Written by: Marie Hernandez, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Hiking boots covered in mud up to my knees, I stopped to gulp down some water.
I could make out a hint of copper – no doubt from the flask I was carrying it in. Nonetheless, I was grateful for it as the tepid liquid slid down my throat.
Wiping my mouth, I took note of the people chattering around me. They were speaking in a language I couldn't even pretend to know a little, and, while I have no idea what they were talking about, I felt very safe in their presence.
Three armed guards were accompanying me on a once in a lifetime excursion. Dressed in dark green carrying radios and rifles, I felt like I was the character in one of Dan Abnett & Nik Vincent's books.
A few months before, I was contacted by 1000 Shades of Green tour company. They were looking to collaborate with people who could give them great exposure with engaged audiences and help market their services on social media.
Since gorilla trekking had been high on my bucket list, I jumped at the chance.
After negotiations, airline confirmations, and a private pick up from the International Airport, I found myself in the gorgeous mountains of Rwanda, navigating red ant mounds, giant, deep elephant footprints gouged out of the slippery mountainside, and dodging cheeky golden monkeys trying to grab my backpack!
My legs screaming from the climb, I took the opportunity of the current break our small party was taking to digest what my eyes were seeing.
Everything was green. The type of green that you only see in movies. Emerald, bright, and breathtaking.
The landscape was filled with plants, trees, flowers I'd never seen before, wild animals, and thousands of birds calling out fiercely kept secrets of this wonderland of beauty.
For the thousandth time, I whispered a prayer of thanks.
I felt as if I'd been allowed into a secret society where only the elite are allowed to experience this level of magic.
When I'd agreed to the sponsorship, I didn't know that, along with beautiful accommodations, exquisite meals, private drivers, and several tours, I would also be trekking up to see some of the few original gorillas that remained from Dian Fossey's troupe.
But here I was, making my way up to try to find them (I was told there was no guarantee that they would be interested in being seen that day) guided by three of the most wonderful and knowledgable armed guides in Rwanda.
This was the chance of a lifetime. One that, only 2 years earlier, I would have never imagined could happen.
Filled with limiting beliefs, self doubt, stories of defeat and failure from those who claimed to love me, I had a dream...yea I know, cliche and cheeky, but so true...of creating a social media marketing mechanism that would allow me to travel the world, live and work from anywhere, and, most importantly help others do the same.
I'm a firm believer that, to live life to the fullest, you have to travel, meet people who are different from you, people who speak differently, have different traditions, religions, beliefs...this is how to take advantage of all that this world has to offer.
So, I set an intention, sold anything I could, and went all in – 1000% invested in myself and my dreams.
Some of the fruit of all that determination was this trip.
The guard's voice snapped me back into the now and we started our hike again.
Within a half hour, the guide that was far enough ahead that we couldn't see him signaled to the tracker closest to me.
That guide turned to me and placed his finder against his lips...my signal to shut up...something that, if you know me, isn't an easy task – especially when I'm excited – and I was wiggling with delight at this point!
We slowly, and quietly made our way up and around a massive stand of bamboo.
No more than 10 feet from me, sitting nonchalantly, was a massive Silver Back Gorilla happily munching.
My heart skipped several beats, my mouth fell open in an O, and I immediately started to cry.
Turning his head as if he knew what I was feeling, the gentle giant looked me directly in the eyes.
I could almost feel his gentle soul, his connection to this earth, to his surroundings and I slowly sunk to my knees in awe.
Tears streaming down my face, I felt peace and gratitude. I can't quite express how blessed I felt to be allowed in the presence of these creatures and, with all that I could, I sent out an energy that I hoped would be felt.
I spent an hour with these incredible animals.
I watched their babies play, mamas feeding newborns, old members sauntering by as if I wasn't there and I even got to "speak" to the second in command with grunts the guides taught me.
On the side of that mountain I made another promise to myself. I promised that I would bring the world closer to those who couldn't explore it like I could, and for those who could, I would teach them how to use each sponsorship as a way to not only experience the best, but to help these amazing companies market their businesses to the world.
I've kept that promise and then some!
My experiences, the knowledge I've gained, and the program that I've developed has far surpassed what I originally thought I wanted to do.
Never give up on yourself and your dreams.
Trust your passions.
Invest in yourself and never stop taking action on that investment.
2022 is a new year. Where will you go? How will you get there, what promises do you want to keep?
Now's the time to do it!
Let's get this party started!!
For more info, follow me on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and visit my website! Read more from Marie!
Marie Hernandez, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine Marie Hernandez is a women's empowerment and digital entrepreneur business coach. After a devastating divorce at 50 that left her jobless, 10 thousan d miles away from family, with 16 cents in the bank, she knew she needed to rewire her thinking. She has dedicated her life to the service of women who want to become empowered to alter the course of their lives. The owner and CEO of Marie Hernandez Coaching, LLC., she travels, lives, and works globally and offers women’s empowerment coaching programs that help women 45+ bridge the gap from where they are to a place of love and strength and live any life they choose. Download her free workbook "Rewrite Your Life Story," which will help guide you to understanding the lies we believe and shift your mindset from limited to "anything is possible."
