BootsnAll Travel Community

Chris asks...what caused me to want to seek out and then create my own life's goals?

One day, just siting at home on a Saturday...I saw a world traveler-adventurer on TV talking about his latest trek...which was folowing the Amazon from its very source down the entire length to its mouth.

The TV show interviewer then asked him..."How does one go about becoming a world traveler/explorer/adventurer?"

...and he replied, "I figure you go thru life once...and I didn't want to miss a thing...so I made a list... of everything I wanted to do in this lifetime...and then I set out to do them, starting with the easier ones first, to build up confidence... and then moving up the list from there!"

Well I figured...if making a list was good for him...[and I was impressed that he was on TV talking about it]...then I figured that it was darn good advise for me as well!

I liked the fact that he loved to do what he was doing, and that by simply documenting and sharing his experiences with others...he was actually able to support his chosen lifestyle!

So...being no dummy, and knowing good advise when I saw it...
I made my own list, and went out and did it as well!

And just think...here we are talking about it, on a whole new medium.

Jeez...Isn't media grand?

...and to your other Q. I was hired as the token Yank at Festival Records...I did a lot of meet and greets, as the labels artist came thru...meeting & greeting them at the airports...music festivals...radio sations etc.!

They said they liked my California accent...and I'd say:
"What accent?"

Hello Mr. Hippy,

Doe you remember if the guy you are mentioning was John Goddard? The reason I ask is becuase I've been reading a wonderful book ("Pathfinder" by Nicolas Lore), and as an intro to the goal setting section of the book, it had a story about Mr. Goddard, and this list of accomlisments. Simply amazing.

While I'm sure a lot of the things he did are not for me, it's still a impressive and a great source of inspiration to know that you can get what you want out of life.

And now you have me hooked on this thread damnit!

I've just reread a lot of the posts herein..so I want to make sure I have acknowledged each of you personally and that I have not missed any question you have directed at me?

general comments...Hello to eowyn!

...as you admit you have your ups and downs...do make sure it is not chemical imbalances that causes the swings...and what are you still doing way up north, when you know you are affected by the sun [or lack of it], and by the depressing winter weather?

Tip #2 Use those highs and lows for creative out put. Some of our greatest creative minds would be considered manic depressives today...but they used those swings to create magic!

Some song writers can only write when in a melancholy mood.

So...if we have bio rhythms...lets use em to our benifit!

remember all...keep adding to your lists... as more stuff comes up!

for example...who listed liking clean white sheets and their very comfy bed, upon return from a trip?...well how about the thrill of adding: a great hot shower...especially if you haven't seen too many of those while on the road as well!

Please check in with anything else you want to share, as we will soon kick these lists up a notch!

Who here is afraid to share what you have writen or not writen down?

Use this "invisable cloak" of a forum to push your envelope!

We are all in this together!!!

Kudos to those that risk the most in here!!!!

Howdy all,

A few others for the list:

Sunrises and Sunset - witness as many spectacular ones as posible.

Having a puppy dog wagging his tail each time he sees you.

Sitting back and enjoying a task finished and job well done.

chris...I do not know the fellows name...but I think he was French...if that is any help.

To everyone working on their lists...check in and give a progress report...how is it going?

Hi oldhippy,

I thought about what you wrote, and I want to say a few things. First of all, it has crossed my mind from time to time that there could be a chemical/hormonal thing acting up, but to be honest with you I'm just not sure about that. I guess I tend to think that for me, it's more of a personality thing that I need to work with, rather than an actual chemical imbalance. Also, it's really only been noticeable in a huge way in the past few years, when I've been in the midst of a quarter-life crisis of sorts, and have strayed way off course as far as my job goes, and how I feel about where my life is going. I feel like at this point there are a lot of tangible things I can do to improve things, that involve personal changes in my life, rather than numbing everything with a drug, which I think is necessary for a small, small % of people, but for most other people, the problems can be resolved by active personal growth and talking to people.

You do bring up a good point, though, as to why I'm living in MN. I guess if I'm being honest, it's because I'm comfortable here, and because my family is here, and I have some really good friendships developing. As people get older, I think it *tends* to be more difficult to meet people and develop friendships, so it's a very real hit I'd be taking to my personal life, if I moved south. I guess I know myself, and I really don't like the thought of moving somewhere, not knowing anyone, being lonely, and being like that for 2 or 3 years before I really get some deep friendships going. But believe me, I've considered moving to TN or CA, and I guess the only thing stopping me is giving up my friends/family - which is a huge deal for me.

I will get back a little later w/ the biggies..current philosophy of life and the God question. Yikes! Big topics.

Lynn

P.S. I want to share that I had a really positive interaction with a professor yesterday afternoon, about the Conservation Biology program here; I was really excited about it - hasn't happened for awhile - and I'm going to keep pursuing this option and see what comes of it. I'm very hopeful, but recognize it will take some time, cause funding might not come up for awhile. Also, I'm still painting.

I think we ought to start a "quarter life crisis club" on this branch...what do you guys think?

I can't tell if this 1/4 life thing is a new thing to your generation...or that age old thing:

...who am I...what am I...what is my life all about?

