Category: The Life Enthusiast Chronicles

Last month Abby Smith reminded us that we should never turn away from difficulty, that we should embrace it and learn from it to truly live. In my monthly series, The Life Enthusiast Chronicles, phenomenal people from across the globe chat about why life is so amazing.

Today I’m excited to bring you guys this awesome gal in Paris I’m happy to know, Julie Klene from Les Petits Pas de Juls. This lovely thing just makes you smile. Her travel blog is absolutely delightful, with beautiful imagery to compliment her zest for people, culture, and life.

If you need a regular dose of positivity and adventure, I suggest you follow her. You’ll instantly see why I invited her to be a part of this series, because she embodies the Life Enthusiast spirit like it’s nothing.

Connect with Julie on Facebook.

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I don’t know Britt outside of this little space we share on the internet. But I’ve come to see her as someone important, because her words always reach something delicate in me.

I know she has that ability with many more people out there. So, I was very moved when she thought I’d be Life Enthusiast Chronicles worthy.

Thank you, Britt, for trusting me here! 

I don’t know if I’ve always been like that or if it happened slowly over the last few years.

All I know is that I’ve always loved hanging out with friends and family, enjoying the little moments with them, cherishing each kiss and embrace, and the opportunity to take off almost any time to see what it was like someplace else.

Somehow, everything might be related to Dead Poets Society. Robin Williams kind of looked like my dad, and “Seize the Day” has always resounded in me like something I should listen to, in order to avoid that moment “when I came to die, [and] discover that I had not lived” (Henry David Thoreau). 

When I think about it, it must have started a few months after my father passed away; I was 15, he was 42, he shouldn’t have left me there and then.

After he left, I told myself I’d live the life he would have been proud of seeing me live.

A life I’d be proud of too, a life that would bring me happiness, love, and through which I’d be able to share love and happiness around me.

I took every opportunity as the best chance to show him he should have stayed. Him, my uncle, my grand-fathers and my god-father. To show them all they should have stayed.

And then, I flew away.

When I came back to France from living in Montana, USA, as a foreign exchange student when I was 18, I headed straight to the University to become a Sign Language Interpreter because I had discovered in the USA that it was what made me tick—it still does, today!

I found the job of my life and I enjoyed every little thing about it, being the bridge between two worlds, so people from each could reach to the other.

At the same time, I met some super interesting people, who made me discover that I loved bungee-jumping, driving a motorcycle, sky-diving and traveling far.

I got married, thought I was on the right track and fell off my happy cloud when I realized I had completely misjudged that happy moment. But, then, a friend who had gone on her own before-I-turn-30-world-trip, showed me the way again.

After she came back from her trip, I sold everything I owned, took a year off from work and left. As easy as that; it felt right even though I didn’t have a difficult life.

Finding myself on the road by myself (5 months in South America, 1 in Australia, and 4 in Asia) opened my eyes on a world I had only had a glimpse of before, opened my eyes on who I really wanted to be, opened my eyes on Life.

On that road, I realized I loved hiking—and could hike way up high! I loved eating at markets, I loved hearing the locals’ stories, I loved scuba-diving, I loved traveling on my own but also loved meeting new friends along the way.

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed my brother’s company when we met in Thailand, I learned I could be me even if that new “me” was not what other people would have “me” be.

And, most of all, I met Raul, who is now the best husband I could ever dream of.

I have been traveling for the past 5 years now, Living the Dream. Every time I’m in a new place, I feel like that child in front of a Christmas tree, ready to unwrap all the gifts that place has to offer.

I climb up towers, I hike far, I push myself to the limits, I make new friends, I go back to them, I work in Patagonia because I’ve found there a kind of peace that’s indescribable.

I come back to France and enjoy my birth-country much more that I did before.

I learn.

Back to work now! My friends in France wanted me to stay a little longer and offered me a job position I couldn’t refuse: working in Paris as a Sign Language interpreter again. 

And, although Raul has had to go back to Mexico for a few weeks, I know we’re on the right track, I know we’ll find our own pace, here, there or somewhere else.

Because we have each other and we know what makes us tick.

Travel, Enjoy, Love, Give, Live. And “Carpe Diem” always!   

Jul’

Last month Dannie Hill reminded us that we should all open ourselves to the wonders of life, be humble, and keep loving. In my monthly series, The Life Enthusiast Chronicles, lovely humans from around the world talk about why life rocks.

Today I’m overjoyed to welcome my girl Abby Smith from VSVEVG (Very Simple Very Easy Very Good) all the way from Mexico. Abby’s quite the woman, an expat living on a farm with her husband Felipe, with many adventures and stories to tell. They left the US in search of a simpler, sustainable life.

As a lover of poetry, she talks about life with a passion and depth that I find captivating. Her survivor spirit is truly admirable, so she’s a natural as a Life Enthusiast.

Connect with Abby on Twitter.

