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I've got to be honest... road-tripping ain't easy. Don't get me wrong, it was a hell of a lot of fun being on the road for two months. I got to do whatever I wanted to do, and go where I wanted, when I wanted. Even though I had a tour schedule to keep, there was surely a sense of freedom much like one I usually have when I travel alone. This time though, there was a whole new layer of responsibility and self discovery.
This time, I was traveling for a cause. Not only was I getting to see beautiful national parks and some wonderful friends and family along the way, I was also representing and building something I believe to be far greater than myself. In doing so, I was able to learn several important lessons about myself and my business. Aside from some minor frustrations, everything went extremely wel
l in the first half of the tour. Shortly after the halfway mark though, I had to regroup. Suddenly, I had hit a wall. Despite a wealth of supportive people in my life, I felt tired and alone. In the midst of this I came to a difficult realization... no one cares as much about my passions as I do.
The important part was coming to terms with the fact that this is perfectly normal! Everyone has their own life to live and their own passions to follow! No one will do the work, but myself, the few who carry the same passion, and maybe someone who's paid for it in the future. The hard fact is, starti
ng a business, much less a nonprofit, is a strenuous long term commitment. It isn't something that happens overnight. Some days are harder than others. There are roadblocks all along the path, and the answer is not to sit and stare at them waiting for someone else to come and remove them. Lack of resources, external forces, emotional stamina, and finances are very real stressors. Unfortunately, in my case, fundraising was not going as I had hoped and I had to postpone my east coast stops until April next year when we hopefully have some more significant funding.
This was great practice in allowing the organization to take shape around the environment, and a reminder of the necessity to be willing to reevaluate and pivot when necessary, or opportunity presents. The Universe truly doesn't give a fuck about my vision or expectations of what the organization SHOULD be, rather I need to pay more attention to what the organization CAN be. While it is important to be in the moment, it is also vital to understand each moment shapes the future. The choices we make and the habits we establish set the stage for success or failure, growth or stagnation.
This concept goes far beyond business. Maintaining the balance between keeping our expectations in check, and making calculated choices for a positive future, is a necessary skill for our interpersonal relationships as well as the relationship with self. I've experienced quite a bit of growth in this area over the past several years, and I continue to do so as I work toward betteri
ng myself. I was reminded drastically while on the road the just as poorly calculated decisions/actions can hurt the business, they can full well hurt people on a personal level as well. The only option for growth and progress however, is to own our mistakes, forgive ourselves for them, and do better in the future.
Needless to say, I had a rather productive two months on the road, and I am grateful for the lessons I returned with. I am grateful for everyone who have supported this adventure until now, and for everyone who is invested in working with us as we evolve and grow into what something which will help oth
ers evolve and grow. I am grateful for the opportunity to do what I love in being a conduit to bring people together and help others become the best possible version of themselves. I find joy in this. If you're reading this, know you are loved, appreciated, and valuable. Thank you for venturing into the dark blue with us.
Cheers,
Zach
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