I TRIED LIFE-Mind Over Matter-"What's SUP?"

“I TRIED LIFE!”

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So "What's SUP Anyway?"  It is kind of fun to use that as a catchy phrase/question.  

According to WIIKI, Paddleboarding is a surface water sport in which participants are propelled by a swimming motion using their arms while lying or kneeling on a paddleboard or surfboard in the ocean. This article refers to traditional prone or kneeling paddleboarding. A derivative of paddleboarding is stand up paddle surfing and stand up paddleboarding. Paddleboarding is usually performed in the open ocean, with the participant paddling and surfing unbroken swells to cross between islands or journey from one coastal area to another. Champion paddlers can stroke for hours and a twenty-mile race is only a warm-up for a well-trained waterman.

What's amazing is the craze and excitement around a sport that has been around for ages!  It is not only great exercise, but can be very relaxing or can be a rigorous adventure, depending on the type of water you SUP on.  As many of you know I LOVE the Ocean and I love to TRY new things!  My 1st experience involved SUP Englewood (941)234-4311 with our guide Nicole and with my God Daughter Kylie and her Best Friend, now my God Daughter #2 Shalomin!  We had a great time, but I was so nervous about falling off the board.  Were the dolphins going to jump over my head and knock me over?   Would the manatee think I was a new friend and tip me over my board?  Remember, I'm the one who is so afraid of these things, but I push hard to challenge myself to TRY new things!  I had so much lack of self confidence that I only knelt and sat the entire time.  At the end is when I decided to TRY to stand up and 3 times times I fell off the board.   Just before TRY number 4 I simply stated out loud to Nicole and myself, I did not come to FL to TRY to SUP and not Stand Up on this Board!  Amazingly that time I hopped on the board, stood up and paddle the last few minutes into the shore. 

Fast forward to July, my opportunity to TRY to SUP again, this time with Good Friends DeVonne Bruer and Tracey Caddy!  This time I was TRYING to think that I could stand up and not fall in the water and I was believing in my mind that I could make it happen and I was just letting my mind take over that I was going to be successful this time around...from the beginning!  With some core exercise training the night before from my Personal Trainer and Friend Tracey Caddy and the "Positivity, Direction and Encouragement" from SUP Guide Randy from Stand Up Paddle Demos  I was able to Stand Up and Paddle, Kneel and Paddle, Jump Off My Board to Cool Off, Hop Back on My Board and Paddle and Stand Up Again to Paddle Back to Shore!    

All of this I share with you because you can ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING YOU TRY!
As SUP Tour Guide Randy kept saying,
"Tiff, It Is All Simply Mind Over Matter...You Got This!"

If you are looking for a great place to TRY SUP for the 1st time or you are an Expert, then sign up to SUP with Randy!  You can contact him on the Facebook page at Stand Up Paddle Demos  or http://www.risupvb.com/ or call 757-343-3560!

I want this blog to serve as a place to be a resource, recognize friends & businesses, share ideas, photos and stories of my journey in life as well as sharing the inspiring photos, fun and journeys of others!  I hope these will inspire EVERYONE to be able to say at the end of the day and at the end of life... 

“I TRIED LIFE!” 

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I Tried Life-What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

“I TRIED LIFE!”

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When I Grow Up I want to TRY to Be a Marine Biologist!

What do you want to be when you grow up?  It’s the question we are often asked as kids when we are very little, we are asked this often throughout high school and college and sometimes people still continue to ask this question of us in our adult life!  Sometimes the answer to what we want to be when we grow up ends up being exactly what we said we wanted to be.  Other times the dreams we had as a child are changed and shaped by various experiences and we end up doing something completely different than what we thought we wanted to be when we “grew up”.  Other times we may hold on to those dreams of what we wanted to be and TRY to live them out at some other point in our life, sometimes as a career change, a hobby or as a one time experience.

