When we lived in Vermont, it was easy to connect with nature. In fact, being outside was an integral part of the Vermont experience. In Anguilla, the same holds true. Whether we’re walking on the beach or working in the garden at the restaurant, we don’t think twice about the time we spend outdoors and how important it is to our psyche.
Now that we commute between Florida and Anguilla, we’re very aware that it takes a little extra effort to connect with nature when you live in the suburbs. Sure, there are beautiful tree-lined streets and green backyards but that isn’t always enough.
What does nature have to do with living what you love, you might ask. To us, the answer is clear. When you spend time in a natural environment, something truly magical happens. Mother Nature soothes your spirit, sharpens your senses and in turn, inspires you to focus your thinking.
As soon as we arrived at our new home in suburban Florida, we felt an immediate need to locate nearby walking paths, streams, gardens and parks. To our delight, we’ve discovered new places to visit every week: Japanese gardens, boardwalks through the Everglades, nature trails, deserted beaches with only a few fishermen, botanical gardens, quiet ponds and lakes, farms, and bird sanctuaries.
If you need a shot of energy and inspiration, we urge you to spend some time outdoors. Even just a short time in a natural environment can have a positive impact on your well-being.
12 Comments
the inspiration i get from your books & site, have helped me so much in my never ending quest for my destiny on anguilla.I have spent my whole life doing what I love to do, I,m not going to stop now !!!!!!!
RV
Yeah Rick!!! Don’t ever stop!
I just love your books and website. They help show me that “IT” is possible. I see that there is hope that I CAN live what I love. I, like many others these days, had to close my little business. Still today I feel lost and often loose hope. But your great inspiration puts that sparkle back in my eye. I dream of the day that I can LIVE WHAT I LOVE and wake up happy everyday. Thank you so much!!
Jean, we’re heartbroken to hear that you lost your business. Times are tougher than the media wants people to think. They tell us that because Wall Street is stronger, we should all feel better.
To supplement our restaurant income (Anguilla is very slow these days), we’ve started our new business selling Live What You Love greeting cards, notepads, magnets, etc. You wouldn’t believe how many stores give us credit cards that are declined. We’ve never seen anything like it. They want to buy inventory to stay alive, but they’re holding on by the skin of their teeth.
We’re telling you this because it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that what happened to your business is not your fault. The economy is truly a mess and we’re all suffering because of it.
We’ve been at rock bottom more than once in our life. Really, really rock bottom. Sleepless nights and scary mailboxes filled with bills that are difficult to pay – but eventually, we always come out on top. That’s when we use our 5 D.R.E.A.M. steps: DREAM, RESEARCH, EVALUATE, ACT, and MAINTAIN – and that’s how we know the steps really work.
It’s not easy but you can’t give up. You’ve got to believe in yourself and take control of your life. There will always be circumstances that you’re not able to change, but you can’t let them overwhelm you. Wake up each morning and spend even just a little time doing the exercises in “Changing Your Course.” We know this sounds like an advertisement for one of our books but honestly, that’s not our intent. We want you to feel better and want to do whatever we can to help.
You are in our hearts and we will send hopeful, positive messages your way. You’ve got some work to do so take one step at a time, and you’ll get there.
Dear Blanchards,
Thank you for giving me the hope and inspiration that I need to move forward.I have read all of your books and am finishing up Courses this week.This last one is the ultimate advice I needed.One of my dreams is to write, so I started a blog (I’ve listed it here in the website section)in hopes that it may land me a few freelance writing gigs in the future.
I am currently going through a tough time at work, but this obstacle and your words have inspired me to open a business.I really hope to open in the Spring of 2010 and (somehow)go to school in the fall of 2010 to do what my biggest dream is of becoming a nurse or midwife.I will keep you posted on my progress and will continue seeking your advice and inspiration.Thank you and Bless you.
PS- I printed out a little note that is Aqua colored that says LWYL.I keep it taped up next to my computer.It helps to get through the day!I suggest this to all your readers LOL!
Please do keep us posted! And anytime you need an extra shot of confidence, think about how far you’ve come. You already have a clear set of goals which is absolutely fantastic! Now just take one little step at a time and make it happen.
I feel so blessed that I just picked up your book one day browsing in the book store. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. Your book “Changing Your Course” has been like a light guiding me in a dark room. I have been through so many things in my 40 years and always did the RIGHT thing but felt very empty inside. I now know that I can live what I love even though everyone else (family and friends) think they know what’s best for me. I was always everyone else’s rock but now that their rock is moving, they think I’m going crazy. I’m still working my way through it but I am well on my way with my goals and action plan. I just wanted to say thank you, thank you and thank you!! I travel to the Caribbean often so I will defiantly stop by Blanchard’s when in Anguilla. I wish you continued success!
I am SO happy to have found your website and blog! I read your book “A Trip To The Beach” a few years back when, ironically, my husband and I were in the middle of living out our biggest dream at the time… we sold our house and all our belongings, and took off for a year on a sailboat to travel through Mexico. You helped inspire me then, and ultimately we wrote a book about our adventure (Trading Ordinary… For Extraordinary). You continue to inspire me to fulfill the next dream. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do! -Carrie
Hi Bob and Melinda,
I read your “beach” book 6 years ago and put the intention to visit Blanchards out into the universe. Through a marvelous set of circumstances I was able to visit in December. Alas, you were not yet back to sign my book, but you must know that all of the crew signed it for me and we got some great pics with them all in the kitchen which I would love to forward if you would tell me how to do that. What a fun night!
In addition, I was able to discover your latest book about changing the course of one’s life…wow, again how timely, as I am taking a year off to renew my love affair with life and to turn whatever passions I unearth in the journey into a more fulfilling daily life. Thank you for the timely inspiration over the years and for sharing your journey with me via your books !
Hugs,
Dana
Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard,
Miss seeing you both in New York!!! I Hope everything is going well and hope to see you in the future. You both are great inspiration and have the most amazing integrity. Take care and keep doing what you both do best!!! You are both such amazing examples of how everyone should (and want) to be!
All my best,
Courtney
So great to meet you today at the NYIGF! You are an inspiration and I see a long and prosperous relationship with you both!
Nancy and Mary from re-
Hi Bob and Mel,
Haven’t heard from you both in awhile. Hope you both are doing well and that business is picking up in Anguilla. Would love some updates!