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One goal. One goal. What would it look like if this goal were in form? Became a lived experience and a reality? What would it sound like? What would it smell like? What would this goal taste like? Most importantly, how would this goal feel becoming a reality? What would it mean to leap? To jump? To make the courageous decisions and move through the courageous acts so that that dream is a reality? So that dream, is a lived, shared, breathing, real experience? What would it feel like? What happens if you jump and your wings expand and you soar and you glide and you get to come across the most beautiful sunrises and sunsets and you see rainbows? And you get the fly next to the birds? How would that feel? Being witness to and reliving these very moments here, that of @lea.rewild lifestyle shoot in Joshua Tree, consume me with the reality that these moments, now in tangible form is a result of Lea’s one goal - this dream, this vision that has been placed on her heart! A calling that became so loud. With this, there is now momentum, movement, ACTION behind it. That goal, now being shared in and with the world as a lived experience and reality. One goal. One goal. What would it look like if this goal were in form? One thing I know to be true in this moment is that for so long, I made it about the destination. And I had it all wrong. It’s about the journey. Fully about the journey. My intentions for the destination were honest, intentional and pure. They were from the driven side of myself, that loves to accomplish, achieve, see tangible results. You know, that overachiever, perfectionist in me. And then, I began to acknowledge the part of myself that truly loved being engulfed in the present. The part of myself that felt at peace, content and fully nourished. This, is when I really became aware of how deeply I am connected to the journey, its importance and how in that messy middle, that in-between, that bridging of the gap, the magic happens. With this awareness, I have noticed and felt an ever deeper shift in all that I am and do. Whatever expression at hand - coaching, photography, podcasting, parenting, partnering, being fully me has expanded, evolved, flourished. And this, this very reality, I am more proud of myself for than reaching any destination. These photos right here, of a family I’ve been documenting for years, feel like a very tangible reflection of what I mean by all of this. There is a deepened sense of presence, of peace, of contentment in these moments. That of being fully together, honoring, being witness to and documenting what it means for my subjects, this family to be on their journey together, in whatever expression that is. What a beautiful place to be. Yes, it’s something I’ve always done, documenting as intentionality and best as I could, but its shifted, because I’ve shifted. Its shifted because I’ve opened up the space and the passage for all other expressions of my being to come into light. And this, this is the most beautiful place to be. If you’re wanting to expand, grow, extend yourself and services to new depths, this is your invitation and permission to do so. Creative expressions come in so many forms and truly can be the most beautiful compliment to one another. Yesterday, while washing my car babes was riding her bike around the driveway. She said, “I’m going on a trip. See you soon.” I said, “Have fun!” A few seconds later - “I’m back.” I replied, “What did you do?” Her… “Just sang and enjoyed my life!” My husband and I immediately looked at one another, giggled and said , “YES!” This moment, felt like one of those gifts from the universe. You know the ones where you pause and take it all in, like really take it in? She’ll be four in July and already her connectedness, her awareness, her confidence, her joy, her ability to be witness to and take in the beauty of all that is - her simply enjoying her life! This interaction and reflection has me feeling extra connected to the immense honor, gift, privilege it is to guide these little humans in this very big world. Our presence, the way in which we show up, communicate, hold space for them to discover them creates these cyclical moments, where one day, their response is so vibrantly, “just enjoying my life.” I find myself, bathing in gratitude lately. Truly for all that is. There are so many gifts that make its way into my existence every single day and I’m in constant inspiration to share them. From my daughter and husband and our home. To my coaching business and the women I get to connect deeply with. To the subtle sounds of nature and warmth on my skin. To conversations about courage, living courageously and building an aligned life. To moments, such as these, documenting a dear friend and her family just after a major transition. It all is a result of embracing the present moment. Learning from it. And simply enjoying life. Are you enjoying your life? Are you Living Courageously? 1️⃣5️⃣ questions to ask yourself.. 1. Do you tune into your heart when making decisions? 2. Are you slowing down enough to witness the signs, magic and messages? 3. Are you honoring your definition of courage in this very moment, for this very season? 4. Are you mindful of the ebbs and flows in knowing they need each other for coexistence? 5. Do you feel aligned? 6. Are you showing up fully, authentically, rawly, confidently as you? 7. Are you making decisions based on what feels right for your being and not the external world? 8. Are you honoring who you are in this moment? 9. Does your life feel better than it looks? 10. Are you attracting in more people who resonate with your frequency and letting go of those who no longer do? 11. Do you find contentment in this present moment? 12. Are you honest with yourself? 