Happy New Year

Wow.  A lot can happen in a year:  I ran a half marathon, jumped off cliffs in Australia’s Blue Mountains… took on another Tough Mudder, played with both the ESA and NASA and flew to the other side of the world to follow a crazy idea called #AroundIrelandOnAPushie.

I fought as a medieval knight, somehow became an international stand-up comedian, participated in improv, toured the headquarters of Facebook and Twitter, got invited to red carpets and black-tie events and felt incredibly loved and embraced by an ENTIRE country.

I  participated in 25 radio interviews across three countries and even had features on national television and newspapers around the world.  I was also incredibly honoured to tell my story at Dublin’s Trinity College…. and I can’t forget to mention that one time I asked the to use the Australian Ambassador to Ireland’s washing machine – we still joke about that.  And, who knew that my bicycle would hang from the rafters of a swanky brewery in Cork, Ireland.

I never set out for any of this… and what I mean from that is, I didn’t really imagine any of this… There were moments of greatness and darkness respectfully.  But ya know what… the universe has a sense of humour.

Right now I am sorting out a very big life event and I never imagined would evolve quite this way.  I’m ok… but ya know what, it does test me.  Every day is different.  I am sorting out the good from the bad and taking every day in stride.

I had no idea that I’d be switching gears from ‘adventuring’ to ‘real life’ overnight.  No one ever does; I guess that’s the life lesson.  Life happens when you least expect it.  I’m learning a lot from this experience.  It’s an interesting one.  I guess the only thing I can do is keep plugging along.  I think that’s my advice to anyone who’s had a rough time or is lost… just take every day in stride – go on adventures and listen to your gut.

As Tony Hawks said to me, ‘You cant fail… unless you get killed.’ So stay alive, little ones… dream big and push yourself.  Embrace the crazy you always wanted to be regardless of whatever people think.. or even how much money you have in the bank.  Just go for it and go with your gut because life is short and we only have one life to live…. and it’s yours.. only yours.  

Happy New Year.