I always enjoyed being in a helping role when I was younger and thought I was going to be a Pediatrician or a Marine Biologist when I “grew up”.  I enjoyed volunteering with the American Red Cross in a hospital setting and although I enjoyed the experience, I really started to take an interest in marine biology after getting the chance to visit Sea World multiple times as a child and teenager.  I wanted to be a marine biologist because I knew it meant I’d be living somewhere near the water and probably near a beach.  I wanted to help all the marine life and make sure all the fish and their little friends under the sea were healthy and thrived.  Unfortunately, I learned in high school that sciences (Chemistry, Biology & Marine Science) and math courses were not my forte.   I also have a tremendous discomfort of being touched by marine life, basically anything slimy to the touch or that tickles when it swims by.    

Even though I was born in California and had the chance to live on the island of Guam as a child.  I never formally learned how to swim, but as a kid living on an island, you had no choice but to learn to swim. This is where I truly believe my love of water and the appreciation of marine life began.  I love going to the aquariums and seeing the playful penguins, huge whales swim by as well as see the dolphins and sea lions perform.  I enjoy observing them in their natural habitats, admiring the scenery and learning about how they survive and thrive.

In TRYING Life, I recently decided it was time to move past the fear of interacting with the wonderful creatures of the sea and worrying that something would go wrong or that I might be uncomfortable…if only for a short amount of time.  My first attempt in TRYING this was to swim with the Sting Rays in Sting Ray City in Grand Cayman and then decided to TRY snorkeling with the sea life in Ocho Rios.  Both experiences were absolutely amazing and breathtaking, but the most AMAZING experience I TRIED at Discovery Cove in Florida included everything imaginable to anyone who has ever dreamed of or dreams of being a Marine Biologist.  This experience brought back all of the emotions, aspirations and dreams that I had as a child wanting to be a marine biologist.  My cup was full as I spent the day snorkeling, learning about and checking out the sea life first hand and just TRYING Life at Discovery Cove and having a first hand interactive dolphin experience!  

 

The most amazing part of this experience was learning about all parts of the dolphins, getting up close and personally touching the dolphins.  I then had the opportunity to give the dolphin a sign to give me a kiss & then go for a swim with the Dolphin from 13 feet of water to the shore.  This was one of the most amazing experiences that I can’t even TRY to put into words!  Remember, this is from a person who doesn’t like to touch any thing that is slippery and from someone who wasn’t sure if she really wanted to touch the dolphin, let alone go out into the deep water for a dolphin swim.  Could you imagine how nervous I was even contemplating swimming with a dolphin that was over 8FT long and weighed over 600 pounds.  But the thought in some way of fulfilling the childhood dream of what I wanted to TRY to be when I grew up kept filling my heart and soul and I TRIED LIFE by Swimming with the Dolphins! 

What did you dream that you wanted to be when you grew up?  Is there something else you still want to TRY in life?  Is there a goal that you have that you still want to TRY to accomplish?  Whatever your dreams and goals are, YOU CAN ACHIEVE them!  All you have to do is take the first step and TRY Life!

I want this blog to serve as a place to be a resource, recognize friends & businesses, share ideas, photos and stories of my journey in life as well as sharing the inspiring photos, fun and journeys of others!  I hope these will inspire EVERYONE to be able to say at the end of the day and at the end of life... 

“I TRIED LIFE!” 

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Businesses & Resources To TRY!

“I TRIED LIFE!”

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Businesses & Resources To TRY!

In an effort to support other small businesses during National Small Business Week I thought I would provide information about businesses and resources of friends!  I also wanted to share a little bit about how I know the successful entrepreneurs and partners listed here.  Please check out their websites, like their pages and support small businesses in your community! 

According to Merriam-Webster

An Entrepreneur is "one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise".  To be a SUCCESSFUL Entrepreneur it takes, Integrity, Time, Focus, Commitment, Dedication, Resources and Passion!  Some great magazines on-line I love to read about Entrepreneurs include;

Entrepreneur.com and YFSEntrepreneur.com.  One day we just might see some of the Entrepreneurs below in these magazines!

TRY Volunteering With Action Sparks Events!

Action Sparks Events

Action Sparks Events on Facebook

Through the On-line Networking site, LinkedIn, I became connected to a wonderful Non-Profit Entrepreneur, Chanda Copelin.  She created the organization Action Sparks Events.

