My Power Within

Many years ago, I listened to a Tony Robbins tape about "Personal Power." It was at the exact moment in my life when I needed direction - and what I learned, I have utilized my entire life.

That's why Tony Robbins was on my "Top 40 under 40" goals list this year. I wanted to meet him in person and thank him for playing such a pivotal role in my life early on.

So I recently hopped on a plane to L.A. to participate in "Unleash the Power Within," a four-day event to help create lasting impact in people's lives. As I stood in a very chilled room in Los Angeles Convention Centre, among 4,200 attendees waiting for Robbins to come out, I felt a bit nervous. Despite knowing Robbins' material very well, I had never attended one of his events. But standing there, in a sea of other nervous faces, I was comforted in the knowledge that I wasn't alone.

However, right before Robbins took the stage, I heard a small eruption of yells around me. I glanced over to my right and standing there, a few feet away, was Oprah Winfrey. She too was about to partake in his event.

I leaned in, attempting to get closer to her, hoping that I wasn't too noticeable. That's when she turned and made eye contact with me, smiled and made a namaste gesture with her hands. I returned the gesture, and knew instantly what she meant by it. The playing field had been leveled; every one of us was there for the same reason, to reaffirm our commitment to never-ending improvement.

My attention was soon drawn back to the dancers on stage, who were encouraging people to dance. The music grew louder and, in an explosion of thunderous clapping, Robbins walked out on stage. His six-foot-seven presence was felt instantly, and the excitement was palpable.

After Robbins greeted the crowd, he wasted no time in getting people to confront what was holding them back from making lasting changes in their lives.

Throughout the event, Robbins discussed breaking bad patterns, identifying our passions and fears - and the root of our core beliefs. Through a range of visualization techniques, repetitive empowering affirmations, Robbins took us through a powerful yet demanding emotional journey to discover what we truly want - and don't want - in our lives.

Participants were encouraged to find a partner each day who would challenge us, keep us honest and help us through many emotional days. They were also there to pat us on the back when we had a breakthrough (both literally and figuratively).

Music and movement played a big role in the event, and was a way to keep people sharp and engaged.
On stage, Robbins gave people all he had, in both energy and spirit. His meaningful desire to help people make substantial changes in their lives was evident. Leaving the stage only for a quick water break or to confer with one of his assistants, Robbins stayed with the audience for up to 13 hours, never breaking his state and staying both positive and energized.

He doesn't believe in participants eating very often or sitting for too long, for risk of losing focus during his event.

If he was willing to give it his all then, by God, you had better step up and do the same. He expects nothing less.

During the few breaks we did receive, I met with extraordinary people from all over the world. Each shared with me their reasons for being there, which ranged from personal relationships to work goals to purpose in life.

During an evening dinner, I sat with Rick Carlisle, the 2011 NBA champion coach, who used one of Tony Robbins' techniques on his Dallas Mavericks team (which was to pack just one change of clothes as they flew into Miami for Game 6 of the NBA Finals, thus eliminating the option of losing and staying for another game).

By far the most memorable experience that happened to me was the fire walk. On the first night, Robbins led us barefoot to an area just outside of the convention centre, where drums were sounding and fires were burning. Each one of us would be walking across hot coals. As I anxiously awaited my turn in line, I watched Oprah move seamlessly across, her head held high. Once she was across, everyone erupted in cheers.
Soon, it was my turn. I could feel my heart pounding. I stood beside Robbins, who put his arms around me and spoke encouraging words in my ear before sending me across the fiery embers.

It happened so fast, but when I reached the other side, Oprah was there to high-five me.

And it went on that way. People united in the experience, yelling encouraging words and congratulating one another as they made their way safely across - until the wee hours of the morning.

The purpose of the fire walk was clear. Those who are successful in life are the ones who take action, and that sometimes what we deem impossible exists only in our mind.

And I did get to thank Robbins on his last day of the event. He was both gracious and sincere and, as I shook his hand, I suddenly realized what makes him so special. Yes, his books and tapes are incredible. And yes, he is known around the world for helping great leaders, celebrities and sports teams.

But what sets him apart is his genuineness to connect and help everyone he encounters who desire to make changes in their life.

