Why not me? Why not you? Join Team Mike

a breakdown of the difference between "Why?" and "Why not?" and a call for joining!

“Why?”

“Why not?”

One word difference, but really a world of difference. One questions, and one sees possibilities.

I’m pondering things like this as I navigate life on the move globally and areas of focus to give myself to related to time and work. 

For far too long the first, “Why?” ruled me.  It was the checkpoint for reason.  It liked security, clarity, safety, and certainty.  It tried to offer measured responses to everything. “Maybe not fully that, but possibly this…”  It watered things down and took away the spice and risk. 

It neutered me. It looked like everyone else and tried to fit in with everyone else.  

This me was afraid of sticking out too much and causing a stir.  This was my conditioned self, wired from childhood to be safe and measured and reasonable.

Why not?

The “Why not?” is an awakening within me.  Perhaps the “Why not?” needs to awaken with you too.

A new understanding of myself, one that understands and is being made more clearly aware every day that I have been living shackled by my people-pleasing tendencies and my lack of belief that I am worthy and able to achieve my dreams. 

I’ve been playing the “Don’t rock the boat” game for a long time.  I’ve lived inside the box. I’ve not believed I am worthy, but I am throwing those weighted backpacks off and standing up tall.  

I’ve been told, “Everything you want is on the other side of your fear. What are you going to do?”

I realize that nothing changes if everything stays the same.

So I’m asking, “Why not?”  Why not me?  Why not this vision in my heart?  Why not be able to bring all my passions together?

Why not raise funds for the great cause of my nonprofit iGive Global while doing something I love…running and training?  Hmmm? Maybe I share more about this…

And can I integrate both with my love of travel and cultures to provide an amazing travel training experience? 

Who would want to go on a trip like this? 

Why? Or why not?  Let’s go with “Why not”!

High-altitude Ecuador Running Experience

I’m thinking of pulling off a high-altitude training camp in Quito, Ecuador, suitable for all runners from recreational to elite.

It would be mixed with culture and experiences to see the beauty of the people and country, and showing how a little investment like we do with iGive Global can make a world of difference in the lives of women and children for generations to come. 

Add to that a chance to see socially responsible businesses in action and hang out with a remarkable group of people, and it can be an unforgettable and unique experience. 

Why Ecuador?  

At 9350 ft, Quito is HIGH elevation and perfect for training.  It has mild temperatures year-round (lows in the 50’s, highs in the low 70’s), low humidity, and access to paths, tracks, trails, and cultural experiences that can make a wonderful and unforgettable experience.  

Quito, the entire city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site! 

That’s a uniqueness that sets it apart with a wonderful mix of Spanish and indigenous art, architecture, and people.

Plus…want to go higher than 10,000 ft (3048 meters)?  Yes, we can do that easily. Do you also want to also go to the great Amazon jungle?  Yes, Ecuador offers that too!

Searching for Team Mike

But is there a tribe with this vibe that will come on board and join Team Mike? 

I need to keep asking, “Why not?”  Why not this?  Why not me?  Why not this type of unique combination of fitness/running, touring, cross-cultural, and helping a cause that totally embodies who I am?

Where is the tribe I need to connect with that would resonate with this vision? 

Why not me? Why not this? Why not now?  I can I pay my bills doing this?  I need to find a way.

I’m trying to get in touch with who I am at my core, my authentic self, and this type of thing gets me juiced! It brings together my unique mix of what I believe I bring to the world.  

I just gotta find this tribe that connects and wants to support me and join Team Mike!

Recruiting Begins…

So, I’m putting this out there into the world…

I’m looking for runners, but not just any runners…

I’m looking for those who love to travel, and not just glamour and resort travel.  

Those who have an adventuresome side and don’t mind getting their shoes dirty and stretching the edges of their normal comfort zone. 

I’m interested in those who are serious about their own mental health, who are working through their past stuff and seeing how it has impacted them and yet who are not stuck there but are embracing the work to move forward.  They are asking “Why not?”  And not stuck on “Why?”

I’m looking for folks who like to have fun, laugh a lot, live it well, add value to the situations they find themselves in, and want to live differently than the masses.  I’m looking for those who will connect with living uncommon. 

I’m looking for some more Mike’s.  Some fans.  Some tribe members. Some people that it “clicks” with and who know I will deliver on an incredible, dare I say “life changing” experience.  They believe in Mike and they believe in investing in dreams.

I’m looking for those who won’t make excuses  Those who won’t get stuck on “I’m just too busy”, but who will carve out the time and lock it in because it intrigues them and they believe in Team Mike.

Team Mike Supporters Needed

I’m also looking for those who are in tune with the vision but don’t want to run, but are ready to be part of the runner support team, my team, freeing me from chasing work to enable me to do what I’m born to do.  

I’m looking for donors, individuals and businesses, who help me cover my costs and keep the costs of his adventure down, knowing they are investing ultimately in making lives better and helping at-risk women and children through the micro-lending arm that is tied to everything we do within iGive Global. 

I’m looking for those who see that growing a small business can change lives globally, and that they can have a part in that. 

I’m looking for those that investing in this trip is investing in Mike, themselves, and in women entrepreneurs who face incredibly difficult circumstances but are resilient and making progress anyway.  

This is me. 

I’ve run a marathon in Iraq to raise money for displaced refugees.

I raised money for microloans and orphans by completing an Ironman 70.3. 

I’ve started my own non-profit to be able to do all this and more.

I want to do this for my life work.

Bringing it to a close

I believe we can’t go wrong in any situation if we look to see how we can add value.  I think that the best way to live is to live uncommon.  The masses tend to not like risk, and I think the beautiful things are on the other side of risk.  

We’ve been given life, and we are to live our lives to the fullest of all that has been placed within us.  

It’s time to step out. It’s time to step up.  

Who believes in me and will join Team Mike?  For this trip or for empowering me to do this month in and month out.

Ask yourself… “Why not?”

Very specifically… I’m looking for:

• 4 runners at minimum to join this venture in Ecuador in late July. Inquiry form >

• A business sponsor(s) for the trip to cover photo and videography support and my costs. $3500.

• A self-funded volunteer to come along and be runner support and help.

• Monthly regular supporters starting at $150/month to join Team Mike because they believe in me and want to enable me to do this and free my time to give to things like this, with a goal of $2,000 a month to start with. Monthly support >

Everything is tax deductible through iGive Global, my 501c3 non-profit.

Reach out.  Visit igiveglobal.org. 

Or message me below.

 

Why not?  

Why not Mike?

Why not you?

#runners

#adventure

#travelers

#whynot

#TeamMike

#TeamHeyMikeyG