adult onset diabetes and stain your teeth a magnificent piss yellow.
I’ve seen that the grass is 27 shades greener on the other side (kind of like Ireland) and there’s no hopping back over the fence for this guy.
I’m hooked baby, on a little thing known as Radical Appreciation: An extreme and thorough awareness and recognition of the love, beauty, perfection and magnificence in ALL things and ALL people.
My good friend and new business coach, George Ira Carroll, first introduced me to this concept about a year ago at one of his phenomenal seminars. I embraced this new notion for a short while, but quickly lost sight of all the incredible things I already had when I was once again suffocated by the stranglehold of the daily grind.
I had to wait a full year for the opportunity to present itself once again, and when it did, I wasn’t going to let it slip away.
When God Closes a Door, Roundhouse Kick It Back Open
On November 11, 2011 (11/11/11), a mysteriously magical day to many, I was set to attend a new and improved version of George’s seminar: The Art of Radical Gratitude. I was hoping to increase my capacity for appreciation, yet pessimism slowly crept in as I began to think that the opportunity may be lost for good.
Then something reignited my inner spark. I wasn’t about to surrender and concede my happiness to any obstacle that lay before me. I would wield the power of Chuck Norris if need be and roundhouse kick my way to success (did you know Chuck Norris won American Idol using only sign language?).
It could have been the mystifying power of 11/11/11, or maybe the planetary alignment was perfectly calibrated to produce mind-blowing alterations of the soul. I’m not putting those two scenarios out of the realm of possibility, but I have a more likely explanation:
I was ready to embrace change.
I’m not talking about minor changes like upgrading my laundry detergent, or switching from boxers to briefs. I mean real change; a visceral metamorphosis where every ounce of your being transforms into a new version of you. HoboDrifter 2.0 if you will.
Change like that doesn’t come easy. It’s a simple concept, but not easy.
One would need the desire, the drive, and the determination to fight the critics and keep moving forward. But those three skills aren’t enough. You need a plan, a set of guidelines to follow to keep you on track.
This is where I want to thank George Carroll immensely for sharing his latest creation with everyone who attended his last event. Below is a link to download George’s ebook The Radical Appreciation Project: 30 Days to Inner Freedom.
I’ve rocked through day 6 thus far, and I have no plans of letting up. There have already been some long, arduous days that take nearly everything out of me, but each night I still manage to write down all that I appreciate.
I love it.
I made a commitment; to myself and to my readers. That’s right, all of you. I’m putting myself to the test to see if I can actually follow through with something for 30 consecutive days. Then I’ll be sharing with you my insights, thoughts, concerns, screw ups and ridiculous anecdotes in hopes that it starts you down your own path to Radical Appreciation.
It will be part of a new series I’ll be introducing in the coming months based on experimenting with life. It should be exciting, stimulating, exhilarating, hilarious and downright intriguing with a hint of educational… so stay tuned.
A New Map to Guide You
Think of The Radical Appreciation Project as a workbook; an interactive guide that helps you reach your destination of daily appreciation. I’m not claiming this to be panacea, merely a tool to get the ball rolling. I invite you play all out, with a full heart. None of the same bullshit excuses we are all capable of coming up with.
“I’ll write it tomorrow…”
“I’m just too tired…”
“I don’t have enough time…”
30 minutes a day is all it takes. That’s it. With Thanksgiving around the corner, there truly is no better time to start.
Do yourself a favor and read just the introduction. If it resonates with you, great, feel free to continue on. If not, you’ll never hear me asking you to eat your vegetables again.
Oh yeah, I forgot the best part: the ebook is FREE. So if you know of anyone who would benefit from or enjoy embarking upon this adventure, don’t hesitate to share this post with them.
Thank you all in advance for your willingness to explore. I would love to hear how your journey goes, so please share your story with us via email or post to our comments.
Keep Drifting.
