It’s 6:30 am as I begin writing this post, the morning after our first retreat in Austin has ended. I’m sitting in a gorgeous hot tub watching the sun rise on the horizon over Lake Travis. I’m taking a moment to reflect of what has been accomplished here and the gifts this retreat provided both for me and others in attendance.
I’m inspired to share that this retreat compensated me in all five of my favorite ways to get paid. Here are my abundant paychecks.
Gratitude - so much gratitude in my heart for my amazing staff (Chef Joseph, Super Val (Valerie Mendoza), Zoe F., Stacey B., Bethany K. and Marcos Robles). They we’re recognized last night by our guests for what they have earned - world-class mastery as retreat service providers with heart. It was a very special moment both for them and me, their proud leader. Gratitude for all the transformations that occurred for our twenty guests. This one was unique in that we had six married couples in the mix. Gratitude for the deep reconnections made between these couples. It was a sight to behold. Gratitude to myself for honoring what matters most to me, staying committed and dedicated to following my bliss while being a thoughtful loving husband. Lori Lochtefeld was able to join me for some of the pre-retreat days. It was special having her here in support. I think this was my 40th retreat in 4 years since I discovered the one important thing that was missing in my life - the desire to experience more joy! Gratitude for experiencing seven days of astounding joy!
Beauty - this property had been magical and Lake Travis has been enjoyable. They provided nourishment and inspiration for our guests opening magic doorways to aliveness. The sunsets and sunrises have been spectacular too, but the purest beauty has been the people. Last night I watched a man read a heartfelt letter to his wife recommitting to loving her in the way she deserves for the rest of their lives. It was transformation at its finest (and at a tax arbitrage retreat no less 💪). Validation that what we do at our retreats is more important than whatever content gets the guests to come. What we do matters. How we inspire people matters. It was a thing of beauty to witness the transformations that occurred. I was grateful to have a front row seat.
Goosebump Moments - retreats often produce many of these for me, thus why I do them. But this is one that will stick out in my mind for how it delivered in this area of payment. It was watching Garrett B. Gunderson do his one-man show. This is his dream. It’s early stage. Already terrific, but still just a baby. I learned from the wise and charming founder of Ugg Brian Smith that you can’t birth an adult. Watching Garrett give birth to his dream of becoming a world-class comedic performer on the small little stage I built for him with an audience of just 27 was a an hour plus long goosebump moment for me. He continues to be a major source of inspiration for me and I’ll get on a plane or create a retreat any time this Bliss Star wants. Simply put, his bliss journey is Astounding. This is the greatest compliment I can pay to a Bliss Seeker.
Inspiration - I came into this retreat thinking I was going to teach a bunch of millionaires how to become even wealthier. That was supposed to be my role as the co-host to a world-renown tax arbitrage expert. I was supposed to be the Asset Wealth guy teaching everyone how I got wealthy from investing in real estate. Then, an opening occurred. My co-cost chose to share story after story about his new bliss journey as a comedic entertainer with the majority of his time the first two days. This was all the invitation I needed to do what I do best. I threw my prepared content in the garbage and got up at 5 am each morning to rewrite all my speeches. Continued to do so while Garrett presented (missing most the tax arbitrage stuff I actually wanted to learn), using every last available minute to prepare new content that would inspire the guests to discover and pursue their bliss to achieve what actually matters - True Wealth! I typed so much on my tiny laptop that my shoulders began to experience severe pain. It was worth it. Based on their positive reaction, I think they agree.
My business partner & mentor in all things Bliss Patrick Combs would have been very proud of how I represented our company this weekend. Bliss Champions came out to play & we crushed it! A hearty thank you to Garrett for opening the door.
My Dreams Coming True - from the day I first scouted this property 16 months ago I dreamed of pulling off a special retreat here. I knew in my heart that this location would be special for guests and staff alike. I knew that it would create manny memorable moments on my inspirational journey to transform in the direction of my bliss. It surpassed even my greatest expectations, which is an achievement, cause I dream really big!
I guess what they say is true. Everything is bigger in Texas. Even Bliss!