There is nothing fake or pomp about Robbins. What you see is what you get.

And what I got was an experience that took me to a whole other realm of possibilities - above and beyond my 40 goals.

Do the Opposite

In 1994, a very funny and very true Seinfeld episode aired where the character George Costanza decided to go against his natural intuition and do the "opposite". And he became extremely successful.

The other day I was thinking how true this was for myself this year. I've forced myself outside of my comfort zone with the 40 goals I have taken on. Jumping out of an airplane? Yikes.  Traveling to Costa Rica on my own? Shudder.  What about meeting Tony Robbins and Oprah?  Never.

Only I really did all those things....and I feel empowered.

For most of my adult life, I have talked myself out of certain experiences, opportunities and possible connections with people, simply to put them off for "another day".

 Many of us place limits on what we think we can do or cannot do - out of fear, rejection or just plain failure.

Here's the reality:  You are 100% guaranteed never to do something if you have already deemed it impossible. Sometimes that inner voice is too quiet and we need to turn the volume up on it.  The other voice that tells us all the reasons we cannot do something (what we deem as natural intuition) is too loud.

It's time to flip those voices - and instead of telling yourself all the reasons why you cannot do something, look within yourself and come up with THREE good reasons as to why it should work, and how you are going to make it happen.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was once asked by a reporter how he could accomplish so many thing in his lifetime and succeed at so much. His answer was simple: "I just looked long enough in one direction."

Things we want in life may take time - but by no means are they impossible, if you truly want them.

So take a page from George Costanza this week and do "the opposite" of what you normally do.  If you are afraid to call someone, pick up the phone and call. If you want a new job, don't just complain about it and feel you are trapped - start drafting up that resume.  And if you want to start your own business, start talking to people who have done it and enroll in a start up business seminar. 

Life's too short to limit your possibilities.

Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Caimen nestled along side of the Rainforest

It's 5: 30 in the morning, and I'm staring directly into the eyes of a caiman. I can tell it sees me but does not flinch as the boat lingers in front of it. Its mouth is wideopen and its sharp teeth are exposed. I feel unnerved as I slide further back in my seat.

"Don't worry," our tour guide Cloied Taylor tells me with a laugh, "caimans aren't aggressive."

I feel myself relax a bit as the boat continues by and I spot a white-faced monkey in the trees overhead.

I close my eyes as the warmth of the sun shines on my face, and feel gratitude to be in one of the most natural and beautiful places in the world: the rainforests of Costa Rica.

It has always been a dream of mine to visit Costa Rica and experience the culture, cuisine and, of course, the adventure the country has to offer.

It didn't take long to become used to the sight of monkeys, sloths, caimans, exotic birds and lizards - and the magnificent turtles.

I initially stayed on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, in an idealic village called Tortuguero, which can be translated as "Land of the Turtles" in the Limón province.

Boat along Tortugeuro River heading to Pachira Lodge

The beaches around Tortuguero are a key nesting site for many of the world's most endangered sea turtles. The village can only be accessed by boat or airplane. It is a fivehour drive from the capital city, San Jose, to the Tortuguero River, where I caught a boat that transported me to the village in just over an hour.

The exquisite place I am staying at is called Pachira Lodge, along the Tortuguero River and nestled in the rain forests. It offers all the comforts of home - if my home had a cascading waterfall pool, riverside bar and a luxurious spa.

Green Back Baby Turtle after hatching, heading to Ocean

The rainforests are spectacular. The national park in Tortuguero is a mustsee for anyone seeking adventure and to experience the incredible beauty of the inhabitants of its shelter. There are myriad colourful birds - such as the toucan and blue heron - the poisonous red tree frog, Howler monkeys and the Basilisk lizard, which runs across water.

Kyaking with fellow traveler Akila McConnell through Rainforest

Tortuguero's turtle conservancy centre, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, is a small museum that features various bones and specimens from the many marine creatures that inhabit the area, particularly the turtles that nest there throughout the year. Green sea turtles, which flock in amazing numbers between July and October, make Tortuguero a very important breeding ground for the endangered reptiles. The enormous leatherback turtles nest during March to October.


