Category Archives: Inspiration

Ichi-go Ichi-e – Living in the Moment Along the Kumano Kodo of Japan

Ichi-go Ichi-e – Living in the Moment Along the Kumano Kodo of Japan
"While hiking the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route in one of the most scenic areas in Japan, a visitor starts to learn the local customs and get lessons in cherishing every gathering: "Ichi-go Ichi-e." With each footstep, I could hear the water whoosh from within my boots. Since daybreak, I had been walking amongst the dense,…
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Thankful for Look Up

Thankful for Look Up
Once a year, most of us, at least in the United States and Canada, celebrate Thanksgiving. We gather with friends and family to celebrate life, giving thanks to our blessings while indulging in smorgasbords of favorite dishes.  As the holiday approaches, I was reminded of a special Thanksgiving that I wrote about in When All…
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Hiking the Kumano Kodo Japan – Adventure Travel to Japan

Hiking the Kumano Kodo Japan – Adventure Travel to Japan
Kumano Kodo Japan If you are like most of the world, you probably have never heard of the Kumano Kodo. I didn't know of it either until I was introduced to the Kumano Kodo trek by friends with whom I walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I certainly knew where Japan was, but I…
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Remembering to Look Up in Ireland

Remembering to Look Up in Ireland
Happy Look Up Day! Although starting out as a holiday in 2010 to remind us all to: 1) Be in the moment & 2) Find the upside, Look Up Day has morphed into embracing the Look Up mantra/life tool for every day and anywhere you are. Recently on an adventure to discover my roots in…
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Look Up Mantra Explained

Look Up Mantra Explained
A When All Balls Drop Moment On September 27, 2009, a hard knock in the head reminded me of the power of perspective. Some say my freak accident was being at the wrong place at the wrong time, but I believe I was in the right place at the right time. From that blunt run-in…
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Look Up from Oahu Hawaii to Prepare for Japan

Look Up from Oahu Hawaii to Prepare for Japan
Revisiting the Hawaiian Islands The beauty of Hawaii never gets old: majestic mountain views and dreamy seascapes; however, it is a long way from everywhere. Last month, on a return visit to Oahu, I used both Mother Nature and distance to my advantage to inspire this Look Up lesson and new adventure. Time Zones Away…
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Look Up from Walden Pond

Look Up from Walden Pond
Walden Pond This month, I revisited a special place, Walden Pond. Located a short drive from my mother’s home in Massachusetts, this small pond and wooded area was made famous by Henry David Thoreau in the mid-1800s. Its small, wooden cabin was his home for two years, two months, and two days. During which time,…
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Look Up Crib Sheet from Hell

Look Up Crib Sheet from Hell
Have you ever been to H-E double hockey sticks (H-E-L-L) on Earth? Well, sometimes when you are in a terrible situation, you often times feel like you got a First-Class ticket to infierno.  This month, I found myself in Hell, figuratively, but also literally. On June 5th, I was delivered very unfortunate news about my…
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Look Up Tutorial Beachside

Look Up Tutorial Beachside
There’s a famous quote by Karen Blixen, “The cure for anything is salt water: sweat, tears, and the sea.”  I stand behind my peer author’s wisdom as I know a good workout, cry, and/or beach time can cure just about anything. I’ve used Blixen’s tip before. However, I would like to add my two cents…
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Look Up and Small Changes Equals Big Shifts

Look Up and Small Changes Equals Big Shifts
My Routine is Traveling I travel a lot. In fact, today I’m traveling. Over the last month, I have been on four cruises. Unlike many people that have a Monday-Friday job in an office, school, or other, I am on the road or the high seas Monday-Friday or perhaps Sunday-Thursday depending on how the cruise…
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