Ihave been sick lately ~ but I've just arrived in Spain, following an unforgettable journey through Amsterdam, Brussels, and France.
My AirBnb here is nothing short of enchanting. I've been attracted to the soft, muted green ~ a color I've been a sucker for lately. However, the overly intense scent they've infused into the space has become overwhelming. It's triggered colds, a runny nose, a clogged throat, and now a fever.
01Snowboarding the French Alps
This all came right after an intense bout of body pain from snowboarding in the French Alps. The mix of physical strain and sensitivity to the environment pushed me into this state. Yet, I have no regrets.
Snowboarding in the French and Swiss Alps was one of the best experiences I've had to close out 2024 and welcome 2025. Spending a week learning an extreme sport I never thought I'd attempt felt freeing. It's sparked a desire to get better at it.
02Beach Walk in Valencia
Today, despite feeling unwell, I made it to the beach. I strolled along the sand ~ weak and sluggish but determined ~ letting Valencia's beautiful 75°F weather wrap me in its warmth.
Spain says: winter who? This area reminds me of San Diego.
It must have been my mom who instilled in me the idea that when you're sick, staying in bed doesn't help. Go out. The philosophy centers on tricking your mind into wellness: if you act well, you start to feel well.
03The Power of Belief
This isn't a new concept. Studies and anecdotal evidence show how environment and mindset can shape outcomes.
Children with disabilities placed in environments where they are treated as "normal" often experience remarkable improvements ~ sometimes even overcoming their disabilities altogether.
A man accustomed to years of cold was promised a warm jacket. Suddenly, his brain couldn't endure the cold anymore and he succumbed. The hope of warmth changed his perception, and his body followed.
Mindset is everything. It starts with owning and controlling your thoughts.
Here's what worked for me:
- When the pandemic hit, I told myself my asthma was gone after having COVID. I refused to let it dictate my life. I haven't had an asthma attack since.
- I believed I could travel the world, no matter my passport or resources. Today, I'm living that belief, having explored the globe for over a year.
Own your mind. Harness its power.
Whether it's convincing your body to heal, learning a new sport, or traveling with freedom ~ it's all rooted in belief. You never know how powerful you are until you choose to embrace it.
The results may surprise you.
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