The food on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is rich in texture and flavour. A typical dish consists of rice and beans (Caribbean style, of course) served with fried plantain, fresh fruit and a meat or fish dish.

My favourite was Rondon, which is a thick stew made of fish, coconut milk, prawns and vegetables. I had it served with breadfruit, a fruit that has a potato-like flavour similar to fresh-baked bread.

After visiting the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, I returned to San Jose to learn more about the emerging capital city. It's home to two million of the four million people who live in Costa Rica.

Poas Volcano

I visited Poas Volcano National Park, a 90-minute drive from San Jose. Poas is one of Costa Rica's five active volcanoes and has erupted several times over the past century.

The park contains many giant ferns and poor man's umbrella plants; their huge leaves are nearly three feet in diameter. From the crater lookout, I was able to see smoke wafting from it.

Botos Lagoon

One of the dormant craters, which is approximately 10 minutes away from the main crater, has transformed into a cold-water lagoon, known as Botos Lagoon, which flows down the mountain and feeds the Sarapiqui River. It is truly awe-inspiring.

After visiting Poas Volcano National Park, I toured a nearby coffee plantation, Doka Estate.

From seed to cup, I was able to learn about how coffee is grown and made. And a matter of interest, most of their beans are exported. However, five per cent of their high-grade beans are kept within Costa Rica.
 
In San Jose, there are many "sodas," otherwise known as a small diners/snack stops where locals dine on traditional Costa Rican dishes. There are also many takeout eateries that serve up Tacos Ticos (Costa Rican tacos), which are delectable.

No matter where I was, people were always friendly and willing to help me, especially on those days when I was a bit "Spanish challenged." The locals are laidback and made me feel both relaxed and welcomed. There is a love of life known as "pura vida," or "pure life", a common saying in Costa Rica.

Howler Monkey seen regularly on Caribbean Side of Costa Rica

However, it isn't just "pure life" in theory. As a country, Costa Rica was recently rated as the happiest place in the world by the Happy Planet Index. Some may say it's due in part to the country's history: its army was abolished in 1949, its money and focus invested more in its people. Others say it's because of the lush and green environment, as Costa Rica is nurturing its surroundings, and has plans to be the first carbonneutral country by 2021.

However, I believe it is something much simpler: It is the happiest place on earth because the people embody "pura vida" in their culture, their food and, most importantly, in one another. And it's something I hope to carry forward in my own life.

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY:
 Pachira Lodge (Tortuguero), Presidente Hotel (San Jose) and Holiday Inn (San Jose).

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO EAT:
Mirador Ram Luna has breathtaking views of whole Central Valley. Serves traditional dishes and features Costa Rican dancers and fireworks.
Aurola Hotel offers beautiful views of San Jose and innovative, creative fusion food.
Mercado Central (Central Market) boasts myriad shops, including many fresh-food markets and the county's first ice cream vendor.

RECOMMENDED THINGS TO TRY:
Zip-lining, city tour, kayaking through the rain forest, volcano visit, coffee plantation tour.

BEST TIME TO GO:
Any time of year, as Costa Rica's climate is very humid and warm throughout the year.

Bring on the Adventure!

Tomorrow I will be leaving for Costa Rica - a place I have dreamed of visiting for years.  It was on my top 40 under 40 list because of the rain forests, wildlife and culture.

 

It’s a place that has always intrigued me and I can’t wait to see it with my own eyes.  I am excited to try the food and immerse myself in the culture.

I’ll be away for a week, and then it’s on to LA for the Tony Robbins Seminar. He is someone I have always wanted to meet as he has had a profound impact on my life.  The Seminar is called “Unleash the Power Within” and is about empowerment and discovering your true calling in life.  There is even a “fire walk” which people walk across at night – showing you that sometimes what seems impossible can be made possible.

After the Seminar, I plan to stay in LA for a week to do some of my other 40 under 40 goals, such as the Star Walk in Hollywood, visiting Rodeo Drive and experiencing the city’s nightlife.

Travel has always been a big part of my goals this year, and with Montreal under my belt – I can hardly wait for tomorrow’s adventure.  Wish me luck!