Discoveries from an Unexpected Trip

Often, as company owners we place ourselves in high pressured situations to perform in our business. In order to maintain a balanced emotional state, it is important to celebrate our wins.

For the celebration of our eight year anniversary at Ponyfish Island, the partners - Grant Smillie, Jerome Borazio and I decided that we’d each choose a unique and uncommon adventure to do together annually. Grant took the responsibility of choosing and organising the first adventure. Within the week we had a mysterious trip to Alaska in the calendar. 

“The value of coming together in uncomfortable situations, creates limitless experiences and new found perspectives”.   

Result:

We spent one day travelling to Anchorage, followed by four days riding snowmobiles across 700 kilometres of the Alaskan wilderness. No phones, traffic, shops or people. All that we were surrounded by was ourselves, thick fresh powdery snow, exotic wildlife and the breathtaking alpine terrain. While we were there, I couldn’t help but notice the effects of detoxing from technology and being immersed in sheer isolation.

What I learnt throughout the profound experience:

1. I became far more in-tune with the calling of my body and my resilience was tested. In such a raw environment, water, warmth, food, being dry and finding a place to rest, all became crucial.  
2. There was a constant need to be hyperaware of my immediate surroundings - thin ice, flowing water, sink holes, sudden drops, deep snow or rocks. A lapse in thought could be fatal.
3. In remote environments, free from distractions with your close partners, you learn about each other on a new plane. Some people will slide and others will rise in different situations. New challenges that we endured along the path, brought about new leaders with their solutions.

We get so caught up in our busy lives that often we forget the benefit of celebrating wins, escaping to nature and switching off. Surround yourself with people you love in a beautiful place and give them your presence.

#Alaska #Entrepeneurship #onceinalifetime