It started with that feeling of being Incredibly excited with just the right amount of scared...
I had been thinking of leaving my day job for 6 months now and finally the feeling settled in enough that I just knew I was ready to leave that chapter behind. I had learned a lot of new skills, met a tone of incredible people but parts of my job just weren't serving me anymore and I wanted more freedom with my time. I was content teaching 12-20 hours a week of goaltending and hockey but wanted my days back so that I could explore what I truly want and am best served doing in life. When the stars further aligned to push me along quicker, I didn't waste time to give my 1 month notice. My employer was supportive, things are ending on good terms, I felt free and suddenly began to think of all the time for adventures I would have.
Before making any big decisions as to where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do, I made sure I had a few days on consistent meditation in me (helps to make decisions that come from one's soul versus mind) and finally pulled out a wall calendar and started marking off all the weeks and weekends I had something planned. A few weeks were clear and emerged as prime times to travel and takes pics...I pulled out the VISA and went to town.
$2200 in flights later I had just booked 13 days in Iceland for this July. While there I'm going to be spending most nights (light out for basically whole night, permanent "golden hour" as seen below) taking photographs of the rugged coast, highlands and waterfalls. Then during the day sleeping in a car or tent and then discovering all of Iceland's wild beauty. That in itself would be the perfect trip for me...
Iceland by Elia Locardi (Definitely one person I look to for technique and inspiration)
HOWEVER...
As a Bonus while exploring Iceland's most well known and legendary hikes I came across the Laugavegur (http://www.fi.is/en/hiking-trails/laugavegurinn/) which is a famous trekking route in South-West Iceland from the hot springs area of Landmannalaugar to the glacial valley of Þórsmörk, finishing at a volcano. It is noted for the wide variety of landscapes that are experienced in just 55 km (34 mi). The route is typically completed over 2–4 days BUT I discovered that there's a 55km ultra-marathon right in the middle of my trip so thought WHY NOT run a 55km ultra marathon over some of the worlds most beautiful scenery! Registered DONE.
Laugavegur Marathon's first 20km are the toughest
I can't believe how that just came together. Anyways it's amazing the way things fall into place naturally when you set strong intentions and then just let go. I couldn't have wrote that better.
Things are shaping up to be an incredible summer! Can't wait to then top it all off with my girlfiend Jessica (http://www.pathtonature.com/) trip to Italy where we're going to explore Rome, Amalfi Coast, Milan, Venice, Positano, the Dolomites etc
To those who aren't happy where they are or know there's more out there, my suggestion would be to quiet your mind and get in touch with the subtle messages your body is telling you. The first step is being aware that you can be happier, live with more purpose, be healthier etc.
For me once I had the awareness and knew what I wanted clearly I was able to go out and make it happen (or at least give it a real shot)! This is only another step in my journey and although it is scary, I'm willing to step out and risk security for more adventure, more exploring and deeper love. I'm doing this as I know this is the time in my life to be asking these questions and investing in experience rather than all of these day modern comforts. I welcome the challenges and the rewards ahead with open arms!