BOLDNESS + BRAVERY Page 2 of 18

On giving yourself permission to explore [+ new podcast: Women’s Adventure Expo co-founder Rebecca Hughes]

Posted on 2017-11-08 at 10:37 am.

This year I have had the chance to meet hundreds of you in real life, through talks and workshops and book-related events. It has been such a pleasure to get to know you and your stories, and to hear more about what obstacles you face. Time and again the topic of adventure came up in our conversations. You asked me how I find the time to have adventures, how I push myself to take risks, and how I avoid getting too comfortable in the way I live, work and play.

My answer usually begins with some version of something I wrote in Freedom Seeker, when talking about the Freedom Key of ‘Adventure + Aliveness’:

“Adventure is a mindset. It’s about seeking out the unknown in all parts of your life. It’s a thirst for freshness. It’s an active pursuit of inspiration. It’s the thrill of pushing yourself in new territory.

Adventure often involves risk, and even sometimes danger. The gift of this is the acute focus required, which obliterates the demands of the normal world in the moment.

Aliveness is about being in the moment, drinking it all in. It’s about noticing and appreciating, and basking in your own sense of wonder. It’s about allowing yourself to be in awe.

This Freedom Key is about realizing you are part of something bigger than yourself, part of a fascinating and mysterious wider world. It’s about wanting to witness it first-hand and taking action to make that happen.

What is the opposite of adventure – boredom and monotony perhaps? And the opposite of aliveness doesn’t even bear thinking about. That’s why this Freedom Key is so important. It’s about the beating heart of life itself. It’s about engaging with the world around you, being an explorer and a collector of moments. It’s about so much of what can make living in this world so exciting.“

So this week I want to challenge you to seek out adventure and aliveness in your every day life. Where can you switch up your routine? Where can you try something new? Where can you inhale beauty and drink in freshness? Where can you push yourself beyond what is known and comfortable, into something scary but exciting, even in the smallest way? Go for it my friend!

To inspire you further, I’m happy to share this week’s Freedom Seeker Chronicles podcast episode with Rebecca Hughes, co-founder of the Women’s Adventure Expo. It is sure to get you fired up and curious about how to bring adventure into your daily routine.

Enjoy the show!

BethXx

In this episode, Women’s Adventure Expo co-founder Rebecca Hughes and I discuss the two different types of adventure seekers. There’s the sporty, thrill-seeking adventurer who challenges herself physically and mentally, and there’s the “urban explorer” adventurer who’s curiosity leads to twists and turns in business and life.

Which one are you?

Listen in to hear why Rebecca believes all women should give themselves permission to explore, live bravely and surround themselves with a community of likeminded souls.

Enjoy the show!

Key Moments:

[2m 30s] Rebecca tells us what the word adventure means to her and decribes the two different types of adventurers in the world

[5m 35s] What Rebecca has learned through being an urban explorer

[7m 0s] Moments when Rebecca felt trapped and her work life lacked adventure, and what she did to bring freedom back to her every day

[9m 40s] Rebecca’s thoughts on risk and why it’s essential for living and learning

[12m 0s] We chat about wild camping and how it’s a great break to experience a healthy pace of life

[14m 30s] How Rebecca has brought her children up with adventure at their core

[17m 0s] Rebecca’s advice for encouraging your children to climb

[20m 05s] How Rebecca’s business the Women’s Adventure Expo came to exist

[24m 25s] Rebecca’s business mission, core values and how they structured the business as a CIC Social Enterprise model

[25m 50s] The mix of adventure seekers who attend Rebecca’s events – some enormously sporty and physically brave, some less physical adventure seekers, explorers, and mummy adventurers

[29m 55s] How Rebecca feels when she is around women in her community who have such ‘can do’ attitudes

[32m 10s] Why women should unite to create communities and the importance of having other women in your life who empower you

[32m 50s] What Rebecca says to people who make finances the blocker for doing the adventures they love doing

[37m 0s] Beth asks Rebecca “What does Freedom mean to you?”

