One week ago I was picking coffee beans in the mountains of Colombia after traveling across Central America.

This week I suprised my family after convincing them I was headed deep into the Amazon jungle 😂

Don’t get me wrong - I’m loving every second of my sabbatical and writing this wildly unexpected chapter of my life.

But I’d be lying if I said I didn’t often miss family and friends.

So I rearranged plans, flew home, and we’re celebrating Mother’s Day together.

Here’s the surprise video ⬇️ 

Plus - how do I resist seeing my baby nephew Leo?

Dude stole my heart from day one.

I finally understand the urge to show everyone pictures of your kid,

And he’s not even mine.

I also said received a yoga teaching opportunity in Malaysia.

But I said no.

It was a perfect opportunity on paper: I previously applied, nailed the interview, logistics would work, but the decision was simple.

I told my grandma I would come see her this summer, and the teaching timeframes conflict.

Easy decision.

Following through on my commitment to visit Nana is the priority.
It’s that simple.

Personal lessons that may be applicable to you:

Prioritize loved ones.
What’s the point of life if we don’t spend time with people we love?

There’s power in the “No.”
Saying no creates space for the big rocks, top priorities.

As of this writing, tomorrow morning… I’ll be heading back to Bali babyyyy! 🇮🇩

I recently decided to go deeper in my spiritual journey and invest in a Meditation Teacher Training.

Not to specifically teach meditation,
but to go deeper.

On myself.
My practice.
Wrestle with big questions.
And explore, “Who is Colin?”

Last year I completed my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Bali with no intention on actually teaching.

But sure enough, I ended up teaching for 5 months, unexpectedly finding passion and purpose I never knew existed.

Will the same thing happen this time? 
Who knows.

I have no expectations other than improving myself and enjoying the journey of learning something I’ve become very interested in.

Isn’t that life?

To explore our curiosities?
Find interest and go deeper?
Evolve in meaningful ways?

Meditation has had a profound impact on my life in a short amount of time.

And I’m excited to dive deeper, go inward, and share it with others.

Frugal by nature, I scrutinize every major financial decision, especially with no current job or income.

And this was no exception.
I thought deeply about it.
For weeks.

But at the end of the day,
I’ll never regret investing in myself.

That’s a wrap for this week’s newsletter.

For those interested, here’s a quick ramble on investing in yourself.

I believe the best investment we’ll ever make is an investment in ourselves.

I’ve easily invested over $30k on coaching, therapy, conferences, courses, health, and personal development.

In business, the ROI has paid for itself many times over.
In life, I’ve become a better version of myself.

And to me, that’s invaluable.

(P.S. - investments don’t have to be monetary. Your health, for example, simply requires effort. Sweaty equity. Showing up consistently. Doing things when you don’t want to do them)

In light of going back to Bali, here’s my “Bali Café Vibe” Spotify playlist I made last year 🎶

It’s a banger.

Absolutely JAMMING right now while listening and writing this newsletter.

Creative flow on full force ✍️

Tip: Presence

Action: Put your phone away.

Like - all the way away.

Not on the table.
Not in your pocket (if possible).

But away - out of sight, out of mind.

If I’m in someone’s home, I’ll oftentimes have a “phone spot” where I leave it. I want to be fully present.

If I’m in a restaurant / café, I put it in my backpack and simply don’t touch it.

Full presence. Awareness. Connection.
Being where my feet are.
Locked in.

Plus - it’s just the respectful thing to do when speaking with someone.

Here are some other ways I practice presence.

Value: The more present we are in each moment, the more present we are in our lives.

“Celebrate your successes and failures; both required great courage.”

I’ll go first ⬇️

One success I’m celebrating: Completing my travels to every country in Central America.

After all the planning, logistics, challenges, embracing the unknown-
I really did it.

I smile big when I think about this.

One failure I’m celebrating: Not being able to run the last two weeks due to knee pain.

I swallowed my pride.
Accepted reality.
Gave myself rest and focused on strength training while still clocking big walking mileage.

And now - just ran 2.69 miles and felt absolutely amazing.

Grateful for dropping the ego and listening to my body.

There’s always something you can do.

🌱 What are you celebrating this week? Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear.

Something to keep in mind from the legend, Tom Hopkins:

“I never see failure as failure, but only as a learning opportunity”

💻 Recent Newsletter Posts

🎙️Seeds of Success Podcast (Spotify)

🎙️Seeds of Success Podcast (Apple Podcasts)

🎬 YouTube | 📸 Instagram | 📱TikTok | ✍️ LinkedIn | 📈 Substack

✍️ Goal 1: Write 49 Newsletters
Realized: 15/49

🌎 Goal 2: Travel to 34 countries by age 34
Realized: 23/34

💰Goal 3: Earn $50k in self-generated revenue
Realized: $1,105

Got this far? Reply and let me know your biggest insight, takeaway, or any feedback you have for the newsletter.

I love hearing from you and always respond.

Also - many of you continue to share the newsletter on social or forward via email/text.

Thank you. It’s the #1 way the newsletter grows, so if you know someone who might enjoy it, please share.

I hope you continue finding value and inspiration to take action toward a life that feels aligned, expansive, and meaningful for you.

Sigue la aventura 🚀

P.S. - Happy Mother’s Day to all the beautiful mothers out there (and soon-to-be moms)

Hardest and most important job in the world 🙏

See you next week… from Bali 🚀 🇮🇩