The World is Waiting: 15 Signs That You May Be Born to See the World

June 13, 2013 3:21 am , Leave a Comment ,

 

1. you feel like your bones are itching and your insides are working their way to the outside when you haven’t gotten out of your city, state, or country in a few weeks.

2. traveling is not stressful to you. it may be (one of) the only time(s) in life where you feel no stress, obligation or pressure. everything just works.

3. you can make friends with anyone, anywhere even when they don’t speak the same language as you. you think you might get that “we are all one” thing.

4. you may be more at home when you’re not at home than any other time.

5. when you get alone with yourself  in far away land, you feel like yourself – your true true self.

6. you’ve thought about the long-term/life-long course you’d like your life to take and seeing the entire world feels nonnegotiable.

7. so many times you’ve come back feeling so different than when you left, and wonder as to how everything at home could still look the same.

8. you have no clue what the fuck people are talking about when they say they want to “get home to their bed” after a trip. and you have a super comfortable bed.

9. you’ve had your eyes opened to other aways of life and realized time and time again, that we really are all the same. you want to go realize it some more.

10. at all times, you are kind of thinking of all your potential travels.

11. hostel? hotel? couch-surf? resort? plane? train? car? bus? boat? ferry? you’ve done it all (at least almost and sometimes all in one trip) and you’re pretty sure you could work any of the above out as long as it means traveling. you are a fantastic improviser.

12. you know it’s crazy, but your pretty sure you feel the whole world calling to you, telling you to come see it.

13. you are pretty sure you can do all the things you love, make money, and see the entire world. most businesses are now run on the internet anyway, right? you think it’s silly that people find this unrealistic. you are ready to go prove them wrong.

14. at the end of each trip, you think you might not get on the plane. you sometimes wonder if on the next trip, you might just keep going and never stop.

15. it scares you how appealing the idea of this seems to you, but that’s how you know you probably have to try.

 

Ps: I started writing a book. It’s called Backpacking for the High-Maintenance Girl. I’m writing it with my friend, Megan. It’s very entertaining and almost as informative. Stay tuned.

 

Love you,

amanda frances mckinney

 

me in florence 2010Venice. 2010.

me in jerusalem 2011

Jerusalem. 2011.

me in rome

Tuscan Hills. 2010.

 

 

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Posted in: Life Lessons

She Loved Life & It Loved Her Right Back

June 10, 2013 6:19 am , Leave a Comment ,

I recently had a week that was quite possibly one of the best weeks of my entire life.

It all started when I set out on a spur-of-the-moment get-away to a retreat center in The Middle of Nowhere, Texas. Shortly after arriving I found myself sitting around a bonfire under the stars (yes, you could actually see the stars) with monks, world-travelers, and various visitors to the retreat. Since everyone there headed to bed around 7 pm and I sometimes don’t get sleepy until 7 am, I wandered around looking for something to do. I picked up a book off a random table and began reading. The book, called The Manuscripts Found in Accra, contains kick-ass old parables from ancient times. (It is actually one of the books that the Catholic church elected to leave out of their version of the Bible and was translated to English a short time ago, but I digress.)

 

Since I continually ponder many existential questions, I obviously turned to the chapter on the meaning of life. The book states that in the context of the search for meaning, there are three types of people:

1.  Those who consider the search for meaning bothersome and do not deal with it.

2. Those who latch on to meaning that others’ have found and become slaves to it, making certain rules and doctrine a way of life.

3. Those who realize that there is no clear and set answer, deciding instead to live enthusiastically for the love of life itself. They love the mysteries of life and embrace what sets their heart on fire.

 

I, Amanda Frances McKinney, am a major #2 person. I make a life out of the rituals that keep me safe, happy and healthy. When I am not careful my habits turn into obligations and lose their beautiful luster.

In this same vein, I accidentally find myself thinking about the ”should’s” and “supposed to’s” in life. These, most of time, are not true convictions of my heart. They are just rules I have made up, picked up or been taught along the way. I will obsess over what the right thing or best thing to do is, pouring over standards that I made up and shackled myself with.

And this is what I look like after coming a long, long way. (Even your therapist is a work in progress, people ;))

 

My good friend Megan, is SO a #3 person. This friend reminds me to enjoy my life and create fun where ever I go. I love feelings this way, but  I can totally let my #2-ness choke out my #3-ness.

When I finally saw Megan after the retreat, the issue came up mid-cocktail in a crowded bar. We vary in our political and spiritual beliefs, so we regularly loudly discuss everything controversial. As I was telling her about the book, in our typically philosophical debate style, she declared, “Yes! We have no answers. We don’t know what’s next. We know nothing for sure. All there is, is to do what makes you really really happy right now.”

