Today I met Michael.
I was reluctant to leave my flat today because I was in the midst of my creative flow, which typically occurs during the early hours of the morning for me. However, I had made a promise to myself to start getting out and connecting with others.
I had registered for a local business networking group event, an informal gathering of fellow entrepreneurs in our community. But as often happens, I found myself in a mental struggle right up to the last minute - the inner battle of whether to go or not to go, with the "you have to go" voice clashing with the desire to remain in my creative cocoon.
Eventually, common sense won, as I realised the importance of getting out and connecting with fellow humans. So, I jumped into my car, drove to my local town, found a parking spot, and strolled over to the delightful local bar/restaurant/café where the event was being held.
Managing the initial moments of these events can be a bit challenging for me. While I did know one person there, the host, the rest of the faces were new and unfamiliar.
Being a non-conventional "business," I often find the inevitable question, "What do you do?" a bit difficult to answer succinctly. I could take the easy route and simply say, "I'm an author," but that doesn't quite convey the depth of what I do.
In reality, I teach Mindfulness, but it's not just Mindfulness; it's tailored specifically for individuals dealing with cancer, loss, and bereavement. Additionally, I am Mindfulness Based Living teacher, a concept that not everyone has come across, which typically leads to more questions.
Then there's my work in Authentic Living Coaching, which can require a thorough explanation in itself. I don’t even bother to add the fact that I also run groups and workshops in the community and sometimes work with young people!
And when someone inevitably asks about my book, it becomes a bit more intricate. My book encompasses a bit of all the above, yet its primary purpose is to inspire readers to reflect on their lives and question why we often find ourselves living in ways that don't align with our true values and dreams; causing unhappiness and sometimes mental health problems.
In addition to my growing preference for solitude, the prospect of stepping out and figuratively confining myself within a social box can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, I found the courage to do so, and in the end, I had the pleasure of meeting some wonderful people and making a couple of valuable connections.
It turned out to be quite rewarding after all.
But what does meeting Michael got to do with this?
After a couple of hours of mingling, it was time to head back home and get some work done. I made my way to my car, which was parked in the town's car park. As I walked, I noticed a light blue van with a sticker advertising a mobile masseur. It struck me as something useful to know, so I saw the man getting into his car and decided to call out to him.
“Can I take a photo of your details, just in case I need a good massage someday?” I aksed.
He kindly responded, "Yes, of course, if I'm still here!"
His response left me a little puzzled, and I felt the need to ask him what he meant, hoping he as just talking about still being in the area!
Michael, as he is known, went on to share that he lives off grid, and that his van is his home.
That's when my curiosity was piqued, and I began to feel inspired.
Perhaps a bit bold and even daring, I mustered the courage to ask if I could take a peek inside. To my delight, he readily slid open the side door to reveal his humble home – a small yet well-organised and pristine space.
As we talked, he generously allowed me to take some photographs. He explained that he was born into privilege but ultimately felt imprisoned by it all. So, he made the bold decision to relinquish it in pursuit of a life of unbridled freedom, which he now enjoys. He had recently returned from a couple of months of traveling throughout Europe.
Now, what's the real fascination with Michael, you may wonder?
Well, I suppose it's the slight envy I feel towards his courage to forsake the constraints that so many of us feel we must endure. He's content in his modest home, capable of picking up and setting off whenever he pleases – a true embodiment of freedom.
In my book, ‘How did I get here?’, I delve extensively into the notion of the traps we often find ourselves ensnared in when we blindly adhere to society's norms. The path of education, secure jobs, marriage, raising children, acquiring a mortgage, accumulating debt, chasing materialistic status – and one day, if we are lucky, we have an awakening that makes us realise the pointlessness of it all.
Ultimately, it's freedom that so many of us yearn for. It doesn't necessarily have to be as radical as Michael's lifestyle, but the one thing that impedes our true happiness is our inability to be authentic to ourselves.
This often originates from the limitations we willingly impose upon ourselves when we become entangled in the pursuit of what we thought would bring us happiness.
Meeting Michael today served as a poignant reminder that my yearning for freedom is the driving force behind much of what I do. Even if it comes at a steep cost, I will readily choose my freedom over most other things.
Does this resonate with you?
If so, then read my book, ‘How did I get here?’ for an indepth exploration of this and a process that will guide you to a life that is more aligned with your true values. It comes with a free workbook that you can download here.
But if you are keen to truly set yourself free, then The Authentic Living Blueprint is for you. And if you are looking for a life transformation, you may want to explore working with me on a one to one basis.
I’m here, are you ready?