Insights from the Arctic

Well hello!

I know, it's been a while... And for good reasons.

I've been busy living out my very multi-hyphenate dreams ;) Which has taken me away from my desk and toward faraway places. If you've been following me for a while, you probably know that I am not only a coach, but also a researcher doing a PhD in Polar Studies, and a guide on expedition ships in the coldest corners of our world.

I came back a few weeks ago from my latest travels in the Arctic. I navigated the fabled North-West Passage from West to East, left Nunavut (Canada) to cross the icy waters of Baffin Bay, and slowly made my way back down along the coast of West Greenland. I got to visit some of the Arctic's northern-most communities, try the local cuisine (seal liver or narwhal blubber, anyone?), learn about Inuit culture, reconnect with my love of icebergs, and hang out with walruses in the wild.

I joined the expedition as the researcher-in-residence, which meant I had time on my hands to collect more research data, and make my sound recordings. I also had a chance to do some self-portraiture and capture myself in my element. See below.

I finished off my voyage with a camping adventure on the Greenland Ice Sheet - what an epic experience that was! It felt like being on another planet. It weirdly reminded me of the Sahara desert, except in this case, the dunes were made of ice. We hiked on the ice using crampons, slept in tents secured with ice screws, ate reindeer stew at night, and discovered an immensely varied landscape of frozen lakes, rivers, waterfalls, canyons, and cliffs.

It was a true 'pinch me' moment - so surreal. I honestly felt so grateful to my past self for being so relentless in her commitment to pursue her biggest dreams.

A question I get asked a lot when I'm on ships is what it is I am working towards, what I am hoping to do in the future, what will be next for me. And I consistently reply: 'This, right here, right now. This is it. This is the culmination of a lot of past dreaming and scheming'.

Of course, I will always have new goals. I never stop dreaming. The same probably applies to you, as gifted people tend to be endlessly innovative and ambitious.

But it's important to remind yourself every now and again that where you currently are in life, already contains so many blessings. The joy you experience, the relationships you've built, and/or the successes you've already accomplished, are things you were likely dreaming of years ago. So here's my tip of the day: savor this moment, and appreciate this phase of your life, even if you feel you're not quite where you eventually want to be just yet. You've already come a long way, and worked hard to get to where you are today!

Opportunity alert!

I'm currently restructuring my business and expanding my product suite (exciting times on the horizon!), and I want to add some accessible alternatives to private coaching. Think webinars, courses, ebooks...

I am, as usual, overwhelmed (in the best way possible) by my own brain that won't stop churning out new ideas for topics to delve into and formats to try. My main priority remains unchanged: I want to serve you as powerfully as possible in helping you thrive in life as a gifted person. To do so, I want to listen to your wants and needs.

So here's your chance: what would you love to learn from me? What challenges would you like my guidance on? Let me know by emailing your suggestion to simone@thesmartrebel.com, and who knows... I might just produce exactly what you need, to help you level up.

I read, and reply to, every email I receive. I genuinely love hearing from you.