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First, I’d like to thank Britt, not only for the honor of writing a post for her blog, but also, for asking me—what makes you enthusiastic about life?

Honestly, I wouldn’t have considered myself a candidate for this project. Enthusiasm suggests optimism and, well, the charming energy of say, someone who posts “happy dance” videos.

I think of myself as more of a cynic with a desperately hopeful streak. Or a poet, one committed to exploring life’s paradox of beauty and pain. Adamant seems an accurate description of my approach to life.

So, as I often do when I’m trying to figure something out, like why Britt saw me as a Life Enthusiast, I went to the words.

Enthusiast = fan, fanatic, buff, devotee, supporter, aficionado

Adamant = unwavering, immovable, resolute, stubborn, steadfast

And that made me think of this story. 

Once our well was flooded by heavy rains, and it filled with sludge: stinking, black, gooey mud full of sharp rocks, sticks and dead lizards.

My husband Felipe and I set out to clean it, with a bucket, a pulley and a wheel barrel. (We don’t have such things, as sucking machines or any real services to speak of where we live, in middle of nowhere, Mexico.)

He lowered himself up to his armpits into the slime, filled the bucket, and hoisted it over his head. I then pulled it out with the rope and pulley, filled the wheel barrel and heaved it away from the well. 

The process took two days—two days covered in disgusting slime the wasps loved (we were both stung multiple times), working wet for so long, hunks of flesh peeled from our feet and hands.

On the second day I was panicky and exhausted. Every muscle hurt. I was covered in cuts and bruises.

I wanted to quit, but we had to have water, and I knew Felipe would never allow his discomfort to hinder us. He would work until we’d succeeded or all our options failed. 

I grew still and acknowledged the sensations I was experiencing.

I didn’t think about them, I just noticed them: the pain, the grittiness, the slippery things, and the different layers of stink. I felt my muscles and I quit fighting the bugs.

I breathed deeply—until I was completely present.

The earth shifted. It was just me and sensation, and the sensations were neither good nor bad, they just were. Suddenly, I was awash with joy, outside of time. Transcendent.

A horrid mud bath had awarded me a glimpse of nirvana.

I changed in that timeless place. I am not always joyful, not even close. But there’s a truth that lingers and informs me.

This is a day I will never forget.

The day Felipe inspired me to really live, not to turn away from difficulty, and to know the joy of being because I was willing to experience it fully regardless of the pain. This lesson made me the adamant life enthusiast I am.

*Readers, please note…Abby’s responses may be delayed as she has internet difficulties in rural Mexico. But she will respond to your wonderful comments as soon as she can. – Britt

Last month Kath from Minuscule Moments reminded us that we should build on our dreams to create the life that we wish for. Because Kath is right—life truly is a gift. In my monthly series, The Life Enthusiast Chronicles, marvelous humans from around the globe explain why life is so awe-inspiring to them.

Today I’m super excited to spotlight the fine words of a good friend in Florida, who has solid roots in Thailand, Mr. Dannie Hill. I can’t remember when I first started following Dannie’s blog, but I knew instantly that I connected with his depth and vulnerability. Dannie writes in such a beautiful way, showcasing the ups and downs of life with a strong spirit.

Recently I was blown away with one of his early works, In Search of a Soul, a unique and emotional adventure which follows a former Navy SEAL who hits rock bottom and sails off to find himself. I recommend Dannie all the way.

Even though he was humble to be offered a Life Enthusiast spot, I knew he would rock it out…and he did.

Connect with Dannie on Twitter. Get ’em, Dannie!

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Britt asked me to be her Life Enthusiast for January and thankfully she gave me extra time to compose my thoughts.

Like so many of the others she has given this honor to I asked her and myself, “Who, me? Do you know what my life is like? Enthusiast…?”

And then I started to worry.

Could I write something real? I’m a fiction writer after all. I doubted of my ability to articulate real feelings. Next came purpose, doubt (again), and finally resolve.

For something that seems so innocent, my mind is finding it hard to wrap around the fact that I actually am happy about life.

Who knew?

Life has dealt me blows, shown me love, astounded me, and always made me wonder why. This little exercise has brought all that back to me.

Britt. I give you a tear and a smile for asking such a difficult task of me.

I’ve done things in my life. Lived many places in the States, spent time in Budapest, lived two years in the Marshall Islands, fought in a war, helped build a church in Brazil, met the love of my life who gave us three wonderful children.

I came close to death several times and lived in Thailand for ten years, which I think of as my second home.

All of these happenings have given me an enthusiasm for the wonders of nature, the hard realities of life and, as of late, the compassion of humans.

I often wonder what is next, but know in my heart I will enjoy the next step.

My first thought about this post was I would write about my love of nature, the sea, the forest, the wild places and its myriad of life. But now after pondering for days I see life (enthusiastic) has much to do with people I’ve come to know and family.

I see myself as inadequate in interacting with people, but so many won’t give up on me.