Action Sparks Events is a small non-profit dedicated to empower youth to reach their goals through mentoring with professional athletes, promoting positive self-esteem. The 2^nd Annual Celebrity NFL Football Players Bowling Tournament and Football Camp for kids and teens are coming up next weekend.  Contact Chanda to volunteer your time, participate in the bowling tournament or sign your kids up for the Day Long Football Camp! 

TRY REQUIRE Safety First with Services of Smoke Detector Man!

Facebook-Smoke-Detector-Man 

SmokeDetectorMan

Friendships can last a Lifetime!  One of my longest running high school friendships is with Tanja Grande-Williams, she is married to Dusty Williams, owner of Smoke Detector Man!  Dusty is an Entrepreneur who started Smoke Detector Man several years ago to ensure that tenants in Hampton Roads were protected from fire and smoke related incidents and injuries. 

Safety First, Did you know that Virginia requires all landlords to present a written certificate to tenants at tenancy and annually thereafter that “all required smoke detectors are present, have been inspected, and are in good working order”?  Protect your tenants and minimize your liability.  The Smoke Detector Man inspects and certifies properties for landlords and homeowners so call today to ensure you are covered.

TRY a Yummy New Dessert With Dessert First

Dessert-First

Wouldn’t you just love to have your Dessert First? An amazing woman, mom, wife, friend and creative baker, Corrinna Sammons Cruz used her creativity and cooking talent to make some amazing desserts.  Just check out her page to see how creative Corrinna can make any dessert!  Corrinna and I went to High School together and had the great chance to reconnect several years ago as leaders on our Tabb High School reunion planning team!  Not only is she an absolutely organized businesswoman and wonderful friend, but she is an amazing baker!  Who says you can’t have your dessert first?

TRY Tanza Consulting-Providing You Business Management & Marketing Services

Facebook Tanza Consulting

Tanza Contulting

Another amazing friend and entrepreneur is Heather Tanza.  Heather and I met through the Raleigh Jacycees, in NC.  Heather has been a friend for 11 years and we have spent countless hours talking about life and all that we can take from it and all that we can give to others and the business world!  I am so excited to support Heather and her ventures.

Tanza Consulting offers business management and business marketing services. Tanza Consulting helps business owners create a strategic plan for their marketing efforts, allowing them to maximize their time as well as their profits.   The company transforms overwhelming technology into manageable pieces with group classes, private coaching sessions, and other programs so her clients move from not knowing where to start to feeling like an expert.  Heather helps you navigate the path ahead. Business Marketing Services Include; Social Media management, PPC ad campaign set up and management, Email Marketing campaigns, Sales strategy sessions, Performance of sales calls, Website evaluation, Website development, SEO, Keyword Research.  Additional options exist and are priced on either per project or per hour basis.

TRY Make-Up With Kristine Marie Make Up Artistry

Facebook Kristine Marie Makeup

KristineMarieArtistry

Have you ever met someone who is so giving to others that you believe their success is due in part to their unselfish ability and desire to give to others?  Kris is one of those individuals.  Her business involves the artistry of make up application for photo shoots, weddings, celebrities and more, but she also has a background in marketing.  She will give you 5 ideas on how to be a successful businessperson/entrepreneur just because she wants to see you succeed or try something new to grow your business.  I was one of those lucky people to meet Kris just 1.5 years ago, but it seems like we’ve known each other for a lifetime! PS-My favorite Facebook profile picture I love to use (the one @ It Tried Life) , Kris stepped in did a last minute touch up for me to help me look good for the photo taken by Will King Photography! 

Why Makeup? 

Kris does Make Up Artistry work for Proms, Parties, Weddings, Girls Night In, Sweet Sixteen, Anniversaries, Special Events, Business Events, Personal/Family Photo Sessions, Model Portfolio Updates, Business Photos, Family photos, Boudoir Photos, Pageants, Fitness Competitions, Performances (Dance, Music etc..) and anytime you want to LOOK and FEEL beautiful!  Mobile Service are available to your location for convenience.  She also offers Personal Makeup Shopping Assistance, Makeup Application Lessons and more.

TRY Learning a New Instrument or Hiring Your Next Musical Performer

Creative Music By Chris

Another talented friend from Tabb High School has the gift of teaching music.  Chris Pickett has a degree in Music Theology and loves to teach music lessons and play music.  He offers private and group music lessons.  Chris also teaches guitar, bass, voice, conducting, theory, composition, arranging.  Additional areas where he can provide services include; Church leadership and worship/music transitions, interim church music, music for weddings and funerals.

