Yesterday I was contemplating my bracelet again. The comment I get from most people is something along the lines of "you are so brave to follow this vision & risk so much to make it happen...you've earned the right to wear that bracelet."

And, there are certainly moments that I agree with them. Without a doubt I've been a complete failure by ordinary measures...gained weight, lost my financial strength and my house. All the markers we're taught to seek to prove ourselves as successful fell away as I moved farther along this path. While my choices may look risky to others, for me they were just what needed to happen to gain the knowledge I needed to better articulate this message. [I in no way encourage or endorse the idea that one should simply walk away from cumbersome responsibilities to follow a vision. In fact I've kept records of the dollar costs of my choices and committed to repaying all of them when I'm back on track financially.]

However, from my perspective 4+ years down this path, those who risk nothing are truly risking it all. Material things can be replaced and weight can be lost [or not... to tell the truth in many ways I'm happier with my body now than when I lived in weight-obsessed Los Angeles!]. The experience & knowledge I've gained is mine to keep forever; I can share it with people but can never lose it completely. The greatest thing about having the opportunity to share this vision & message over the years is the true connections made with people. Each of them has added words, sentences and chapters to the story that I do my best to tell as it grows.

There's a reason that we have to undergo the journey to reach the destination. Much like Frodo in The Lord of the Rings if I had any idea of the scope of this journey before I said 'yes' on April 17, 2002 I'm not sure I would have begun it at all. Which is probably why they call that kind of impulsive YES a leap of faith...and why so many people believe I've 'earned the right' to wear a bracelet with the bold declaration RISK IT ALL.

rg