Smith-Blair, Inc’s Post

Life promotion is about strengthening our connection to land, community, self, and spirit, which supports living a long prosperous life. Learn more about life promotion here - https://lnkd.in/gYp2TAeZ

I was looking through some of my old blog posts recently and came across this entry from Day 29 of our unsupported North Pole Expedition: "After lunch we were stuck in the middle of open water, big pressure ridges and rubbled ice so we took the rubbled route which took roughly an hour to get both our sleds through a 100 meter section. Whatever reference I used in the past to define epic has now changed to today's brutal slog. We finally made it to a small cracked pan then connected to a corner of another pan, then another, then a thin ice lead, some pressure, big drifts and... Finally, a big open pan! I couldn't believe my eyes. From worst to first, I said out loud." Thinking back, I'm not sure if I remember that exact day, but I know the feeling for sure. Every day on the Arctic Ocean is a pendulum that can swing for or against you with no apparent rhyme or reason. It's overwhelming at best. For significant parts of every day, we get bogged down in rough fractured ice struggling for hours to make just a few hundred meters of Northward progress. In those moments, every fiber of your being wants to quit and go home. Despite this, we keep moving forward. But it's not easy, so we buttress ourselves with mantras and sayings to keep us focused and optimistic. We remind ourselves that at some point, and no matter how much bad ice we may be in at the moment, good ice will follow. And in doing so, we are able to push through all the physical and mental hardships and keep moving forward until conditions improve. Everywhere I look these days, I see people struggling with all kinds of bad ice... accidents, disease, uncertainty, getting laid off from a job, bills... you name it. Life piles up, cracks, splits and blocks the path forward, just like ice on the Arctic Ocean. In those moments, everything seems crazy and hard but what I've learned is that, at some point, things will change and become better. My friends keep offering their sympathies on a cancelled North Pole season. And while I appreciate the sentiment, it's hard not to brush off the failure as just another piece of bad ice. After all, I'm back at home with Maria and the kids, riding my bike, coaching U-12 soccer and planning for next winter... Good ice will follow.

Here's my post about the amazing conference in Iowa at the Mid-America Center.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! ☘ Check out this Edpuzzle Original video to learn more about one of my favorite days of the year! https://lnkd.in/eDjDNX3g

🌊 Exciting Announcement from Prestige Worldwide Divers! 🌊 After years of dedication to various professions, I've taken a bold leap into the world of dive destinations, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share this exhilarating journey with you! Today marks the launch of an incredible trip to the Emerald Coast that's now open for booking, and it embodies everything I've ever dreamed of - merging the freedom of remote work with the unparalleled adventure of diving, all while soaking in the beauty of top-tier resorts and destinations. This venture is not just about exploring the depths of the ocean; it's about creating those unforgettable moments with family and friends. It's about seizing those last-minute opportunities to make memories that will last a lifetime. And what makes it even more special is the accessibility - offering these experiences at affordable costs, ensuring that this isn't just an exclusive adventure, but one that's within reach for everyone. I am immensely proud of the strides Prestige Worldwide Divers is making towards becoming a leader in the industry. This wouldn't have been possible without the incredible opportunity to contribute to this vision, to help pave the way for a new era of travel and exploration. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported this journey - here's to creating unforgettable memories, exploring new depths, and embracing the remote work lifestyle, together. Let's dive into this adventure! 🐠🌐 #PrestigeWorldwideDivers #DiveIntoAdventure #RemoteWork #FamilyTravel #AdventureAwaits

Discover the Secrets to improving your Quality of Life this January https://vist.ly/ua3u

If your holiday feels more like a conference call, it might be time to remind HR that "out of office" means the inbox is on vacation too, not just you. Zepto #WorkFromHome #MentalHealth #SelfCare #Productivity #Wellness #RemoteWork #StressRelief #TimeManagement #WorkplaceCulture #CareerTips

Independence Day: A Call for Freedom and Justice As we celebrate our nation’s independence today, let’s remember that true freedom goes beyond the boundaries of our country. It’s about the safety, dignity, and justice for every individual, especially those who are vulnerable. Recently, the horrific incident involving a doctor from RG Kar Medical College in Kolkata has shocked us all. This Independence Day, while we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our nation’s freedom, let’s also stand up for those who are fighting for justice today. The freedom we cherish must extend to ensuring that every person, regardless of their profession, gender, or background, can live and work without fear. As we celebrate, let’s pledge to demand justice for the victims of such heinous acts and work towards a society where safety and respect are the rights of all. Let’s not just celebrate our independence; let’s commit to making our country truly free from violence, injustice, and fear. Justice for RG Kar victim. Justice for all. #IndependenceDay #endviolence #standforjustice #humanrights

There are challenges living on St Helena, but these challenges foster a unique way of life. With a focus on family, community, nature and culture.   Find out more about who we are: https://shorturl.at/AChy6

Powerful question to consider - how are you prioritizing your time?