LISTEN NOW

What to do if you’re facing redundancy {+ new podcast episode with Kerry Roy)

Posted on 2017-10-17 at 11:52 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

I’ll never forget the day one of my closest friends phoned me at 9am on a Friday, and I knew something was amiss. She worked for an investment bank, NEVER phoned during office hours. It turned out that she had been made redundant with immediate effect, the last of her team to go. She had known it might be coming, but had buried her head in the sand and hoped for the best.

The funny thing is, the best did happen in the end, only not quite in the way she had hoped.

For someone who had been terrified of redundancy, I remember so clearly the lightness in her voice, the sense of relief and the excitement at the prospect of a new kind of freedom. No more commute. No more 6am starts. No more office politics. And so much opportunity. My friend is the first to admit she hates making decisions, so redundancy actually turned out to be a blessing because it made someone else make a massive decision for her. Now, four years on, she runs her own flourishing business, sets her own hours and gets paid twice as much to do the same kind of work she did before. And she loves it.

Sometimes the very things we are afraid of turn out to be the best kind of adventures. So if you are facing redundancy, ask yourself this:

“What if this were to turn out as a great blessing? What would that look like?”

And while you are thinking about it, I encourage you to spend 30 minutes listening to my latest podcast episode with free-spirited Yorkshire lass, Kerry Roy, who lost her job but found her calling.

Kerry used her redundancy notice to hatch her escape plan, combining running a successful glamping, wedding and events business with feeding her addiction for travel and adventure. Always determined to fulfill her dreams, seek new opportunities, travel often and be forever grateful for the wonderful journey of life, in listening to Kerry’s story you will be filled with motivation to bring your dream to life whatever may be thrown at you along the way.

Enjoy the show!

BethXx

Key moments:

[1m 0s] How Kerry dealt with the disappointment of her redundancy notice and instead made it a positive thing

[5m 0s] How Kerry juggled finances when she began the road to opening her own business

[7m 0s] Kerry discovered her calling, hear how

[8m 0s] How the support of Kerry’s partner, Dave, helped her make breakthroughs

[9m 0s] Building a power team of friends and family who helped start Kerry’s business

[10m 30s] Kerry’s attitude to ‘risk’ when curveballs are thrown her way

[11m 30s] The story behind Kerry’s business name, Camp Katur

[13m 0s] Kerry’s mission for Camp Katur, how she looks after her customers and ensures their escape from routine

[16m 0s] Key ways Kerry makes time and space for herself while juggling business efforts day to day

[20m 0s] How she balances work, life and travel – some great tips here

[22m 0s] What’s next for Kerry and Dave, their exciting plans to move to the mountains

[25m 0s] How Kerry and Dave work as a couple in aligning each other’s dreams

[27m 30s] Kerry’s amazing visualization for her future

[29m 30s] The challenges and fears Kerry faces on her next chapter…

Whose permission are you waiting for?

Posted on 2017-10-10 at 11:42 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

How has your week been? With all that is going on in the world, I hope you and your loved ones are well and safe, and that you are finding ways to see beauty in the every day beyond all the difficult news that surrounds us daily.

Over here, this past week I delivered a couple of in-person workshops, and noticed something emerging as a surprisingly common theme with many of the participants. It was the realisation that before you can be a Freedom Seeker, you have to give up the old story of being a Permission Seeker.

A disproportionate number of the participants were the youngest in their family, and realised they still look to their siblings for permission, validation and advice before they take action. For those who were the oldest in their family or an only child, there was a pattern of looking to parents for that same permission, validation and advice. It’s completely understandable, and we all do it in one way or another. However, the potential issues with this are manifold:

If you seek this permission, validation or advice from multiple sources, the conflicting advice you get back can be so overwhelming that you get stuck and don’t actually do anything
They may not give you the permission, validation or advice you are looking for, and that can drive a wedge between you
When something goes wrong, there is a natural tendency to blame those other people
When you make a decision based on the permission, validation or advice you sought out, and later reflect that it was probably the wrong decision, regret weighs even heavier

Fortunately there is a simple solution – simply to start giving yourself the permission you are looking for, to do whatever it is you are wanting to do, accepting your own validation as enough, and trusting that you know the answer already. Of course this is easier said than done, if it requires breaking year-old patterns, but you can begin today simply by making a list of what you really want to start doing or stop doing, and then granting yourself the permission to do that.