13. Are you fully living in whatever expression that looks like for you? 14. Are you trying on new things? 15. Do you feel a sense of peace, love or groundedness? ☀️Answer with YES or NO responses☀️ 👉🏼With the YES responses - Honor and celebrate yourself for where you are in this moment and how far you’ve come. Let these YES’s be an indication of you living courageously. Keep inviting in and deepening what you’re doing to make this a YES! And if you’re feeling really courageous, invite someone else into this reality. 👉🏼With the NO responses - Just as the YES, honor and celebrate yourself for where you are in this moment and how far you’ve come. Let these NO’s be an indication of where you can invite in more of this in your life. Do you want to turn this into a YES? Why? Then, what could you shift and start doing to turn this into a YES. 🌱Wanting to dive deeper into living courageously? 💛Book a complimentary discovery call!  Answer with YES or NO responses.      With the YES responses - Honor and celebrate yourself for where you are in this moment and how far you’ve come. Let these YES’s be an indication of you living courageously. Keep inviting in and deepening what you’re doing to make this a YES! And if you’re feeling really courageous, invite someone else into this reality. With the NO responses - Just as the YES, honor and celebrate yourself for where you are in this moment and how far you’ve come. Let these NO’s be an indication of where you can invite in more of this in your life. Do you want to turn this into a YES? Why? Then, what could you shift and start doing to turn this into a YES.  Wanting to connect deeper around Living Couragesouly?  We were relaxing on the coach one evening and my phone rang. I joyfully picked it up and she said, “I just booked my dream trip to Portugal. I have my flights and most of the accommodation booked. You would just need to get your flight. I know you have so much going on, but is there any way you could join me?” My husband, hearing the whole conversion, looked at me with wide eyes nodding and saying, “You need to go. You need to go.” I said, Jamie - one of my bestest friends in all of this world, who I lived with for over four years in college, who for the last decade we’ve lived in completely different places, yet every time we get together, we pick up right where we left off, “I don’t know how I’m going to make this work, but girl, you better believe I will make it work.” We giggidy hung up. I looked at Dan and said, “Are you sure?” He said, “Yes, please go. You need to go.” For the coming weeks, I started to dream. Starting making small moves to turn this new dream, into a reality. I looked at my calendar. I figured out the dates that I could go, 4 days short of her two week trip. I blocked them out on my calendar. I had a few small meetings, that I immediately rescheduled. I began talking to my husband, Dan and my parents to see if they were on board. And how things could look. What would be most supportive for everyone. As after-all, Dan has been in Paramedic school since January of this year (2023) and I hold down the fort Monday - Friday as he is quite literally gone. We came up with a plan, pretty quickly. Most importantly, I started looking at how I would even fund this. Let’s be real, money has been tight as Dan’s in school, I’m transitioning my business and we only have help with the babes three days a week. I researched flights. Started a Pinterest board. Began saving. Even started a dream outfit cart from my favorite online shop, Lulus. Then, my world slowed, and actually came to a halt about a month later. Just as I was about to buy my ticket, we experienced the biggest blizzard of a century. For weeks, my whole life was quite literally turned upside down. What started as a beautiful storm, turned into a very scary and catastrophic one, very quickly as we were declared a State of Emergency and began having the national guard come in, FEMA, it all - oh, was it jolting. I had just, the day before, called Jamie to tell her I was going to buy my ticket. Two weeks later, when I could breathe again and resurfaced from the storm, I messaged her, “Girl, I've been rocked and haven’t had a chance to book my ticket, but don't worry, its happening.” She replied with, “You take care of you.” As my world started to resume post blizzard, so too did the magical moments begin flickering in. The nudges from the universe began getting louder.
One Saturday morning, just a month before we were supposed to leave, I found my flights. I looked at them, over and over again. I showed Dan, over and over again. I called my parents, over and over again. Oh my gosh, is this happening? I can’t be gone for 8 days. 8 days is too long. What if something happens while I’m on the plane ride and no one can get ahold of me? I can’t go. It’s too far. Who am I kidding, I can’t do this. Orion will be so upset with me when I get home. Is Dan really on board? These were a few of the thoughts and questions I had while staring at my flight, credit card in hand, Dan saying, “Just book it already.” I said, “I can’t. This anxiety is too bad.” I quickly got up, went into my office and immediately grabbed one of my favorite decks of cards. I knew in this moment, spirit would guide me. Holding the cards in my hand, I said, “Universe, my guides, protectors, creators, please tell me when I need to know about Portugal. Am I meant to go to Portugal with Jamie from April 15th - 23rd?” I knocked my deck and began shuffling. A card flew out. The yard, “YESSSSSSSSSS. A million yesses.” I began laughing. Dan smirking because he knew what I was doing. I came out of my office and said, “I’m going.” I immediately booked my flight, called my girl, we squealed like little girls. I screamed, “Mama’s going to Portugal.” Over the coming weeks, I turned my fear into courage through action.
