“The intersection of your dreams becoming a reality can happen in the most unexpected ways, but they have no chance of existing unless you have the courage to jump.” —The Flight Attendant Life
The boat skipped and danced across the water; almost as if it was an invitation for my soul to join in the merriment. I hadn’t felt this inspired and hopeful in over eight months. The peaceful and contented state I currently found myself in was a welcome reprieve. How I happened to be bouncing across The Bay with wind-tousled hair had come about in quite a magical way, and I couldn’t help but grin happily.
Photo courtesy of Crystal Veness
I had been asked to write an article covering the story and creation of the first feature length kiteboarding film, which premiered last night in San Francisco. You can read the article I wrote about the movie here. WeTransfer— one of the partners on Chapter One— generously hosted my friend Crystal and I. We talked to the riders. We listened to the stories of what went into the film. We discovered what matters to those at WeTransfer. We had the privilege of meeting some very cool humans.
For me, the experience of seeing this film and meeting the people behind it was inspiring on so many level. The destinations shot in the movie are deafeningly beautiful. The professional kiteboarders live passionately and genuinely. The filmmakers are creating what they love. The partnerships and friendships are deep and meaningful. I love watching people do what makes them feel alive.
The energy in the theater last night was breathlessly special. The more I witness creativity and greatness in action, the more and more thankful I am to see individuals possessing the courage and connection to create beauty amidst challenges. There will always be moments in our lives where we can leave our calling and decide to ride the easy route. But if everyone did that, there would never be anything beautiful created. There would never be a Chapter One.
Official Trailer
In the film, there is a 30-second clip of Nick Jacobsen— a Danish kiter (you know I love those Danes)— jumping with his kite and board from the highest point of Richard’s Branson’s estate; to land in the blissful blue of the Caribbean waters below. It sounds exhilaratingly lovely, but in actuality, looks exceptionally terrifying.
With Nick sitting directly behind Crystal during the premiere—his feet pushing in rhythmic anticipation against the back of her chair— the music pitched perfectly to the countdown before Nick’s leap on the big screen. Cameras catch a momentary look of fear on his face and then; he jumps.
He jumps.
We are all scared at times. We are all uncertain and have our crashes. We have options in our lives that sit and wait for us to take action. They are amazing opportunities that are available to us, but we can only realize the benefits if we jump. You work and plan and play and dream. And then, there’s the moment that comes up that requires you to jump.
My countdown is on. I need to jump. Now. That doesn’t induce fear like it did yesterday, but a certainty that it will lead to the most epic and unexpected adventures yet.
Watch this video of my thoughts and see the reaction to Nick jumping off of Richard Branson’s island!
Guys— I love you so much for your support and interest in the blog and stories over the years. It’s so important that you know how valuable and special you are in this world and how much the world needs you to jump into your destiny! I want to apologize to you for not being a better inspiration for you recently, but I want to thank you for sticking by in the midst. It takes a team to create great and beautiful things, but it takes you to go for it. Please watch this film. I love it. It could change the way you see yourself and your world. It’s shifting mine. Btw, they didn’t pay me to say any of this. It’s just the truth.
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