 

That night, I went to bed embracing the concept of a life based on building and spreading happiness without a sense of obligation and without setting rules for how/when/where/how-often I do/share the things I love.

Empowered by her words, I had a ridiculously vivid dream. (Stay with me, I make a point.) I was at a fancy after-party of a big event. I don’t know if I was speaking, hosting or attending, but I had on an amazing dress and I was feeling vibrantly alive while talking to beautiful people and eating the most delicious cake I have ever had. There were three big pieces of cake on my plate and each one was better than the one before. I remember so clearly picking up each piece with my hands, tasting it, chewing it and effing loving it.

I woke up and (obviously) googled “spiritual meaning of dreaming of eating cake” followed by “psychological meaning of dreaming of eating cake”. Apparently, scholars and spiritual teachers alike (according to Psychology Today and 5 different dream websites) agree that it is very rare to remember the details and specifics of eating in a dream. If you have a dream that involves this you are likely ingesting a new idea. If the food tastes good to you, than you feel good about what you have learned and your psyche is attempting to embrace it fully. Considering that the cake in the dream was nearly orgasmic, I decided this probably applied.

 

The next day, inspired by my dream and the unfolding of other events, I took Megan up on her spontaneous offer of coming to Austin to her mom’s lake house for the weekend. I decided to implement the philosophy. My friend Katie, who came with me, named it The-Weekend-of-Whatever-We-Want.

We dedicated the entire weekend to doing what ever felt happy. For three days, I blew off my mental to-do list of things that “had to be done”. I disregarded my need to always have a plan for the day and week. I jumped into the lake first. I didn’t find an excuse to fit in cardio. I ate the biggest cupcake I have ever seen. I wore nothing but pjs and swimsuits.

I had no rules. I had no plan. I disregarded every thought with the word “should” in it.

More importantly, I said yes to life. I said yes to the lake and road trips and food I like. I said yes to truly being with my friends without thinking about who they are or who I am or how either of us should be to be better. I said yes to love. I felt love for everything and everyone without judgement or speculation. I let everything be okay.

All I had was each moment, was life, was the air in my lungs and the sun on my skin. I was having the best weekend ever.

So I stayed an extra day.

I decided to carry the concept into the week. I came back into the city on a Tuesday morning and let myself have a nap on Tuesday afternoon. I planned a party for Saturday on Thursday and didn’t worry about whether that was enough notice. I forgot to juice. I ate pork. I didn’t stress out about what time things would happen and what would happen if they didn’t happen. Other than seeing clients, bathing and paying bills – I did whatever I felt like.

 

And it was amazing. Life went magically. Nothing fell apart.

shelovedlife2

A million things actually fell together. I finally started working on my book. I threw a super fun party. I did not fight with my boyfriend over where to go or what to do (… He never really cares and I always pretend not to care, but actually have something I want to do in mind, but want him to say it first. It is always complicated, but since he didn’t care and I actually just was doing whatever made me happy, life was much easier – lol). I had an amazing dinner with friends, spent time in the sun, and formed a new mastermind group with some awesome entrepreneurs.

And my subtle, amazing joy was not because a life full of naps, pork, cliff-jumping and party planning is happier than a life of to-do lists, green juice and yoga; It’s because I let the book and the dream and the conversation with Megan press the restart button on my life.

And I was reminded of a major lesson: the rituals, habits and life guidelines do not contribute to your happiness TODAY if you do not enjoy them.

It might just be me, but when I get determined to be spiritual, physically fit, successful, or educated (in addition to many other worthy causes) I can lose myself.

I forget to enjoy the process. The do-what-you-love mentality is something I so deeply believe in. It’s the reason I travel and have an education. It’s the reason I started a business and blog. It’s everything to me. Yet, if I don’t pay attention, I can let things like grades, money, how many times a week I “should” be doing things suck the life out of the loves-of-my-life.

Going through the motions of the things that we are supposed to do to create the life we want can away from the life we have now if we do not slow down and enjoy each part.

Because NOW is the only moment we have to love our life in. 

This week I went back to juicing, yoga and meditating, but this time I’m doing these things a little less regularly and with way different mind-set. I am doing them because I love them. If I am not present in them or if I make them requirements instead of things I do for the joy of doing them, then I am living for doctrine and not for love.

And love is always the way.