TRY KC Consulting Services   

                                              

KC Consulting 

Have you ever met someone who is so positive and optimistic about life and every story they tell or words that come out of their mouths you are hanging on the edge of your seat to hear what they have to say?  Kathy Crowley is one of those people I love to hear speak and tell stories.  We also met 11 years ago though the Raleigh Jaycees and have stayed connected as friends ever since. 

Kathy spent 12 years as a first and second line manager running sales and management teams before becoming the business owner of KC Consulting Services.  Working at both Fortune 500 companies, mid sized and small start-ups has given her many opportunities to learn what it takes to sell and work within each of these enterprises.  Having carried a quota as big as 60 million, Kathy is a sales and management expert specializing in communication and has recently completed criteria for her coaching certification.  Kathy offers customized training sessions for entire organizations, employees only, executives only, or individual departments.  Training topics include: communication skills, stress management, team building, interpersonal skills, how to have difficult discussions (with employees, coworkers &/or clients), sales and sales strategy, and other topics as needed. Kathy has also won several awards for sales, leadership, and public speaking. 

TRY Living a Full Life by Enjoying Hampton Roads Through Bonfire Magazine!

Facebook Bonfire Magazine

BonfireVA Press Release

Ben Doyle is another amazing person and friend who I met through mutual friends (Tanja & Dusty Williams).  Although I have only known Ben for a year and half, he is another person that it seems like we’ve been friends for a lifetime.  Ben is one of those individuals who always has a big smile and an enthusiastic hello to EVERYONE he meets!  Not only does Ben Live a very active life getting out and about in the area, working full-time and raising two amazing kids, but he is also the Editor of the New On-line Magazine Bonfire!

Read info from the press release about Ben’s role as Editor with Bonfire Magazine!  “A self-proclaimed Life Enthusiast, Doyle is ideally qualified for the role. He talks the talk and walks the walk. Ben Doyle stays in touch with what’s happening and what to do by having a never-ending curiosity and veracious appetite for enjoying life to the fullest. Always upbeat and positive, Doyle is a popular fixture out and about town. He loves to explore and enjoys all that Hampton Roads has to offer- including charity events, festivals, restaurants, nightlife, and other activities that give the area such a unique and wide cultural experience.  Dedicated to all local life enthusiasts! Bonfire Magazine celebrates living a full and rich life in Hampton Roads.  The new publication will launch mid-2013 and is anticipated for quarterly distribution. Circulation will be available free throughout Hampton Roads”. According to Ben, “...There’s so much to do and enjoy. You don’t have to be rich to have a rich life. You just need to have a positive outlook and a great community to explore.”

I want this blog to serve as a place to be a resource, recognize friends & businesses, share ideas, photos and stories of my journey in life as well as sharing the inspiring photos, fun and journeys of others!  I hope these will inspire EVERYONE to be able to say at the end of the day and at the end of life... 

“I TRIED LIFE!” 

Like I Tried Life on Facebook!Entrepreneur.com

I Tried Life-CHANGE IS...

“I TRIED LIFE!”

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CHANGE IS…

I love to take pictures in general, but truly enjoy taking photos of clouds, sunsets and sunrises. I especially enjoy taking these photos when I’m flying (in airplane mode of course with an approved electronic device).  Cloud formations, sunrises and sunsets, are always CHANGING and each producing a different response or evoking varied emotions from the person viewing them.  

Focusing on the clouds, sometimes they are puffy and pretty on the outside, yet inside they may contain a thunderstorm or you may experience turbulence on the inside when flying through or the clouds are so thick you may wonder about the unknown or have anxiety about what’s on the other side of or through the clouds...just like the uncertainties of LIFE.  When traveling through the clouds during the day, I always look forward to the blue sky or sunshine…on the other side of the Clouds of CHANGE!  I TRY to take time during these trips to clear my mind, consider the possibilities and think of what I’m going to TRY next in Life! What do you enjoy doing to help you clear your mind, consider the possibilities and help you think about what you will TRY next in Life? 

