It’s very important to me to live life without regrets. So many times the only thing standing between us and our dreams is our mind.
Imagine our lives without barriers. Imagine taking on adventures that push our limits and show us the power of the human spirit.
So often, getting out there and taking the first step is all you need. Sitting at home making excuses will never get you anywhere except on the couch.
I remember so many wonderful adventures from hiking in Kauai and traveling alone across the world that would have never happened if I had given in to the reasons why I couldn’t do them.
So often in life, what is on the other side of fear is excitement. You just have to push through and take that first step.
I can remember when I was in New Mexico at a healing retreat. One of the final events was firewalking. At first, it seemed daunting and something that I would not be attempting. We had a group meeting before and it was very motivational and encouraging. Still, as we went out into the night and I saw the long bed of red-hot coals over 1000 degrees, I was content to stand back and watch.
But, something strange happened. As I watched the people I’d grown close to over this retreat – people I had shared laughter, tears and stories with, people who were going through extreme hardship – all of a sudden a feeling that I can only describe as “Yes” went through my entire being. Without a moment’s hesitation, I walked straight across the hot coals without burning my feet at all. In fact, I don’t even remember walking across. It seemed like in a flash I was on the other side.
Just to confirm to myself that it wasn’t a fluke, I did it again and had the same feeling. As the joy rose within me, my friends and I hugged one another.
What would it be like to live life without barriers, without regrets? What would it be like to expand your universe and not believe the stories we have been told or tell ourselves that we are not good enough, strong enough, brave enough?
Nature Valley has partnered up with Erik Weihenmayer to encourage people to shed a barrier and get out there! Erik is the only blind adventurer to climb to the seven highest summits in the world. Totally amazing!
His latest expedition? To kayak the Grand Canyon’s Colorado River starting tomorrow, September 7th!
He and fellow blind adventurer, Lonnie Bedwell, will be the very first blind adventurers to attempt this enormous feat. This expedition serves to inspire us to not limit ourselves, to eliminate barriers in our lives and live life to its fullest.
Nature Valley is joining Erik in inviting people to pledge to get out there and live a No Barriers Life.
Feel the energy of Nature with Erik:
- The “No Barriers Grand Canyon Expedition” is a 21-day, 277 mile journey through some of the world’s most challenging whitewater terrain in the Colorado River.
- Erik Weihenmayer will be supported by an experienced paddling team, and joined by accomplished kayaker and Navy veteran Lonnie Bedwell. Together, Erik and Lonnie will demonstrate the power of harnessing inner strength to overcome challenging barriers.
- Preparation for the Expedition has been extensive, with both Weihenmayer and Bedwell spending the last several years training and developing innovative systems for kayaking rapids with support from high-tech radios and verbal commands from river guides.
- The trip will begin on September 7 at Lees Ferry, nine miles south of the Arizona-Utah border. Erik and his team expect to complete the expedition on or around September 28 at Pearce Ferry, which marks the boundary between Lake Mead and the Grand Canyon.
Follow along with Erik on Nature Valley’s Tumblr
Take the No Barriers Pledge
As a founding member of No Barriers USA, Weihenmayer advocates for the organization’s mission to empower people with the message, “what’s within you is stronger than what’s in your way”.
You can join Nature Valley and Weihenmayer in the goal of encouraging one million people to live a No Barriers Life.
Live life without barriers!
Disclosure: This is a partnered post with Nature Valley however all opinions are strictly my own.
Singapore Mum Blog says
Live life without barriers! This is an amazing decision that you read! 🙂
Katie says
What an amazing guy! So many of us don’t take chances and we have no handicaps. He’s blind and he’s conquering the world!
Debra Pearlstein says
I couldn’t agree more! It’s so inspiring.
Jennifer H says
It would be wonderful to live that way. My personality would have a hard time letting go though. 🙂