Integrity and Soul

I want you to take a moment and talk about something you can’t buy: Integrity and Soul

In today’s world with the constant barrage of instant information, it is easy to forget the important things and concern yourself with what’s happening with people from your past. You compare your experiences with people that may or may not be living the dream you wish your were. I caught myself using social media as a way to cure boredom instead of using it as a tool.

I made a decision to delete the big blue 800 pound gorilla app from my phone. It was sucking up too much of my free time. It was so addictive. Once I realized Social Media was triggering negative mindsets, this decision was easy to start changing that habit. It was taking up at least 2-3 hours a day. Time I was throwing away and could not get back. Changing my focus from reading things that occupied my time to building a sustaining business that helps people has been so much more rewarding. Now I use Facebook as a business tool, not a time wasting, integrity sucking computer program.

As a snowboarder, I looked up to riders like Craig Kelly, Rob Morrow, Tom Burt. I loved their style and fluidity when they rode. It was during this period that it wasn’t about the money or the fame, but about enjoying a sport that I loved to do. There was an open culture that let snowboarders form identity and individuality and helped spur one of the fastest growing sports in the world. As with any great thing, it’s only a matter of time till the masses catch on. With the masses, comes big money. With the money comes the lack of Integrity and Soul.

I see it more and more. There is no respect for people. Only a Social Status contest. I was really fortunate to snowboard at a professional level and grow up during a time where snowboarding was young and rebellious.

Realization

This is a huge trigger for me that creates negative mindsets and emotions. I keep reminding myself that it’s not about the size of my wallet, but the lifestyle that I want to live. When the money started to flow, the work load and expectation became a huge burden. Decisions were being made that took away from why I enjoyed this sport to begin with. I had forgotten the main reasons why I started to snowboard in the first place. This was my expression! My artistic form! A way to connect with Mother Nature and feel free from the social norms.

This correlation was a mindset creation that spurred jealousy and even hate towards snowboarders that were getting more attention than me. This continued to fuel a negative mindset that lasted for over ten years. I didn’t understand this until after cancer. Dwelling on this time was one of the most destructive periods of my life. I had forgot what was most important. I had lost both my integrity and soul.

How to work through it!

Becoming aware of my past failures meant that I could remember what it means to be true to yourself. It’s not about money or fame, or even social acceptance. The only thing that matters to me now is enjoying my time and love with my family and friends. All while continuing to be passionate about what I do. Being able to share my experiences with others is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.

I hope you like what what I consider an intertwined part of living life.

Thanks for reading