How many of you find yourself saying, I’ll never CHANGE or I don’t really want to TRY to CHANGE, but deep inside you really DO want to TRY to CHANGE? Some people say CHANGE is Good, while others say, CHANGE is bad!  Some people have grown up being told if TRYING to CHANGE makes you uncomfortable, that’s a good thing, other times we are told if TRYING to CHANGE makes you uncomfortable that’s a bad thing and we should stop TRYING to CHANGE.  What it all comes down to is this; TRYING LIFE comes with a share of COMFORTABLE and UNCOMFORTABLE moments and feelings.  It comes with our own perceived thoughts of what is good or bad.  The bottom line is, how we perceive CHANGE is relative to the individual.

I recently became a Certified Practitioner to interpret results of the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and I was reminded of how everything in life we TRY or we do is inherent to who we are but also relative to situation(s) or person(s) surrounding our lives.  What makes one person jump out of their skin to TRY something new, makes another person quickly suit up and say, bring on more things for me to TRY, especially if it means CHANGE.

What I’ve been able to determine is that I am most uncomfortable with CHANGE when I am TRYING something that I may lack skills, experience, confidence or ability in.  Sometimes CHANGE means that I may not succeed, or get the intended results or that I might get hurt during or after I TRY to CHANGE.  Putting this all in perspective again, CHANGE involves a lot of the way we expose, train or condition our minds to react to CHANGE.  As I was sharing with a friend about taking a trip by myself and TRYING something new, I was reminded of the positive opportunities that could present themselves.  Although I am pretty outgoing with Extroversion preferences, I sometimes don’t always like doing things alone.  But she reminded me that participating in the event on my own, could allow me to meet even more people and make more new friends and connections.  After thinking about it in those terms, I was excited about TRYING this new activity,  even if it meant TRYING it by myself! 

Think about it this way.  What did you do this past weekend?  Did you TRY something with the same family or friends that you always do something with? Did you invite others to participate in activities with you who you’ve never asked or normally don’t ask to join in your activities or your fun? Did you TRY something new?  Did you enjoy yourself?  Did you have fun?  Now, if you had to repeat this weekend’s activities and had to do everything by yourself, would you have still done the same things?    While you may not think it is your responsibility to make sure others are connected and TRYING new things in Life, the kindness and courtesy of extending offers, can CHANGE your life and the lives of others without even realizing it!

A friend recently told me she has been working out with the same group of people for several months and the group often goes out shopping or out for meals together afterwards.  The last time the group decided to grab a quick bite, she agreed to join the group for the outing.  Not only did she enjoy a good meal, but she got to learn more about the others in the group and found out they have lots in common and are a fun group to not only work out with but now a fun group to spend time with socially.  Another friend decided to sign up for a membership at a local gym that has locations around the country.  In doing so, she has committed herself to have a healthier physical life, and in turn it has given her more courage and confidence to TRY new things, meet new people and she has more energy to TRY LIFE!

Finally, several people have commented and shared that after reading the first blog they have TRIED new things in Life including; spending time learning about new cultures, reconnecting with old friends, changing financial spending habits, meeting new people, accepting a last minute invite to a dinner party, taking up a new sport, committing to try a new activity, helping others in the community, forgiving others and just TRYING LIFE!

 

5 Ways to CHANGE in order to TRY LIFE!

VISUALIZE what you want to CHANGE

ACTIVELY make a plan to CHANGE (write it down, make a plan, just TRY)

PHYSICALLY/MENTALLY CHANGE what you’ve been doing or thinking about in order to CHANGE the outcomes!

RECOGNIZE that you are TRYING LIFE & CHANGING

CELEBRATE YOUR CHANGE & SUCCESS!

I want this blog to serve as a place to be a resource, recognize friends & businesses, share ideas, photos and stories of my journey in life as well as sharing the inspiring photos, fun and journeys of others!  I hope these will inspire EVERYONE to be able to say at the end of the day and at the end of life... 

“I TRIED LIFE!” 
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I TRIED LIFE-Finish What You Start

“I TRIED LIFE!”

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We may all know the phrase, FINISH WHAT YOU START, but what does it really take to FINISH WHAT YOU START?  