To help you, below you can find a printable permission slip (click to download a high res version) which you can download, fill in and keep somewhere you will see it regularly. I encourage you to do this today, and then get cracking with your dreams!

Have a great week

Beth

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On bucket lists, goal setting + listening to your heart

Posted on 2017-09-19 at 12:40 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

What is the smallest thing you can do now to follow your heart? Think about it. Write it down if you like.

This is just one of the many questions of wisdom my very first podcast guest Steph Jagger plants on us in today’s episode. Steph is the author of Unbound, a story of snow and self-discovery and she’s helped women the world over define who it is they want to BE and what they need to DO to get there. Listen in for the next 40 mins of exploration where we talk about everything from battling fear, the pros and cons of setting goals, and how to find stillness and solitude to allow golden thoughts and plans emerge.

You can listen and subscribe to The Freedom Seeker Chronicles here.

Imagine the life of your dreams & begin with why

Posted on 2017-06-23 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

This a guest post by adventurer, author and motivational speaker Alastair Humphreys. Find out more about Alastair here.

Let’s begin with your dreams.

Allow me to guess a few easy ones for starters:

To be less stressed by work and enjoy more time with your friends and family.
To be fitter, perhaps lose a bit of weight, maybe run a marathon, or work up to a big adventure.
To spend less time online, envious of what others are up to, and more time having experiences that you’ll remember a year from now.

Imagine the life of your choice. Tell me, what would it be like? What would be different?

(more…)

5 upcoming events to help you on your journey to doing what you love

Posted on 2017-06-05 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

When it comes to doing what you love, attending festivals, events, workshops and courses are a great way to broaden your horizons and meet like-minded people who share your passions, understand you, and have similar values.

It’s always inspiring, motivating and encouraging to hear people share their stories and wildest dreams and in time you may even find yourself sharing your own thoughts, motivations and hopes for the future, safe in the knowledge that there is no judgment, and that you really are free to be you – real, authentic, and true.

So this summer be brave, put yourself out there, and try something new. Who knows who’ll you’ll meet and where it will take you.

Here’s our guide to some of the thought-provoking and life-changing events that are happening over the next few months…

Image via Escape the City

How to Build an Impact Career

Where: The Escape Cafe, London

When: TONIGHT! June 5, 2017 from 7-9pm

Cost: £10

Many of us want to have a more positive social or environmental impact through our work – at this event you’ll learn how to do it with from those who have. Life is short. Do work that matters to you and the world.

More information at Escape The City

World Domination Summit launch party: Image courtesy of organiser Chris Guillebeau

World Domination Summit

Where: Portland, Oregon, USA

When: July 11 – 17, 2017

Cost: $647

If you’d love to know how to live a remarkable life in a conventional world, you won’t want to miss this. Since 2011, World Domination Summit has brought together more than 10,000 people from more than 40 countries. As adventurers from all walks of life, their mission is to create a remarkable community that helps each person pursue a big dream. There will be discussions and activities on topics like how to live a good life, travel hack your way around the globe, and write your first book, making it an experience like no other. Jam-packed with eye-opening events and unforgettable keynote speakers, you’ll learn from unconventional thinkers, acquire powerful new skills, and go away with a whole new community of friends and supporters.

More information at World Domination Summit

Soul Circus

WHERE: Elmore, Gloucester

WHEN: August 18 – 20, 2017

COST: Ticket prices vary – see website for details

This Cotswolds-set wellness festival covers every fitness buzzword under the sun. Think hot yoga, gong baths, aerial classes, sunset meditation, light therapy, juices, clean eating… the list goes on. Don’t worry though, it’s not too virtuous – there’s also gin tasting, live music and after parties, so you can still do what comes naturally at festivals (just make sure you do some yoga afterwards to combat the excess).