The week of, I packed the car to the brim. Every being, coming with their manual. Arrived at my parents house. We got our nails done. Nearly bought out Trader Joes with every fun treat Orion wanted. I printed my itinerary. And on that Saturday morning, hugged my girl good-bye, drove away crying big mama tears, spending the morning shooting the most magical families at the most inspiring locations in LA and a few hours later, boarded my first flight. A 10 hour trip to Paris. It was surprisingly quick and smooth. Had some dinner, a couple glasses of wine. Put on a movie and quickly fell asleep (so grateful to have an aisle seat with no one to the left of me). I woke up and we landed in Paris. A few hours at the airport. And then onto a two hour flight, landing me in Lisbon Portugal. While on that flight, I intentionally spent time connecting with a new deck I bought just for this trip and really setting my intentions for this sacred, 8 day trip. What did I want to embody? How did I want to show up? What did I need to support myself while there? I landed. Jamie had arranged for a driver to pick me up. On facetime with my girl, I walk out and quickly saw Carlos, my driver. We walk to his van and I jump right in the front seat. He looked at me a little startled, I said, “Is this okay?” He said, “Of course.” I kissed my girl good-bye and Carlos and I chatted about everything from the country, to politics, to working wages, who even knows. It was a quick 20 minute drive that was the most beautiful welcome. I arrived, Jamie waiting outside our apartment in the most vibrant long blue beautiful dress. I wave profusely from the van, she jumps up with a smile that literally could puncture someone's soul (in the best possible way). We went upstairs, I quickly showered and got dressed, deeply aware of what time sunset was, ensuring we didn’t miss it. We walked out and I cried. I was there. This quick dream turned into an even quicker reality. We spent that first night, walking around, eating the most glorious pizzas, and sharing a bottle of wine. Walking around some more. Listening to Fado music. And doing what we do best, picking up right where we left off. Below are our days and the best recount I have of the magic present : The magic, I can best describe was presence, full presence. The scenery, was absolutely breathtaking. The food, truly divine. The county and its people, some of the kindest, most welcoming. The friendship at hand, truly a synergy I had dreamed of - a seeing, a knowing, a supporting, a joyous laughter filled love, connection and union. So much so, I peed my pants from laughing so hard (more than one occasion). Day 1 : Sunday [Lisbon]
 Day 2 : Monday [Lisbon]We woke early, went to the most glorious breakfast and quite literally spent the entire day walking around the city. Stopping in small shops, having a drink in the park, stumbling across a local artisan market, eating, drinking, laughing, breathing, exploring.
Day 3 : Tuesday [Sintra]We woke even earlier and took the train to Sintra. The most magical little city. We spent all morning exploring the sacred grounds of Quinta de Regaleira. And then all afternoon, getting lost on public transportation to eventually take a tuktuk to a lovely little beach town known as Cascais where we shared Rose while nesting on the warm sand.
Day 4 : Wednesday [Porto]We packed and boarded our 3.5 train ride to head from Lisbon to Porto. This was our "boujee" day where we stayed in a really nice hotel, went to a fancy dinner and bar hopped around the city! Absolutely divine.
Day 5 : Thursday [Porto]We explored the city, checked-into our Air BnB, had sunset drinks and a walk, an early dinner and movie in bed!
Day 6 : Friday [Porto]It rained all day and created the most perfect experience for a day of wine tasting at the local Wine School where we were guided in a private wine tasting and educating of all the insanely yummy wines of Portugal. We ended the day with a sunset walk around the city - the sky showing off after a day full of rain!
Day 7 : Saturday [Lisbon]I took the train and headed back to Lisbon for one last night in the city before boarding my flight early the next morning!
Day 8 : Sunday [Travel Day - back to the U.S.]8 Questions to create a heart-centered foundation for a courageous, INTENTIONAL & dream filled life4/5/2023  So, you’re super interested in wanting to live through this lens of living of a courage, intentional and dream filled life? But, you’re like… “Where do I even begin?” These are 8️⃣ questions to get very clear on and build a foundation for a heart-centered, courageous, intentional and dream filled life. To prepare for this, I recommend : 📝Getting a pen and notebook. 🖊️Write each question at the top of each page. 🏡Put yourself in an environment that in supportive, sacred and your feel safe in. 💕Begin by placing your left hand on your heart and right on top of that and CONNECT to your heartbeat! Then, start to answer these questions. 1️⃣What are your values? 2️⃣What do you value about life? 3️⃣What do you love? 4️⃣What are you curious about? 5️⃣What inspires you? 6️⃣What fills up your cup? 7️⃣What depletes you? 8️⃣What does success look like to you? For examples and deeper insight into what this looks like in my own life, tune into episode 2️⃣3️⃣ of The Living Courageously Podcast! 🎧           
These past few weeks have been some of the biggest challenge and test of my courage. Today, I choose to start a new. Today, I begin again. Today, I honor my challenges and use them as my affirmations to re-emerge stronger, braver, more honest and courageous. Today, I grow my wings. Today, I am Courage in Action. Can you believe we're already in April, finishing the first quarter of the year and moving into the second! This, is what inspired this bonus episode, inviting you into really checking in with where you are in this moment in relation to your goals and intentions! As you tune into Episode 29 of The Living Courageously Podcast : Quarter Year Check-In, you'll witness that it's broken down into three parts. Within each part are some questions to consider. Behind each of these questions, be sure to create the space to give yourself honest answers!
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