BOLDNESS + BRAVERY Page 2 of 18

On bucket lists, goal setting + listening to your heart

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

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?

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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

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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.

I wrote a book for you. And it’s about to be published. Can I tell you about it?

Posted on 2017-02-13 at 7:52 am.

Written by Beth Kempton

I have never been as nervous about writing a post for you as I am today. Why? Because after seven years of helping creative people like you share their souls with the world, it’s now my turn.

I wrote a book, and it’s ready.

It’s called ‘Freedom Seeker: Live more. Worry less. Do what you love.’

And it might just change your life.

How do I know? Because it has completely changed mine.

You see, it’s not just any book. It’s a book about one of the most important quests we can ever undertake – the quest to feel free.

The only way I could write this book was to live it – to recognize that somewhere along the line I had gone wrong, and I had built a life that was actually trapping me.

That’s kind of hard to admit when your company is called ‘Do What You Love’, but like so many of us I got lost in the everyday busy-ness, the overwhelming workload, the many competing demands for my time and attention, and I completely lost any sense of who I really was.

I had to find a way to escape the cage I had built, and learn how to fly again. In doing so I realised that feeling free is the Holy Grail.

Freedom Seeker is an invitation to seek freedom in every corner of your life.

It’s about living more, worrying less and finding a way to do what you love every day.

It sounds simple, and in some ways it is, but when you are trapped in a cage with broken wings, freedom can seem like a far away deeply buried treasure. I know, because I’ve been there.

My personal story isn’t a dramatic one of hitting rock bottom. That’s not how it happened. Mine is one of a slow ebbing of joy from my days, of stemming that flow and finding myself again, the present-day version of me, in love with the life I’ve got.

In Freedom Seeker I also share the stories of people whose cage doors have been slammed in their faces, the darkness pushing them right to the edge, before they had no choice but escape. Theirs are high- velocity, adrenalin-pumping truths about how freedom seeking saved their lives.

Deep down we all know that freedom is a choice and a human right. Yet millions of us don’t feel that truth. We feel trapped by our circumstances, relationships, social pressures, financial status and education. Caged by our expectations of ourselves, and others’ expectations of us, and by our beliefs, doubts and fears.

We allow ourselves to be held back from living our fullest lives. Individually it is heartbreaking. Collectively it is a colossal waste of potential. Together we are going to change this. In finding the courage and confidence to escape our cages and shine, we will help others do the same.

It is with equal measures of trepidation and pleasure that I can say those words you never really think you’ll hear yourself say:
“My book, Freedom Seeker, is available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones and from all good bookstores!”

I have lived every page of this book. In the writing of it I have danced and tumbled, laughed and crumbled, cried, shrunk, grown, travelled thousands of miles, talked to strangers, looked deep inside myself and rediscovered my own stories. I have centred myself and fallen apart, many times over.

I have screamed at the noise and revelled in the silence. I have followed the sun, howled at the moon, and sent thanks to the stars. I have talked to hundreds of women and a good number of men who have shared stories I will never forget.

I hope I have gathered the best of it all, the most powerful lessons and inspiring tales to show that if I can do it, and they can do it, then you too can do it.

The writing of this book has made me feel more deeply connected, vital and alive than I have in years.

I hope in reading it, and in the living of it, you too find a way to inhale the magic and mystery and beauty of your own life, and finally feel truly free.
Please, buy Freedom Seeker and read it, because if it does for you what it has done for me, it will be the one of the best investments you ever make.

And if you have a friend who is feeling trapped, stuck, lost in the greyness, get a copy for them. It would be a precious gift indeed.

Let’s set out on this journey together…

With gratitude and much love

Beth

PS You can get some lovely bonuses if you pre-order Freedom Seeker before February 23. You can find out more here and claim yours right away. (And if you have already pre-ordered your copy, thank you! You can claim your bonuses by filling in the quick form here)

PPS Over the coming months I will be creating a host of opportunities for us to talk about freedom seeking, and share the journey – with Facebook Lives, events, features, podcasts and all sorts. But the first step is to read the book, then to apply the tools in your own life, and see how much more free you feel right away.

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Hear Beth Kempton reading the Prologue from her book Freedom Seeker

Posted on 2017-01-23 at 1:45 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

Today we want to share something very special with you – the Prologue to Do What You Love founder Beth Kempton’s book ‘Freedom Seeker: Live more. Worry less. Do what you love.’

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/317745144″ params=”auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]

You can order Freedom Seeker here!

Fly free my friend, fly free.

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What would you do if you were losing your sight? This woman’s response blew me away…

Posted on 2017-01-16 at 12:35 pm.

Written by Beth Kempton

Something extraordinary happened last week. One of the graduates of our Do What You Love e-course shared her story on our blog, revealing publicly for the first time the impact Usher Syndrome has had on her life. Essentially it means Kate Morell is losing her sight.

“As I lose my sight, travelling from light to dark, I am still finding this journey is harder than I ever thought it would be. Using a cane feels like I am wearing an invisibility mask. My self, my identity, my story, completely erased, replaced with the mask of that of a blind girl and nothing more. Is it just me who wonders about people and their stories, especially those with visible differences? I often wonder if anyone else ever wonders about their story beyond their differences.”

Kate took the course in October and saw a dramatic change in herself:

“I began the course feeling a little bit depressed, but as I worked through it my mood lifted. I got a little carried away listening to many of the suggested books while tidying and de-cluttering my house, making time to be offline, and spend more time doing things that light me up. By the end I was a changed person, so much so that I went back to the beginning to start all over again.”

But that’s not the extraordinary thing. During the course Kate had an a-ha moment – an idea for a new passion project called ‘Sunsets for Kate’. Sunsets are what she’ll miss most when she loses her sight completely. Kate realised that if she goes blind by the time she’s 50, and is fortunate enough to live until I’m 90, she’ll miss out on over 16,275 sunsets. So she started thinking about how cool it would be to experience a lifetime of sunsets in the lifetime of her sight by asking people to post sunsets for me on social media.

And guess what happened? When Kate shared her story on the Do What You Love blog, it was noticed by photographer Matt Lawson, who corralled his community to submit sunsets. Within 48 hours they had gathered over 2000 comments and sunsets! You can add yours here.

Amazing what can happen when the inspired becomes the inspirer!

After six years of running the Do What You Love e-course it never ceases to deliver transformational experiences for participants, who really do find ways to love their life in the present, whilst setting themselves up to do more of what they love in the future. The January class starts TODAY, so if you want to be part of it, REGISTER HERE and dive in with us. (PS did I mention I might be doing a few Facebook Live chats in class this time round? Exciting!)

Have a great week

Beth