More information at Soul Circus

Image via Cosmic Forest Festival gallery

The Cosmic Forest festival

WHERE: Cosmic Forest Festival Coromandel, Portugal (1.5 hours from Lisbon)

WHEN: 18-21 of August 2017

COST: Early bird special – 95€ | Cosmic Raver -130€ | Late Bloomer – 150 €

Featuring four days and three nights of amazing music, mind changing mediations The Cosmic Forest Festival is a gathering of wanderers, travellers, and soul seekers joining to celebrate love and awareness through the heights and depths of music. Synchronize your soul to your beating heart as you get lost inside a metaphysical experience through ecstatic dance. This festival offers an alternative path to those who seek to enjoy the fullness of life in the colorful madness of a nature festival, unleashing the mind, body and soul. Join the cosmic wave and dance without judgment, feel without filters and love without boundaries! Come reconnect to your higher being and enjoy the freedom to BE!.

More information at The Cosmic Forest Festival

Flow State: The interactive forest lounge at Aespia. Image via Aespia

Aespia

WHERE: Meet in London and jump on a bus to a secret location

WHEN: August 19 – 20, 2017

COST: Tickets from £40

Leave your phone at home, jump aboard a blacked-out coach and escape reality for 24 hours. You’ll be whisked away to Aespia’s secret woods where you’ll immerse yourself in an alternate, creative world. Aespia is split into five magical worlds, designed and built by a team of emerging artists, architects and musicians; all of whom live in the woods for the month of August, collaborating, dreaming and building a giant three-dimensional canvas for you to explore, adapt and enjoy. At Aespia you’re invited to become an artist – materials, atmosphere and backdrop are all provided – just make your mark. Whether you’re in the mood for dancing to infectious music, frolicking between installations, or connecting with like-minded creatives inside cosy dens, you’ll feel such a sense of belonging you won’t want to leave.

More information at Aespia

And if you can’t make it to any of these events, why not take your journal off somewhere quiet and answer some of these questions yourself?

What you really want from life? What do you want to give back?
How you want to feel each and every day? What could you do differently, or more often, so you feel that way?
Do you get annoyed at people’s (or your own) negative attitude to life? If so, what can you do about it.
What could you do today to make yourself more aware of the small things in life that make you happy?
What small changes can you make to give yourself more time each day to relax?

Let us know how you get on,

The DWYL team

Disclaimer: We are not affiliates of or involved in the running of any of the suggested events. Please contact the organisers directly with any questions or queries.

Motivate yourself unafraid

Posted on 2017-06-02 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

Did you know that we are only born with two fears? The fear of falling and the fear of loud noises. Both are engrained in our DNA and are there to protect us and ensure our survival. Every other fear we have has been learned. Which means we can also un-learn it. How? By facing it, by daring to believe, by taking risks, by overcome failures, and by doing it all over again.

You might not always feel it, but there’s a huge amount of courage deep down inside you. You just need to unlock it.

“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here.” – Marianne Williamson

(more…)

Why taking a leap is so freaking scary {video}

Posted on 2017-04-27 at 5:56 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

Today I want to talk about something that we don’t often speak of. Something that’s confusing, and difficult, and stops us pursuing our dreams. It’s the paradox of escape.

When a bird or an animal in captivity is released into the wild, somewhat surprisingly it doesn’t burst out of its cage and race headlong into its new world. It emerges timidly, hovering near the cage, clearly stunned by the reality of their new situation, and often looking back several times before tentatively moving away.

And so it is with us. We’re rarely trapped one moment and free the next. Even if we make bold moves to change our lives, opening the door of the cage that has been trapping us, after an initial high, we are struck with the heartstopping realization that the world outside the cage is freaking terrifying. It’s just so huge and vast, we have no idea where to go, and we’re not even sure if we remember how to fly.

And the cage doesn’t usually disappear as soon as we leave it. The reality is more complex than that. We hover at the door, tempted forwards by potential but held back by fear.

If that sounds familiar to you right now, you might appreciate this video I made for you:

Here’s to taking the leap anyway, knowing that when it’s hard, that’s normal…

BethXx

Why you and a Cirque du Soleil clown might have more in common than you think…

Posted on 2017-04-18 at 1:04 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

I have a very special story to share with you today. It’s about the tallest person I have ever met, who revealed an important life lesson to me. You might see yourself in this story…

Here’s to recognising the power of the mirror

BethXx

PS We’ve been nominated for Mind Body Spirit Blogger of the Year in the Kindred Spirit Magazine Awards! We LOVE this magazine, so this is a huge honour, and I am so grateful to the whole Do What You Love team, who works so hard to bring you fresh and inspiring content every week. If you appreciate our blog please take a moment to vote for us here (under award number 3). And Kindred Spirit are entering everyone who votes into a prize draw so you might even win a prize! Thank you so much!

