“The big question is whether you are going to say a hearty YES to your adventure.”
– Joseph Campbell
As another year wraps, it’s often a time to reflect on the past 12 months on what we completed—and what we didn’t—what we learned, and what our hearts would like to “say yes” to creating in a new year of new possibilities.
An enthusiastic, heart-felt “Hell Yes” (or a solid “Hard No”) to your dream, vision, or next exploration into the unknown is a beautiful catalyst for self-discovery, new direction… and often some full-on magic!
And that’s just what happened to me…
Standing in the thick bamboo forest mesmerized by the giant faces, and the massive, majestic, hairy bodies of the mountain gorillas just a few metres from me, a wave of gratitude flooded over me.
I was so grateful I followed my heart and said, “yes!” to the adventure.
Because I had almost said: “Next time.”
It was 2018.
I was travelling in Rwanda for a short time and hesitating on whether to go see the extraordinary, rare creatures known as the Silverback gorillas. The trek to see the great apes would require some extra money, time, and special transport.
I would have to purchase an expensive ($600 USD) permit to see them, travel alone across the Ugandan border, and hike up a mountain through the jungle of Mgahinga National Park for who knows how many hours…with complete strangers.
All that and no guarantee I would see any gorillas.
Hmmm, maybe I could fulfill this big, bold dream another time? Next time. Next trip. Next lifetime.
Then this rather loud, yet loving, inner voice came through: “If not now, when?”
This moment, this opportunity, with the perfect people in the perfect place for me to experience something spectacular was already here. Now!
This day would not pass this way again. (Today a particularly poignant message as COVID19 arrived just one year later, and travel and tourism changed forever.)
So I surrendered my excuses and said a hearty “Yes”
When we make a decision and commit, the universe responds.
And oh, the universe responded!
I had a glorious two-hour trek up the densely forested mountain, with an energetic and delightful guide named James, donning a Bob Marley backpack. A calm, lean, and muscular porter carrying a large automatic weapon accompanied him.
We forged a trail through the forest for about two hours, stepping over red ants, gargantuan tree roots, and precarious edges, and then came to an opening in the jungle with the sound of rustling grasses and snapping branches.
And then… awe struck. We arrived to find a group of nine very active gorillas enjoying their bamboo breakfast and making their “nests” to later rest in the long grass.
We got up close and not-too-personal with this troupe of mountain gorillas of all ages, sizes, and personalities. A mother in a tree snuggling her baby, a couple of juvenile gorillas, i.e., the “teenagers” rolling about, and four massive mature Silverbacks.
A true gathering of giants, including the dominant male who raised his arms to his shoulders and twisted his torso to show off his glorious silvery back.
It was a life-changing hour of my own personal encounter with gorillas in the mist. All because I said Yes!
I have seen the power of saying “YES” rather than “I can’t,” “maybe next time,” or “not right now,” over and over again, in my travels, in my career, and in LIFE.
I have seen what can transpire and transform for my clients and colleagues, too.
The ones who said “Yes” to their dreams and…
- Took that epic journey to Kenya, and did it solo
- Got the book done—finally
- Signed up for that weird Intuition workshop and changed the course of their life
- Reimagined themselves and their business.
What are you ready to say a heartfelt “Yes” to?
As part of my new direction in 2023, I’m offering guided, soul-full travel experiences designed for small groups of 8 to 10. First stop, Namibia! One of my favourite African destinations, where the ocean, desert, and dunes come together in spectacular, surreal landscapes.
Designed and facilitated by me, this magical adventure will be a journey into new ways of seeing—and Being—as you discover what happens when you say “yes.”
For more information about this tailor-made “Magic of Namibia tour” in autumn 2023, reply to this email or contact me HERE and we’ll book a call.
With love and an adventurous spirit,
Barbara xo