I’m humbled at the actions of people I’ve come to know—many I’ve never met in person. Their enthusiasm feeds me and so in lies my Enthusiastic Life.

I would ask you all to take a few moments to open yourselves to the wonders of nature, to smile at people you pass on the street, to misplace the faults of your family (along with your own) and most importantly: Don’t find yourself being the one that always says, “I love you, too.”

Give and you will receive so much more in your enthusiastic life.

Try these simple, difficult, soothing, healing and important things and you too will feel some of my enthusiasm for life.

Britt. Thank you for putting this burden on me—the burden that turned into a blessing.

I know or know of all the great people you’ve selected before and it is an honor to be counted among them.

Back in October Gallivanta of Silkannthreades showed us the beauty of resilience when times are tough, how a zest for life must remain with us no matter what. And, it helps to have some colorful, wooly sheep around to makes us smile. In my monthly series, The Life Enthusiast Chronicles, incredible humans from all over the world explain why life is so extraordinary to them.

Last month the series reached a bit of a milestone. Suddenly I stopped and realized The Life Enthusiast Chronicles had turned one-years-old. In case you missed the celebratory video, press play…

So, a new year of life enthusiasm begins on this blog and I’m ecstatic that this sweet Aussie I know, Kath Unsworth of Minuscule Moments, is here to kick it off. This girl is one of my faves. As you can tell by the title of her blog, Kath is all about lovin’ life. Not only does she write beautifully, she creates lovely illustrations as well. If I ever need a pick-me-up, I know that Kath will deliver the right amount of positivity without fail.

Connect with Kath on Twitter. Go for it, Kath!

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I want to thank Britt for sharing her writing space with me and the many other inspiring people she has showcased on her site.

Life is a gift. Be grateful for the Minuscule Moments. Wonderful things can happen when you do.

At the start of this year I had no idea I would be selling my art in a gallery. To think that my passion for nature sent me on a career path I never thought possible.

True, although when I think back, that is all I wanted to do as a child.

What happens? We lose our way. The child grows up and forgets about those silly dreams. Thankfully for me I found that little dream again, she was hovering in the dark corners of my crowded mind. Hoping one day I would save her and bring her into the sunshine.

The signs were always there but I did not listen to my creative self.

Lucky the skill of observation brought me back home.

The child long ago collected moments. She tossed them around in her sweet little head. 

A daddy-long-legs spinning its web in the corner of a room. Watching in awe I wondered if the spider ever talked to its lunch? I almost felt sorry for the fly. In the garden I played in mud puddles, floating leaves like boats across a pond. Many times I saved a drowning ant or bee and all was right in my world.

Get the picture? Yep I am a daydreamer. If I’m staring in your direction I am usually imagining your story, or a magical one in its place.

I guess you know already (if you have seen any of my art) I am most passionate about nature. Visually, I am stunned by it every day. Physically I am still a bit of a weakling when I meet snakes and venomous spiders. But we all have our place in this world. When I moved from the suburbs to the countryside, something magical happened.

One day a friend said to me when we were halfway through a conversation…“Kath, you really notice the little things don’t you?”

I did not answer at first, I was somewhere else, high above in the clouds, following a beautiful sea eagle and wondering how I could get a photo to sketch it.

It was a little later when thinking of this conversation, I realised I must share my passion for the minuscule moments. My blog space was born. Along the way I have learned to share my art and dreams too.

When I first met my husband we would go on long bush walks. The reason I fell in love with him was his passion for nature.

He would point out the flowers and name them. He reminded me often how good the birds and bees were for the garden, he does this with our children now. My man has an uncanny skill of capturing the minuscule moments with his camera. His photography inspires me to sketch.

What magic happens when we connect with like-minded souls and from my passion for nature, came my art.

We all need to find those kinds of people. The ones who inspire our dreams and help us to see that there is only now to start creating. Forcing us to step into the light and design the thing we dream most of.

If it wasn’t for the amazing community here, my husband and families support, I would never have shared my art. Now that I have shared, I am ready to learn more and take on my next challenge (picture books).

Life is too short. I hope you are building on those dreams, connecting with the people who inspire you and yes, creating the life that you wish for.

As Britt states, it is a privilege to be alive.

Live life with joy in your heart and always celebrate the minuscule moments of sunlight gifted to you. Shine on.

 

A year ago I started a monthly series on this blog, The Life Enthusiast Chronicles, an inspirational project where I asked awesome humans from around the world to answer one simple, yet poignant question.

What makes you enthusiastic about life?

The Life Enthusiast Chronicles has gone above and beyond what I could have ever imagined. This project has had a positive rippling effect throughout the blogging community and beyond.

So I have decided to continue the series as long as the inspiration is still humming along.

Today I’d like to celebrate the one year anniversary with you all in this special video I put together. Not only is it an inside look into how the series began, it is also a loving thank you to the 11 wonderful people who contributed their beautiful words to the series this past year.

Please enjoy…