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Great Escape: What’s Going On?

Posted on 2017-03-03 at 8:55 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

2017 is in full swing, and spring is the perfect time to think about what you want from the year ahead. Whether it’s learning a new skill, developing yourself personally or professionally, tapping into your creativity, hiring a coach, or taking a break to rest and recharge, making time to nurture yourself and your dreams every once in a while is vital for your health and wellbeing.

Here’s our pick of the best upcoming festivals, events and talks to help you on the path to doing what you love.

Image courtesy of Freedom Summit

Freedom Summit

Where: Worldwide access and all time-zones

When: April 1 – 2, 2017

Cost: Free

Organiser: Freedom Summit

Jumpstart your journey to freedom with the first online virtual gathering for location independent entrepreneurs. The Freedom Summit is a weekend-long event where inspiring change makers, trailblazers, and leaders teach new and emerging formulas on how to travel, work, and live a fulfilling life from anywhere in the world. If you want to learn from the best of the best and pick up practical tips, tools and strategies to help you live a life you love, this one is for you.

For more information visit: https://www.freedomsummit.online

Alternative Careers Festival

Where: Off Quay, London, UK

When: April 13, 2017, from 1pm

Cost: Early bird tickets now on sale and include exclusive perks

Organiser: Escape the city

This is no ordinary job fair… it’s an event for anyone who is: curious about where the world of work is headed; committed to doing work that matters; looking for a new role; feels ready for change and needs inspiration; or knows what they want to do but needs help with the process. If this sounds like you, come along and connect with innovative brands of all sizes, learn from industry experts, get real advice from people who have been there and done it, and who knows, you may even get hired! This is your chance to escape the pigeonhole and embrace your next opportunity because life is too short to do work that doesn’t matter.

For more information visit: https://www.escapethecity.org/alternative-career-festival/

Image courtesy of Zhena Muzyka

Visionary Women Conference

Where: The Narrative Loft, Santa Barbara, USA

When: April 29, 2017 from 10am-5pm

Cost: $297.00 and includes light breakfast and Mediterranean lunch

Organiser: Zhena Muzyka

Make a playdate with your destiny and learn from some of the world’s most successful online and offline entrepreneurs, female CEOs, and global coaches in this joy-filled, information-infused gathering. It’s guaranteed fun with inspiring 20-minute talks, mingling sessions, breakout workshops, and laser coaching sessions. You will:

* Learn the laws of reinvention and how to make big moves that win

* Find out how to use “setback management” to recover and rock, quickly

* Meet the makers of your favourite products and programs

* Discover fresh ways to build your career and feed your soul

* Be wowed by dynamic motivational speakers

* Discover what’s preventing you from finding pure joy

* Learn the power of personal branding

* Unveil your life’s purpose and uncover ways to fulfill it

* Tap into your intuition and make the best business and life moves possible while increasing revenues for yourself and your company.

* Sip wine at the after-gathering wine crawl, get to know your fellow she-roes and leave inspired and enlivened.

For more information visit: https://www.zhena.tv/visionary/

Image courtesy of Camp Grounded

Camp Grounded: Summer Camp for Adults

Where: Mendocino, California, USA

When: May 19 – 22, 2017

Cost: $695 – $1,390

Organiser: Digital Detox

Want to unplug, get away, and feel free again? Then trade in your computer, iphone, email, digital camera, and watch and ditch the schedules, work-jargon, networking events and conferences for four days of pure, unadulterated off-the-grid fun. Summer camp is all about trying new things, giving yourself the opportunity to pick up an old hobby, and creating new memories with a community of people who value individuality, self-expression, and friendship over status updates, job titles, bitcoins and “busyness” models. The programme of events is extensive and varied so you choose exactly what you do, or don’t, want to do. From LEGO building, comic book drawing and creative writing to screen printing, stilt walking and singing there’s something for everyone. You’ll leave knowing that anything is possible when you give yourself chance to let go.

