I have had an amazing year with many highlights.
I was invited to an International Coaching Conference in Scandinavia in spring and extended the trip to include exposure to business and entrepreneurship within the regions. (But more about that in coming issues.)
Some of you might have a life list – that list of things you really want to do, see, or experience in your life; things that get you really passionate and excited. Well, this trip offered me the opportunity to be extremely close to one of my Top 3: the Aurora Borealis, or Northern Lights.
Once I committed to go, my research began. I contacted the five best places to potentially see the Aurora above the Arctic Circle and tried to gauge which, giving the time of year, would be my best bet. I was taking a chance after all – it’s Mother Nature and she’s unpredictable.
I was fortunate to connect with an amazing entrepreneur who had quit the rat race after a serious health scare, relocated to Norway and became an Aurora hunter. Best of all, I was invited to his home for my stay.
On the eighth and final flight to Finnmark in Norway, the captain announced that the Northern Lights were dancing in the night skies. Wow, this was a special welcome whilst airborne still. You never forget your first sighting. That night I was spoilt with another display before getting to bed.
Night Two was to be the blessing of all blessings – an eight-hour show on the Alta Fjord, which lasted to well after 4 am the next morning.
The story goes that if you close your eyes after a sighting like that you fall asleep to the Lights – and so it was.
Snowstorms prevented us from seeing the Lights on Night Three, although we tried; even travelled to Finland. Three out of three nights would have been awesome but almost too easy. Missing out gave me more appreciation for this natural wonder. Mother Nature had delivered in all her unpredictability. And I was very grateful for this opportunity.
What about you? Is there something you want to see or do or experience so badly? What’s holding you back from going for it? When will be the right time?
Challenges will always be there. If you want it, you have to go get it!
Live on purpose! Be inspired! Life is short and regrets never dissipate.
Promise me you’ll tick one thing off your list before 31 December 2015.
Happy holidays and blessings for the best year yet! ❐
Author: Stanford Payne CA(SA) is an ICF-accredited executive and business coach
