The Trailhead 

From Patt Osborne, AdventureCoach.

"Climb Mountains, But Bring a Good Guide"

Each month, you will receive some practical tips on ideas such as eliminating stress, finding your passion, clearing clutter, and maybe even some travel tips and more. Also look for helpful resources including book titles and websites. In addition, don’t be surprised when you find a call to action. I am a coach, after all! I hope you find some useful tidbits. If you decide to take me up on one of the monthly challenges, email me and tell me about it. I would love to hear what you are up to! If you know someone that you think might find something of value in here, please forward this newsletter on. And remember…the adventure begins at the start of The Trailhead!

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I have just returned from a glorious time on the beautiful island of St. John in the US Virgin Islands. The first leg of the trip was spent at Maho Bay Camps (www.maho.org) where Coach Deb Martin and I hosted our 2^nd annual Coaching Retreat. We met some great people, did some coaching and shared some knowledge plus we had a lot of fun! At the conclusion of our 5 days together after our goodbyes, I packed up my stuff, picked up my husband from the ferry then headed on over to our remote rental cottage on the dry side of the island to continue the second leg of the trip.

This cottage is one that now feels like a 2^nd home since we’ve been staying in it every year for the last few years. We love Terry, the owner as well as we love the location. It is situated on a cliff overlooking the water, with the surroundings of natural beauty as our only neighbors. Each year, while there, my husband and I do our yearly climb to the top of Bordeaux Mountain, where at 1300 feet; it is the highest point on St. John. Although we take frequent hikes on this little island (and there are many to choose from since St. John is two thirds National Park), this particular hike is for me, the most challenging. We always extend the hike by walking the few miles from our cottage to the trailhead instead of driving to it. On the trail, although it is a short 1.2 miles to the top, it is a steep climb, open to the sun in most places. Each year, as I set out for this particular trail, I experience a sense of dread and discomfort and find myself feeling downright cranky at the thought of making this climb. It’s precipitous and hot yet it’s also a great workout so I just do it.

As we set out for our annual trek this time, those familiar feelings came flooding back, as before. As we were walking (even before we hit the steep ascent!), I whined and complained, declaring it was too hot and questioned why we were doing this. My patient husband listened quietly as I continued my tirades. As much as I love and embrace hiking adventures, I seemed to allow my Evil Twin to emerge on this one and she’s NOT fun! I guess I got to the point where I was tired of hearing myself snivel because suddenly a memory came to me.

I remembered a story from my teaching days that was in my students’ reading book. It was a story about a little boy who had a close relationship with his grandfather. He and his grandfather always had outdoor adventures together; fishing, taking walks in the woods, etc. until one day his grandfather has a stroke and their adventures come to a screeching halt. After months of difficult rehabilitation, the little boy begins to encourage and motivate his grandfather to go outside with him and attempt to reenact their walks together…by taking one step at a time.

With the recollection of this story, I started seeing this hiking trail in a different light. By focusing on the beating sun, the heat and the steepness of the trail, I had been totally missing the beautiful scenery around me. And hey, it was hot and the trail was steep yet if I took it one step at a time, instead of seeing the whole hike as oppressive, my mood might change. And guess what…I did and it did! As I reached the steepest part of that trail, I changed my thinking and what I was putting my attention to. I started noticing the brilliant turquoise blue of the bay below us in the distance and the sharp, pungent scent of the plant life all around us. It was a strenuous trek yet by paying attention to the positives of it, rather than the negatives, the experience became ever so much better. I realized that by literally taking one step at a time and not worrying about the outcome, I was freed up and my mood changed dramatically. I finally allowed myself to enjoy the journey and not be so focused on the goal. And that has made all the difference…

What about YOU? What’s something currently in your life that you see as overwhelming, overpowering, or even paralyzing? How daunting does that situation feel? 1st off, identify it. Then think about how you can break the task up into small steps. Now decide on the 1^st step you will take and just do it. (The 1^st step is often the toughest!) Next, take each upcoming step one at a time…however it best works for you. Pay attention to your feelings as you make the journey. Watch how your mood changes and your energy increases.

Want some support? I’d love to hear about your accomplishments and challenges. And remember…"The journey of a thousand leagues begins with a single step." ~Lao Tsu~

Do you need a break from your demanding schedule? Step out of your busy life for one day and join me and others at beautiful Camp Ockanickon in Medford, NJ on Tuesday, December 2 for a December De-Stress Day.

Click on the "Retreats" link on my website for more info.

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The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho-a simple, fictional tale about the importance of listening to our hearts.

Maiden Voyage by Tania Aebi- The true story of one women’s courageous solitary journey around the world in a sailboat.

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And for the upcoming holiday…

www.epicurious.com (a fabulous treasure-trove of recipes!)

www.thanksgivingrecipe.com

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Have a wonderful November…one step at a time!

Warm wishes,

Patt

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute coaching phone session, email me at patt.adventurecoach@verizon.net or call 609-953-0027

Visit my website for more coaching info. www.adventurecoach.com

Please forward this newsletter on to any friends or colleagues who you think may find it useful. Be assured, I will never sell, trade, or give your information to anyone, at anytime, period!

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