Each of us has a story to tell about how we have overcome Adversity, Tragedy or something unique in Life! 

I wanted to parallel this week’s blog on FINISHING WHAT YOU START to participating in a Walk, A Race, A Run or Supporting A Cause, in order to continue to encourage everyone to TRY LIFE!  Forget the Fear, Past or Excuses.  I’m not asking you to go out and participate in a race, but I am challenging you to TRY to overcome a Fear, TRY something new, to TRY and get back up one more time, to TRY to Live a Life that is Fulfilling to you Every Day!   

Thank you for the Community Collaboration from Friends who were kind & gracious enough to share their personal photos 

(From Walks to Mud Runs to Marathons and Every Race In Between)

Finishing or Overcoming something in Life and sharing with others is often personal and I am tremendously appreciative for the gift given by those who have shared their personal results and photos and hope that each of us is inspired to
TRY LIFE and FINISH WHAT YOU START!

Some of you know the story of an accident I had 21 years ago when I was told I may never be able to walk, run, skip or jump like I used to, let alone on my own two feet because of the severity of the crush injury to my left ankle and foot.  Weeks in the hospital on multiple occasions over several years, missing a semester of college (and playing academic catch up to be able to still graduate in 4 years with my class), painful physical therapy sessions of learning how to walk again and walking around in a blue post surgical shoe on one foot, like it was the latest in fashion took a lot out of me at times to be able to feel Confident, Capable or Courageous enough to TRY new things in Life!  The tons of support from friends and family helped me to heal!  Even though, I was only 19 at the time, I knew I wasn’t done TRYING LIFE and I knew there were things I still wanted to challenge myself to do,  In Spite Of my new physical challenges and scars I still have today from the accident (which I say they are just proof that I fought a hard battle, but I WON)!  After years of reconstructive surgeries, having Faith and regaining a Positive Mental Attitude I did something I had always dreamed about TRYING and thought I’d never be able to do.  

 In 2012, I ran/jogged/walked…more importantly, participated in my first TRY at a “Race”.  I don’t even remember my time from the Virginia is for Lovers’ Race, but I do remember that I FINISHED!  I remember the feeling of coming across that FINISH Line and feeling overwhelmed, yet elated that I had made it to the end.  The previous 20 years of Mental Mind Block that had prevented me from TRYING an activity such as this was erased from my memory at that moment.  I felt a sense of Accomplishment, Satisfaction and Joy.  I was even Courageous enough to TRY to participate in and FINISH the Shamrock 8K and the Wicked10K in March and October, respectively last year.

So many times we give up TRYING to FINISH something we started or dreamed of doing or set as a goal because we don’t have the time or courage.  Sometimes we give up on people we have invested in because we think they just can’t keep up or don't "get it".   Sometimes we give up on ourselves because we don’t want to TRY one more time because we don’t want to fail!   But, let’s turn this around and think about the positive!  The last time you FINISHED a project you started, how did you feel?  The last time you said, I’ll work with this person or this family member or friend one more time and in return the person was able to “Get It”, how did you feel? The last time you said, “I’m going to TRY one more time” at something and you Succeeded, how did you feel?

I hope you enjoyed all of the FINISHER photos from friends across the country.  They each took on a race, a walk or participated in an event to TRY Life!  From supporting causes related to health, to setting a goal to accomplish a new race time, to having fun, to being/staying healthy, to losing weight, to overcoming a fear, to overcoming adversity, to involving children in active lifestyles, to couples, spouses and family members connecting in an activity together, to just wanting to TRY something new! I thank each of them for TRYING something new by allowing me to share their journey and photos with each of you!

Leave a comment here on the blog page to share something you’ve TRIED or FINISHED in the past!  You can

Click on I Tried Life to take you to the Facebook page to also see the photos with captions and more descriptions!  Remember to Like, Share & Comment on Facebook! 

Thank you for checking out this week’s blog; which serves as a place to be a resource, recognize friends & businesses, share ideas, photos and stories of my journey in life as well as sharing the inspiring photos, fun and journeys of others!  I hope these will inspire EVERYONE to be able to say at the end of the day and at the end of life... 

“I TRIED LIFE!”

Like I Tried Life  on Facebook!