Today is August 31, 2018 – (see August 31, 2018 on my Facebook page for video)
Life is a river of passing events. Swift is its current.
A year ago I was making preparations to move to France. And I remember I was feeling frustrated, almost defeated, because I was having difficulty finding an apartment to rent for an entire year; this was requirement to get my visa. And the thought even crossed my mind that maybe this was a sign that I wasn’t meant to move to France. But deep inside I knew that wasn’t true. My inner voice had spoken loud and clear. And I had heard it and I knew it was meant to be. So I made a decision to change the date of my move from the end of October 2017 to the end of January 2018 to give me a little more time to prepare and line things up. At the time making that decision didn’t feel good, but it felt necessary to take away some of the anxiety I was feeling. I wanted the process of moving, the journey, to be pleasant and enjoyable.
Now it’s one year later and it’s hard to believe I’ve been living in France for seven months.
Just thirty days ago I was vacationing in Berlin, Germany and I came to you live via Facebook for the very first time to bring you this No Regrets Challenge. I wasn’t exactly sure what I was going to say to you every day or even if you would find value in it, but I had committed to the challenge and I was excited for it and a bit nervous too.
As I prepared to start the challenge emotionally I was still processing the death of John Hunt, the Marine Veteran who lost his sight due to an injury he suffered while serving. And despite his disability he went on to earn his black belt in karate in addition to taking on other extremely challenging physical feats. In fact he was preparing to ride a bicycle from Maine to Florida starting on August 13, 2018 for an Operation Enduring Warrior charity event.
I had interviewed John for my podcast at the end of June. On July 16, just two days before I was planning to air his episode, I learned that while riding in another charity race he had suffered a heart attack and had died. When I heard this news I gasped audibly. John had died doing what he loved doing, helping people, raising money for charity and being physically active.
His death hit me hard. It forced me to see that even though I’m honoring and living my deepest dreams and desires, that there was something I was avoiding, resisting doing and it didn’t feel good. I knew that if I did not pursue this thing, if I didn’t find out the answer to it, that would be a regret I would take to my grave. Fear had had me stuck in avoidance, but the fear of regret was more frightening to me. So I began to take steps to find out the answer. John’s message is a powerful one. And I encourage you to listen to this podcast episode.
So as I prepared to begin this Facebook Live challenge, John’s death was weighing on my mind. John’s amazing life and the beauty of his living it to the fullest to his last breath moved me, changed me forever. I named this Challenge the No Regrets Challenge because of him and because I don’t want you to have regrets when your time is near. If I have moved only one of you to think about what it is you want to make of your life and to take steps to experience that life, this challenge and these videos have been successful.
Thank you for sharing this journey with me. Thank you for participating and sharing your comments and words of support. It has been a great experience. But the end of this challenge doesn’t have to mean the end of your forward motion. You can always revisit these videos anytime. You can also visit my websites discoveringcourage.com and thecouragecatalyst.com any time you need ideas, inspiration, or encouragement to fuel your dreams. And you never know, now that I know how to make these Facebook live videos, you might see me again soon.
You are a beautiful, unique, powerful, and highly capable person. Look within yourself to find the clarity, strength, and passion to live your dreams!
Patricia Brooks is a life experiences coach, speaker, and the author of Growing Bold: How to Overcome Fear, Build Confidence, and Love the Life you Live. She is the host of the Discovering Courage Podcast where each week she explores how ordinary people have managed to live extraordinary lives. Patricia is currently living in France, pursuing her dreams.
Photo Credit: Jamie Street