But, enough folks have come thru here who have mentioned it, to warrent you guys actually having a seperate thread to discuss this delema with your peers.

A facilitaor, also known as a helper...is all that is needed for a new group to start...does anyone in here want to rise from the ranks and share anything on this?

Howdy all,

Good call, old hippy, you're definitely have your finger on the pulse. It's good to know it’s not just me going through this and I will keep this board focused on the spiritual quest.

Please note I have written the following on another thread (I'm still not sure how to do the quote thing so I have just cut and pasted it)

My Meaning of the Purpose of Life

To an individual the meaning of life is to live - and to live means something different to each person - and at risk of sounding like the movie city slickers - each person must discover what that means to them.

Everyone obviously needs to have the basics (some form of shelter, food and nurturing) Once these needs are filled then we can move on to achieving fulfilment in relationships, travel, love, laughter etc etc.

The purpose of life collectively is to evolve - "the survival of the fittest" If you look at the discovery channel each species is adapting to their conditions and finding better and more effective ways of surviving and living.

How we contribute to this as individuals probably wont be known until after we die if ever - not every one will create a new food system that will feed all of Africa or new technology that revolutionise the fuel industry...but everyone will contribute in some way. It may be words of wisdom you have used to inspire someone or through your wacky adventures you have given someone the courage to go forth and create.

Every action has a reaction and it is hard to predict what the extent of the reaction will be. Who knows what will happen when we smile at a stranger or when we get frustrated with someone on the tube. Every moment counts.

Find out what is important to you and live life the best you possibly can.

My meaning of God

I did a few subjects on ancient religion when I was at uni and one thing I realised was all religions were based on the same principals but when religion became organised it became political and controlling and lost its meaning. It became the means to oppress and separate one from another and often a way of controlling the masses.

I believe in the Universal spirit, it would be the God, Buddha etc etc all rolled into one (I believe they represent the same principals) but it also incorporates science as well. It’s the life force the energy that is present inside of everyone and everything.

Howdy Captain...Thanks for starting the feedback coming in on the other questions from the personal inventory list.

Have the others doing this assignment fallen behind...given up...or are you just too cautious/fearful to share?

Is anyone overwhelmed by all this?

Remember...there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to "what do you think"...so just go for it!

There are only two things to raelly consider on this first part.
1st... Defining where you are right now...and then imagining any and all possibilites of where you would rather... or want to be.

Taking action...Learning new skills, and seeking new tools to help you achieve it, are in the next step.

My philosphy on life in a nutshell is that everyday should matter. I dont' want to look back on any day and think that it didn't matter if that day had happened or not. Not that everyday has to be monumental-the smallest, simplest things could still make the day worthwhile. Basically i see my life as a gift, one that shouldn't just sit in the back of the closet collecting dust.

Oldhippy,

I feel left out! Or, more like I know I have an individual take on things to share and thrive on learning from the perspectives of others myself. How do I jump in and join you all on the group quest??

I'd messaged you a long time ago, while still on the road, got a bit of a starter assignment, and of course, fell behind.

Can I jump in now and partake of your wisdom??

Sincerely,
Justine

Ok, philosophy of life, and God [this is cut and pasted (and is extremely random and jumpy, so I apologize) from a lot of stuff I wrote a few years ago, about all of these 'big' topics] -- and by the way, this is sounding much like Captains' description:

PURPOSE:
The purpose of life, I am beginning to learn, is simply to live. To enjoy life, to get the most out of it, to experience what we have the chance and desire to experience. Because, quite frankly, there may not have been a reason for my birth.... Now, even if there was no reason for me popping into existance, it doesn't mean there can't be a reason that I live for, or a goal that I have in mind. It doesn't mean I have to resign myself to just float along as an unimportant, hopeless person out of the billions of people alive today. I am important in my small little world and I value my life.... I don't really think I have a purpose, per se, and I cannot do anything else than be myself, follow my intuition, and make choices because I am free to do so. So as I'm living, I'm not following a set purpose, a set path, I'm just living out my life, making choices, and reacting to situations as they come along. It's only after I'm dead that people in the future would be able to say "Lynn's purpose was to do ___in life, and because she did ___ , ___ happpened." ... The individual, then, has no set "purpose" in life other than living his life, but perhaps life as a whole, and humanity in particular, has a "purpose" -- a point, if you will, of being in existance. .....I'm simply condoning life, an appreciation of it, a happiness of being alive and valuing the Earth and our mortality.

Ok -- I also need to add that in addition to all of the stuff I wrote a few years ago, I now also think the purpose of an individuals' life is to remain true to your identity, but also interact with others and GROW as a person, as well as be there if others' need your help.

GOD: Um, I've written a winding 50 pages or so of philosophy/religion/etc, so I'm actually gonna have to get back to this response...I need a bit of time to figure out how to summarize it in one paragraph!

Hey justine...I remember you!

yep just jump in any ol time you want...and this goes for any and all new folk as well...everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate....so,

Jump in and share no matter when you find this thread or when ever you choose to share what you have!

