12 Hour Walk

I’ve been fortunate to always have a job that didn’t feel like work – but rather something I loved and truly connected with at my core.  I’ve been a part-time owner of a successful construction company, a youth pastor, an event & volunteer coordinator, a fundraiser & a public speaker. Then a major shift happened in my life in 2019 and I found myself jumping head-first into something I knew I would be good at, helping people buy & sell homes, but I struggled to find the connection to my core values and purpose.  (other than of course helping people). 

After a couple years of decent success, I was really seeking to find a deeper connection to my work as well as to some other major events & circumstances past & present in my life. If you know me – I’m not one to sit around – I’ll do whatever it takes to figure things out, learn & grow as a person.  It was this year that a new journey began to happen. 

2022 has been one of the most amazing years personally & professionally – I wanted to share a bit about that in the hope that it may inspire and encourage. 

Coming from many years of ministry work and non-profit work – it was a challenging shift for me to come back into the “for profit” world as a small business owner.  I was faced with the challenge of finding purpose and meshing who I was in my core to the work I would do in real estate.  It began fairly slowly with a few strong affirmations over myself and then grew into a much deeper work of healing & forgiveness from my past self.  I had no idea the depth of self-discovery that would begin to take place over many months.  By incorporating therapy, a life-coach, surrounding myself with amazing people, reading many personal growth books, meditation, journaling, diet & exercise, goal setting – things really began to click for me. 

I’ve always been a pretty disciplined person.  Growing up in a strict Christian home, going to private school and being an athlete helped form some great goal setting habits for me.  However, many of those habits were based in fear of disappointing or letting someone down.  

Full disclosure – one of my biggest goals on this entire journey is to learn how to love myself and others unconditionally.  My life has been filled with a lot of judgment & shame.  

In September 2022 I was primed and ready for the next level. I read the book Miracle Mornings – and the 30-day challenge turned into a new life-long discipline.  This book has truly changed my life. Waking at 6:30 a.m. every morning and spending a minimum of an hour doing meditation, affirmations, gratitude, reflection & journaling – followed up 3 days a week at the gym with a personal trainer.  

What does all of this have to do with a 12 hour walk?  I was introduced through a podcast to Colin O’Brady who wrote the book 12 hour walk and of course put out a challenge to his readers.  I gladly took on this challenge!

I had already been planning a trip to Boone, North Carolina to see my son & daughter in law in October – so it was the perfect excuse to do my very, very long walk in the mountains where I was sure the scenery would create a magical experience! It did not disappoint! 

The challenge was to spend 12 hours alone – no inputs – no music, no podcasts, no phone (other than for photos), no people.  Just you, nature, some food and a journal and as many steps as you can physically accomplish in 12 hours.  

The goal of the challenge was to face your fears & limiting beliefs, go deep within and let go and forgive any old hurts or wounds, surrender your will and let go of anything holding you back from living your best life & being the best version of you.  Push your body physically, your mind mentally and your heart radically.  

After 12 hours and 26 miles – I can truly say “mission accomplished”.  I left it all out there and came back tired & exhausted – but also forgiven & healed, inspired & determined, loved & whole.  Here’s a link to a quick recap: 

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CkcJV7khzTP/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

As I look back at 2022 I am overcome with gratitude – my life, my business, my relationships have grown by leaps and bounds.  My heart is healed, I’m more present each day, I have compassion & I love unconditionally & deeper than ever before.  

Look out 2023 the future looks very bright! 

In the words of John O’Donohue

May I live this day compassionate of heart 

Clear in Word

Gracious in Awareness

Courageous in Thought 

Generous in Love