August 2012. On a hilltop in Norway, Maine, I was reborn.

I arrived burnt out, stressed and searching for my purpose in life. What am I supposed to be DOING with my short time here on Earth? Frustrated I haven’t been pushing myself in the work I’m creating with my camera. These issues trickled into my personal life. I wasn’t the loving husband that Jenny deserves. I had no patience with my kids. I was with them, but not fully present. My internal strife was causing the ones I loved the most pain. Something had to be done.

Then came my week in Norway, Maine. I felt a calling to attend the Legacy: North America retreat hosted by Jesh de Rox. Something inside told me I needed to be there, yet I couldn’t explain to anyone why. What happened over the next week changed me. It’s still tough to put into words, but I felt the need to try…in a public place. I want to be able to go back to this for a reminder.

Day 1, I cannonballed into a lake fully clothed. From that moment on, I let go of any and all worries holding me back…

I witnessed more shooting stars than I’ve ever seen while being serenaded with lovely music late into the night. Times like that change you, they just do. Life is so precious…

I’ve struggled with fear for quite some time now. Fear will never go away…yet, I found myself standing in a tree, holding onto a rope, 12 ft. above the lake. I let go too early, I hit the rocks. I hang on too long, I hit the rocks. I swung into the lake. I came alive…

We adventured out to a beautiful area called Step Falls. It was cold, and rainy. We walked 20 minutes to the falls, and were in absolute awe at their beauty. Something about laying in a waterfall, rain pouring down on you, cold water rushing down your back…I felt alive.

Headed to Frenchman’s Hole Falls to cliff jump for the first time…got there and it didn’t look safe. So I swam in the coldest water I’ve ever swam in. So cold when you get out it feels like needles are poking your whole body…I felt alive.

The space available for all of us to connect that week was beautiful and exactly what I needed. Made some new friends and deepened some relationships with old ones. Re-learned what’s important in life…

Friends, time is too precious to waste. It should be spent doing more of what you love. Embrace a care-free life and seize the joy…whatever that may look like for you.

Let go of expectations. Accept people for who they are. Truly SEE them. Everyone is beautiful and deserves to be loved. Yes, that means you. Quit being so darn hard on yourself!

That week in Maine, I found my purpose. To LOVE with my whole heart. To encourage, lift up and bring positivity to a seemingly negative world.

That week in Maine, I learned what life should be…finding the beauty among the chaos.

Friendship bracelet made for me by my new friend, Lauren. Lost Boy head piece made for me by the wonderful Kelly.