“It has to start somewhere. It has to start sometime. What better place than here? What better time than now?”
Are you rocking yet? Those are Rage Against the Machine lyrics – something my guest for this episode, Vernon Foster, subtly incorporated into his Event Supremacy podcast – and that I definitely noticed.
When I first listened to his show, I thought:
- This is one funky dude (which, of course, I can appreciate).
- This guy knows his stuff! Maybe the SimpleREV 2014 event I'm co-organizing won't be a total train wreck with his help.
- Here's a fella who knows how to hustle, but in a vulnerable, authentic way.
Vernon's just a vibrant, charismatic man and I liked him from day 1 (he gets that a lot). But more importantly, he's been on an unconventional simplifying journey recently. And he's done it while still hustling – something that's not normally associated with slowing down, gratitude journals, and the typical simple living landscape.
What's his secret? He claims he doesn't have any. But I know he's got plenty-o'-experiences to share and a unique mindset. Check it:
If you're not present, then you don't have awareness. If you don't have awareness, how can you expect to go anywhere? – Vernon Foster
Press that play button now if you want it to get all coolio up in your ears.
You're about to Learn …
- Why attachment to outcomes can hold you back from beneficial ones.
- How Costa Rica made Vernon feel like he landed on another planet.
- One question you can ask yourself that can change everything.
- Why you need a game plan to go beyond “putting food on the table.”
- How to avoid dying with your dreams stuck inside you.
- Why you don't have to be Jean-Claude Van Damme every day.
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Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode:
- Websites:
- Resources:
- SimpleREV 2015 Tickets
- Books:
- Podcast Episodes:
- ESP 047: Event Guerilla Marketing: 15 Tips to Build More Buzz on the Streets
- Gratitude Gains from Pain, How to Remove “Bad” Days Forever, and New Ways to Show Love with Aaron Kennard – SASM 071
- Videos:
- Where to find Vernon on social media:
Topics
- [04:14] Vernon's seeds of awesomeness
- [08:48] The question Vernon asked that changed everything
- [10:34] The Mexican fisherman story in real-life
- [13:46] Vision boards and remembering that you always have a choice
- [19:04] Vernon's progression towards slowing down and mindfulness
- [22:02] Unconventional forms of mentorship
- [31:19] How a yoga course revealed some inner demons
- [34:17] The tension between hustle and slowness
Extra Gratitude and Special Mentions
ToodleLooTime … this one's for you! Thanks for the groovy iTunes review when you wrote:
“Am I gushing, Joel? Well, I really do enjoy your podcasts. Your style feels like it’s you and me just chatting. And I really do like how you have a variety of folks on the show who aren’t necessarily down the line entirely with how you think or live your life.
Yet you show each person great respect and seem truly interested in hearing their point of view. I’ll keep coming back for more. Keep up the good work!”
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Transcript
The transcript will not be available until I find a new transcriptionist (if you know someone good, let me know).
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Thanks again for your time and attention (I never take it for granted). And if you have someone or something you’d like us to cover on an upcoming show, tell us in the comments below.
Joel,
Fun to hear your podcast. I am a conscious simple liver and came across you recently. I honor your path and especially your joy!
I really want to comment to Vernon at this moment. Vernon, are you me? The timing is so weird! You say things here that I have just said/thought or wrote in my current blog post. I’m also writing a memoir about leaving the States eight years ago to follow my dreams and heart to Latin America. I too had a moment of realizing – JUST as you say (I”ve never heard anyone else say it this way) that I was unwilling to die not having followed my dreams and heart. I too went to my boss and explained how I was seeing this. I jumped off the cliff and – now I’m coming up on eight years living in a rural mountain village in south central México.
We have been influenced by some of the same books, and like you and Joel – the value of slowing down and learning to BE has been key. Something I learned to do in my five months in Guatemala – where you also spent time.
The quote you read, Joel about the unknown, resonated with me. I deal with it still. My mind so wants “certainty” and as you said Vernon, I can be so (unconsciously) attached to things looking a certain way for me to feel “happy.”
Living here, the way I do, simply, out in the country outside of the village – I am so nourished and grateful, and yet I have struggled mightily with our culture’s ideas of wealth, prosperity and success.
Anyhow, so here I am and here we are and it’s so nice to be acquainted with you both.
Check out my recent blog post if you like – and I believe you’ll begin to get a glimpse of what we share.
http://www.takegoodcareofyouwellness.com/blog
Warmly,
Robin
Robin, I know your comment is just as much for Vernon as it is for me. But I feel like it’s Vernon’s energy and perspective that would help you more right now.
Just know that I’m grateful for your story and direction in life … and I imagine others who read your comment will be, too.
Robin,
Incredible! I almost don’t have the words… too many similarities. Perhaps the universe is telling me I’m on the right path? I’m moved that you took the time to share. Thank you. I will be following along the journey.