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Hello Beautiful People! Connecting the dots is one of my favorite exercises in the program Destination You, our flagship experience.
In a nutshell, the participant is invited to think about the key events of their life. Describe them in detail until it becomes clear what the learnings are. Once you finish, zoom out and try to identify repeating patterns. Simple, right? Not really. In fact, it is one of the most challenging exercises of the whole week. It requires tremendous courage and maturity.
Looking at the past can be painful and thought-provoking; it is not for everyone. But daring to take the first step can lead to beautiful conclusions. So, let me share one of the “dots” of my life that only became clear to me last week.
Our recent program took us to Costa Vicentina, the stunning route that walks along the fisherman’s trail in Portugal. The days were amazing, the group incredible, and the views, oh my God, were breathtaking.
One of my favorite stops is at a place where I always end up seeing something memorable. In the last two or three years, when I woke up to see the sunrise on the nearby beach, I luckily saw an incredible rainbow in the sky.
Since this particular stop is at the beginning of our programs, there is always a feeling of uncertainty facing the unknown, and that rainbow keeps telling me that there is a golden pot of happiness waiting for us at the end of the week. Coincidence? Probably yes :)
I also remembered that eight years ago, in the early years of the walking mentorship, this was the place I had chosen to stay with my wife and kids to explore the route for the first time. I remember how beautiful the idea that dreams can come true, all I was asked to do was to believe and keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Those days were filled with simplicity, but the memories and smiles I still carry with me put a gentle smile on my face. Coincidence? Probably yes :)
I became so curious to check this “dot” in my life that I wondered if I had ever been in this place before. I found out that I did :)
Eighteen years ago, during a very challenging moment in my corporate career, I visited the same place with my two youngest boys by chance. I took one of the best pictures of the three of us, a very fortunate reflection on a window.
I remember how much I wanted and needed a change in my life. If I could only imagine that so many good things were about to come my way. Coincidence? Probably yes :)
Finally, I sent some pictures from this place to my Dad, and what a surprise when he replied to my message telling me that we had some fantastic vacations in the same place in the late seventies.
He mentioned that I was tiny, maybe 4 or 5 years old, and probably would not remember, but I was so happy all the time that I talked about it often. Coincidence? Well…I am not sure :)
What did I learn from these connections?
Maybe there is a particular “frequency” in our lives that keeps returning to us, no matter what we do. Perhaps it is a whisper of our purpose telling us to be attentive. Maybe a higher force cares and loves us so much that it keeps creating the conditions to use our time in the best possible way. For ourselves and those around us. Finally, what learnings can/should we bring from our the past to our desired future?
Are the “dots” in our life a coincidence? Probably not :)
Connecting the dots is not for everyone, but everyone can benefit tremendously from digging deep into such an exercise. All you need is an empty page, experience, and the willingness to learn from what life keeps generously giving you.
In the meantime, keep walking with us🚶♂️ changing the world one person at a time, one step at a time.
What have we been doing?
Podcast
This month we had the pleasure of hosting Julie Lewis in our podcast.
Please pick up your headphones and walking shoes to listen to our new episode. Julie is human sunshine. A soulful phoenix rising from the ashes to answer the call of the wild, using adventure as a tool to awaken and access untested strengths and limitless potential. It is the skill of resilience, courage, and joy that Julie embodies and shares with so many. Having climbed some of the World’s highest mountain peaks, Julie shares an empowering story of courage, resilience, and trust. A story of tremendous inward focus, strength, and connection.
Julie shines a light on the path for others to venture forward, to embrace the highs, lows, and plateaus; to reach higher, delve deeper and look beyond the horizon. Her insightful connection to nature has given her the ability to lead others through transformations of their own. Julie is a beautiful human being. Enjoy!
+ Julie Lewis
+ Find Julie on social media
Listen here to the podcast
Programs
Corporate Programs
Executive MBA Welcome Day – The Beginning of an Inspiring Journey!
Here is the memory of welcoming the new students of the Executive MBA of Católica Porto Business School with Walking Mentorship! This Welcome Day marked the starting point of an enriching and transformative journey, where knowledge and experiences are shared in an environment of true proximity.
Watch the video here.
Group Programs
And that’s a wrap for our program in the Camino de Santiago in 2024.
Our transformative journey has come to an end, but as always, the end marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with inspiration and motivation. But no worries, in 2025, we will go again, and this time, maybe with you :)
Watch the video here.
Upcoming Programs
As we approach the end of the year, we only have one program left in 2024, nevertheless you can start already planning for 2025, the road to your better version is waiting for you.
ALUMNI PROGRAM – 3 placesAn exclusive alumni program. Wrap up the year in the stunning Sierra Blanca in the south of Spain and open up 2025 in the best possible way. An opportunity to meet old and new friends. Apply here
SLOW DOWN – 6 places
Are you ready to escape the chaos of daily life and reconnect with your true self? Join mentors João and Tatiana for the Slow Down program in the South of France and open up Spring in the beautiful fields of Provence. Apply here
CAMINO – 2 places
Join the mentors Nuno and João on “The Way.” In April, we will be back in Camino for one more journey of self-discovery. Explore your needs, and obstacles that keep you from your potential. Apply here.
PARENTS & KIDS – 6 places
The Parents and Kids program is truly a gem. It only happens once a year, and we know that there is a right time to have such experiences with your son/daughter. This year, it might be your turn. Don´t be late. Apply here.
FRANCIGENA – 8 places
You know where to find us at the end of August: up in the mountains, walking across the Alps. We are back at Via Francigena with our flagship program, Destination You. Apply here.
How can we walk together?
Walking Mentorship is a labor of love that helps you gain deeper insight and equips you to create a meaningful impact on your life and those around you.
How can we work together? We keep things simple by offering Individual, Group, and Corporate programs. Find your best fit and book a call with one of our mentors.
Until then, keep walking with me,
