This post is the second in a series called “Awakenings in Africa,” focusing on some of the most powerful soul messages I received while I was there, most recently in Kenya.
When I summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in September 2016, I remember some of the best advice I received from one of the particularly enlightened guides. The best way to climb every mountain is to focus on what’s immediately in front of you… don’t look behind you to see how far you’ve already come and how steep and treacherous the path has been.
In other words, the past is over (even a few thousand metres of ‘over’) and you successfully reach the “summit” of everything you face in life, i.e., your biggest challenges and goals, by looking ahead never behind you.
Hmm. Seems obvious… yet profound.
My adventures (and awakenings) in Africa have made this crystal clear:
When I am focused, aligned, and following my heart there is nothing in my past in the way of my future; and my future may look nothing like my past!
I’ve discovered when you truly let go of your past beliefs, wounds, and limitations…OHH the limitations… you can create the most amazing moments, days and experiences from your highest source of creativity—your imagination, your true nature, and whatever lights up your heart.
Being free of the past is liberating, exhilarating, and as expansive as the African skies. So-called “problems” dissolve and only possibilities remain.
I realized this not only in my own experiences, but also saw this every day in the faces and actions of the children I taught, played with, and lived among for four months in Kenya, both in the Masai community and at Kipchamgaa Children’s Home in Kericho.
Some had loving parents, some didn’t. Some had homes and families, some didn’t. Some received an education early in childhood, some didn’t.
Some were abandoned as infants or toddlers, some weren’t.
Many had witnessed unspeakable violence, experienced deep trauma, and known abject poverty.
They also showed incredible resilience. Inspiring courage. Radiant light.
Many of these children had every reason to feel traumatized and influenced by past experiences, uncertainty, and fears… yet all I saw were bright shiny souls looking toward the future–doing their best at school, playing full out at every opportunity, and dreaming about being pilots, doctors, teachers, and professional dancers.
Of course, there were moments of self-doubt, sadness, and shattered confidence—all very human feelings—but there wasn’t a “poor me” victim mentality among them.
In many cases, the confidence, boldness, and pure joy of these children shone like beacons of presence. They were in living in the present moment—not dragging the past forward to mess with their future.
These two young beings of light I called “Miss Kenya and Mr. Universe,” mostly because of their extraordinary tenacity, courage, boldness, and loving hearts. They are orphans, and future leaders.
The past is over. The future is yours to create.
I never imagined my decision to climb Kilimanjaro would lead to a future that would include making the journey to the summit part of the message of my book (Creating the Impossible), and that I would meet, teach, learn from and be forever changed by the very kids for whom I climbed “Kili” to raise thousands of dollars to support.
I also didn’t foresee that I would be acting as a ‘vision catalyst’ for the clients I now coach, and the children I will soon teach, to realize their big not-so-impossible dreams.
What’s possible for your future?
If you’ve got a big goal or dream but are feeling stuck due to fear, past beliefs or old patterns, I’m offering a new, short & soul-inspired program that can help you.
On November 22, I’m launching a three-week introductory course called: Creating the Impossible 101: Breaking through what’s blocking you from realizing your dream. Find out more here.
Yesterday’s gone. Your future is right in front of you. Create one you’d love.