For more information visit: https://campgrounded.org

Image courtesy of Mind Body Spirit Festival, Australia

Mind Body Spirit Festival

Where: International Convention Centre, Sydney, Australia

When: May 25 – 28, 2017

Cost: Free

Organiser: Exhibition and Events Australia Pty Ltd

Held biannually, the Sydney Mind Body Spirit Festival brings you the very best in health, wellness and spiritual guidance. You can learn from over 200 exhibitors, attend inspirational seminars, book yourself a psychic reading, try some body pampering, watch inspirational stage performances, join a free meditation session and enjoy some delicious healthy foods at the Soul Kitchen. Gift yourself some ‘me-time’ this May and come along.

For more information visit: https://www.mbsfestival.com.au

Image courtesy of Chris Guillebeau

World Domination Summit

Where: Portland, Oregon, USA

When: July 11 – 17, 2017

Cost: $647

Organiser: Chris Guillebeau

For more information visit: https://worlddominationsummit.com

Image courtesy of Andres Roberts

The Way of Nature Programme

Where: Lake District, UK

When: June 27 – July 2, 2017

Cost: £645 including guiding and food

Organiser: Andres Roberts

This is your chance to step back from life and reconnect with yourself and the world around you in a very special way. The Way of Nature Programme takes you on a fantastic journey into inner and outer wildness through ancient wisdom practices and a 36-hour solo in the wild. You’ll hike, swim, camp, make fire, rest, recharge, eat good food and be inspired by the wonders of nature. The programme has been created to help you relax, be present, and cultivate energy and after the event there will be extra support through one-to-one and group calls to help you integrate your new-found knowledge, tools and techniques into your everyday life.

For more information visit: https://wayofnature.co.uk/retreats/

Image credit: Jake White (base), Chetana Thornton (flyer), by Elad Itzkin

Yoga Connects Festival

Where: Glastonbury, UK

When: July 7 – 9, 2017

Cost: Gold tickets £240, Silver tickets £180, Kids under 12 Free, Teens aged 13-19 £100, a camping charge of £15 per person per night is an additional cost

Organiser: Yoga Connects Festival

Taking place at the heart centre of the world, this two-day festival is all about honouring the sacred connections that yoga gives us not only to our bodies and minds but also to music, nature, children, meditation, Shamanism, ceremony and each other. There are daily yoga classes from some of the world’s most sought after teachers and whether you’re a seasoned yogi or don’t know your Asana from your Savasana, it’s a great opportunity to lose your inhibitions, have fun and replenish your energy levels. There’ll also be chance to enjoy some conscious shopping and delicious vegetarian and vegan cuisine and get your groove on to music by musicians and DJs from around the globe.

For more information visit: https://yogaconnects.co.uk/

Images courtesy of Base Camp Festival gallery ’15

Base Camp Festival

Where: Peak District, UK

When: September 7 – 10, 2017

Cost: Early Bird £112.50

Organiser: Explorers Connect

Base Camp is the world’s first adventure festival for adults and it has been named as one of the “best non-music festivals” by the UK festival awards. It’s a one of a kind event which offers a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded people, embrace the great outdoors and be part of an adventure community. By day you can experience cool adventure activities like hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing, and bushcraft and by the light of the stars you can mingle with explorers, listen to tales of adventures and party in the woods to live music and entertainment. Tickets always sell out several weeks in advance so don’t wait to get yours!

For more information visit: https://www.basecampfestival.co.uk

Image courtesy of DNX Facebook page

The Digital Nomad Conference (DNX)

Where: Lisbon, Portugal

When: September 9 – 10, 2017

Cost: Varies from €197-€997 depending on package

Organiser: Marcus Meurer & Felicia Hargarten

This is the ultimate event for online working digital entrepreneurs from all over the world. Join 500 motivated, like-minds for a four-day programme packed full of workshops, advice, inspiring talks from keynote speakers, and epic parties. You’ll do lots of networking and leave with increased business know-how and actionable takeaways. If you want to learn more about “location independent working”, connect with others and take your business to the next level, then this is the place for you!

For more information visit: https://www.dnxglobal.com

Disclaimer: We are not affiliates of or involved in the running of any of the suggested events. Please contact the organisers directly with any questions or queries.