Spiritually:

I believe we're all in it together. I believe all religions are going after the same thing; an explanation of why we are here today, what we are in the grand scheme, and where we're heading. I don't believe in the rightness of any one religion; I believe all religions attempt to put in human terms something that is so huge that it can't *really* be conveyed. I recognize truth in nearly all religions, but I think the details obscure the truth all of the religions are really trying to convey, and I think the vast majority of people get caught up in the details, and lose sight of the important stuff...the truth (although now I'm waxing religious! Yikes! :-)

That of...the beauty of life, that ALL of us are of the same stuff, that we are all unique, that 'petty' stuff like possessions, politics, borders, etc, doesn't really matter; that what matters is the human spirit, and life, and being stewards of the planet -- taking care of ALL life.

I'm more of a God is the universe type girl. God is all around us. God IS. None of this anthropomorphic stuff.

eowyn...to summarize, try this trick...


[the following is condensed from your own words:]

The purpose of life: is simply to live! To enjoy life, to get the most out of it; to experience! ...to be myself!..to find my purpose!

Now, Do you want to add/change anything to this list above...or say...nope, that is about it, for right now...just as stated.

Remember...there is never a right or wrong on such matters...there just is!

either way...you've already said a mouthful with very few words!

Now try the same thing on....

God to me is:

Hey eowyn...we must have been typing at the same time...for you already answered...before I posted!

...and I absoluely loved you answer for God:

God Is!

Thanks oldhippy!

And your summary for my purpose of life is basically it..for now!

The reason I wanted to share how to concentrate a simplified list [compiled with thanks from Eowyn's writings]...was to show how simple life can be if we just wade through the clutter and seek out the essence of our thought and our being.

It is also called finding the "nuggets of truth."

A journal is an excellent means to just get it all out there at first...and then to return to find those hidden "nuggets of truth" that have always been in there, somewhere!

When creating a living/working personal philosophy for our- selves...keeping the verbage as simple as possible, makes the message even clearer and easier to absorb into our psyche...so if we are ever in doubt or confused along the way... simply return to that which you already deem to be most important...ang go from there!

You can also add...subtract or edit along the way!!!

Remember...when it comes to philosophy, Nothing is etched in stone...

[except maybe the 10 commandments!!!] ...just joking here!

Love is the eternal and unquestionable admiration and affection and respect for someone or something. It is unconditional and does not depend on certain factors. It is a connection with the life force, a connection with something greater than us.

(It may be back to front but then again I'm from downunder!!!)

Dreams - Here's the summary.

Travel – travel the globe; see amazing sites, amazing architecture, natural formations, and amazing people.

Personal –To be happy and healthy physically, emotionally and spiritually and to be constantly learning and developing new ideas and skills.

Education – to learn about new cultures, new technologies and to expand my mind and learn things of interest that will help me achieve my goals.

Work – to find something I enjoy doing and giving something back to this world.

Relationships – develop meaningful relationships with like-minded people in where caring, sharing and the exchange of information take place.

Strengths
Optimistic
Positive
Adaptable
Happy
Quick and Eager to Learn
Willingness to take calculated risks
Deliberate
Non-materialistic
Goal orientated/goal achiever
Think outside the square
Loving family
Charitable
Hard working

Weaknesses
Unsure
Procrastinator
Unorganised
Loner
Mood swings
Indecisive

Likes (I've jotted some of these down before but heres the full list)
Achieving goals
Seeing new places
Laughing
Relating with people, having interesting conversations
Sunrises
Sunsets
Happy times
Seeing people achieve their goals
Learning
Playing with animals
Clean linen
Sleeping in
A home in order
Keeping fit
Having loads of energy
Reading about new and interesting subjects
Being with people partying and celebrating
Feeling the rhythm - Dancing
Being at Peace
Satisfaction
Hearing Music
Being under the stars Camping
Eating tasty morsels – Food
A warm day after a long winter


Dislikes
Pushy people
Getting taken advantage of
Misdirected energy
Whingeing
Complaining
High pitched squeals
Mental blocks
Bad coffee
Wasted time
Not prioritising my values correctly
Having to cut ties.
Difficult decisions
Not being able to find something.

LOVE [my attempt at defining it, based on what I know]: The unconditional acceptance, caring, and respect of yourself or other living things; desire to extend oneself to foster growth and wellbeing in self or others...but without changing who they are...helping them to become who they are.

There are people in my life who I love, but there aren't many. I also love my cat (I think it can fit the above definition, because I see my cat as having a spirit/'personality' if you will), and I love the world ecosystem; all of the living things in their complexity and unity.

STRENGTHS:
Creative
Intuitive
Grasp underlying principles/themes
Organized
Free-thinker
Deliberative
Strategic
Analytical
Empathetic/understanding
Honest
Inquisitive
Artistic
Musical
Idealistic
Adventurous
Written communication
Can be fearless

WEAKNESSES:
Self doubt
Can be critical of self and others/judgemental (if I don't catch myself)
Prone to negativity
Mood swings
Persuasion - not good at it, and don't like it
Over-analyzing
Giving up easily/resignation/laziness
Getting caught up in the details and losing the big picture.