I had a dream recently.
It felt like both a vague memory and something yet to be realized.
Maybe that’s what dreams are – reminders of what’s possible – but possible coming from the truth of who you are.
The truth of who you are.
The dream you are here for.
It triggers that small part of your brain, on the alert, protecting you from:
- failure
- rejection
- disappointment
That part of you, your lizard brain, so totally committed to keeping you safe. Even from your dreams.
And safe you remain.
Thinking of someday . . .
A day, far off in the distant future.
A day when the planets align and the moon is blue.
A day when you finally get your ducks in a row.
But (this is where your dream becomes a nightmare) someday N E V E R comes.
Unless . . .
- A loved one dies suddenly
- You get the diagnosis you never want to hear
- Mother Nature wreaks havoc and destroys life as you know it
We’ve all heard stories of this type of wake up call.
Stories of that inspiring person who wakes the fuck up and refuses to succumb to the diagnosis, embracing their dreams instead.
What if you didn’t have to wait for that kind of wake up call?
What if instead, you found yourself in a room with 500 of the most awake human beings you’ve ever encountered?
That is the World Domination Summit, an extraordinary event that took over Portland this past weekend.
Pam Slim greeted us with a Navajo greeting Ya’at’eeh, meaning everything about you and who you are is good and beautiful. Imagine even just a day of that as your experience of life.
Leo Babauta invited us to live simply, without goals and asked, “What is the most important thing you want to do?” Go do that and eliminate everything else. Do something that excites you every single day.
“Where do you not go the extra mile?” demanded Danielle LaPorte. Where do you give up on your dreams? And what will it take to push through the stops?
How will it feel when you realize your dream? Spend your time there, allow those feelings to deepen.
Because it’s not about someday and it’s not about the goals. It’s about how you live your life.
“The dream is inside you. Get it out and walk into it.” – Danielle LaPorte
What if you got up and took one small action walking into your dream?
Karen Walrond encouraged creating your own story.
What story do you want to have written on your tombstone? What would it take to live and die free from regrets?
So. Much. Inspiration.
I was a sponge, soaking it up and realizing something very important.
You and I are the same as Pam, Leo, Danielle.
They’ve been where you are and that’s how I know for sure.
They faced their fear and took that one action anyway. And if they can?
So can you.
“We are always in service, question is to what?” – Mark Silver
Are you serving your dreams? Humanity?
Your fear?
What if, as Leo realized, you can serve both your joy and your fear?
What if your someday is now?
Thanks to the heart and soul of Chris Guillebeau and the WDS team life for 500+ people will never be the same because their dreams have come alive.
The best part I think? Everywhere I went from the ATL airport back to ATL, there was someone there from WDS. Wandering the streets? Met someone. Train ride back from airport after skydiving? Met someone. Each bus, train, street held a fireball of awesome.
Dear Sandi, it’s up to us to keep this magical inspiration going now. So many tendrils of love snaking through the world now, more complete humans from the validation of this weekend.
What if everywhere we look there’s a fireball of awesome all the time? That would be an amazing WDS legacy!
Sandi-I really like your reflections on the WDS! Everyone was AWAKE! It’s so rare to be surrounded by so many unique and creative people.
My favorite part of WDS was the people by far. The speakers all rocked and it was cool to hear them reflecting back to me all the things I tell my clients about creating a Kick-Ass Life. It confirmed that I was on the right track.
I think my favorite part of the event was the opening party and meeting everyone—and I can’t forget sitting on the sidewalk in front of the museum with Pam Slim as she gave a miny Content Map class to a few of us. She was so nice and accessible.
Leah,
Years ago I heard the phrase “For possibility, add people” and WDS was the perfect example of that! I felt, like you, that the speakers and energy of the conference resonated with my own work with clients. That was an indescribable feeling of satisfaction!
Thanks for sharing about WDS, Sandi – I wasn’t there (sure hope to be next year!), but am soaking up the joy and inspiration from here/now. Oh, Pam Slim’s greeting – I think that made my week – how gorgeous!
Karen,
It will take days of reviewing my notes and letting it all sink in. The people were amazing, the speakers inspiring in a down-to-earth way and the whole experience was out of this world. I will definitely be back next year 🙂
“What if instead, you found yourself in a room with 500 of the most
awake human beings you’ve ever encountered?” Your question gave me goosebumps, Sandi. I’m coming with you guys next year. That’s a promise!
Every time I review my notes or think of that weekend my brain starts to buzz with ideas. That’s the impact of WDS 🙂