 

Go love your life. And, I promise, it will love you right back…

 

 

Xo,

 

Amanda Frances

 

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(check out Megan at modernworldconsulting.com and Katie at iamkatiehoffman.com)

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Love for OK: How to Help Oklahoma Right Now

May 20, 2013 8:23 pm , Leave a Comment ,

Today, my heart breaks for my home state. Moore is no more than 100 miles from the city I called home for most of my life. As we watched the first responders pull children out from the debris of two elementary schools and now see the Medical Examiners report reach 51 total deaths plus an estimated 40 more, the sadness has overwhelmed us. However, we must not let it debilitate us. There is much to be done in the aftermath of today’s storm. I propose we fight our helplessness and uncertainty with action and love.

This is an ongoing list. Comment below {or contact me via any of my social media outlets} of any information you have that could help us help Oklahoma.

 

oklahoma

 

Give $.

The Red Cross will open shelters as first responders assess damage. To help in the immediate aftermath, donate here or text REDCROSS to 90999.

The Salvation Army has mobilized a number of emergency relief services in Oklahoma, including Moore, to dispense food, hydration and emotional support to first responders and survivors. Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.

Samaritans Purse a nonprofit that fights poverty, has sent a disaster relief unit and staff to help people affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma City. Find out how you can support the organization’s efforts here.

Operation USA will work with Oklahoma’s impacted community clinics and hospitals to help replace lost equipment and supplies as well as make grants to the extent of available funds from the public to help replace health resources lost. Learn more here.

With Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief teams already responding to severe weather from Sunday in several locations, including Shawnee, Edmond and Little Axe, Oklahoma Baptists are assisting with recovery efforts from the tornado that hit Moore. Give by clicking here.

United Way of Central Oklahoma has activated its disaster relief fund, so individuals may give specifically to the May tornadoes relief and recovery efforts. Fund dollars will be distributed without administrative fees to United Way Partner Agencies working on the tornado relief efforts. To donate, go to www.unitedwayokc.org.

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will be providing food to survivors. To donate $10 text FOOD to 32333 or click here.

To support Convoy of Hope who is providing help in Moore right now, text CONVOY to 50555 or give here.

 

Give Items.

OKLAHOMA CITY: The Gate Church is an active distribution/relief center for those that are in need in the OKC/Moore areas. Bring items such as water, diapers, blankets to {7700 N Council Rd}. To make financial donation to tornado relief efforts, click here.

DALLAS: A large truck will be heading to Moore this weekend with supplies from the Dallas area. Consider diapers, baby formula, baby wipes and baby wash as well as kennels, crates and animal food. Call Jodi at 972.489.4323.

TULSA: Ascent {1325 E. 15th Street #105} will be distributing gift cards based on need in the effected Moore neighborhoods. Consider donating a gift card from Target, Lowes, Home Depot or Wal-Mart. Drop off at Ascent or send by mail.

The Sloppy Dog Wash {4316 S Peoria Ave} is also taking supplies.

SAND SPRINGS: Word of Life Church {1402 S 81st W Ave} will be accepting bottled water, ramen noodles, blankets, pillows, diapers and formula to be taken to churches providing shelter in OKC.

McKinney Animal Hospital {4010 Hwy 97} and Sand Springs Small Animal Hospital {3414 Hwy 97} are also receiving supplies.

ENID: Kremlin High School FFA and Band are collecting supplies to be brought to the Red Cross in Moore. Drop items at the trailer parked at the Enid Mennonite Brethren Church {2500 N. Van Buren} or bring them by the Ag room at KHS between 8:30-3:30 Tuesday and Wednesday. Items to consider: Work Gloves, rake/shovel/broom, bottled water, trash bags, etc.

If you are in the OKC Metro Area and are looking for other locations by which to donate items needed for disaster relief recovery, click here.

A list of items needed across Oklahoma can be found at the bottom of this page.

 

Give Blood.

Donors to the Oklahoma Blood Institute provide every drop of blood needed by patients in all metro-Oklahoma City hospitals and 140 others across the state. Presently, the state’s blood supply is adequate to meet the needs of patients in all hospitals caring for victims of the Moore tornado. Since there is no substitute for blood, the supply constantly needs to be replenished. Anyone 16 years or older and in good health can generally donate blood. Those with O-negative and Rh-negative blood types are most needed. A list of Oklahoma donor centers and mobile blood drives can be found here.

 

Reunite.

All survivors from the Moore area should register immediately at Safe and Well. This is the Red Cross site where one can register them self as safe, as well as search for others. Click here for the Moore List.

The Moore Home Depot is taking animals as they are found. Owners can visit {650 SW 19th Street} to reunite or call 405.895.6064.

 

Return.

Anyone in Tulsa area who has found debris from tornado damage can contact Kendrick Marshall at 918.581.8386 to report the findings. The smallest item found could represent a lifetime of memories to someone who has lost everything.

 

Spread the Word.

The University of Oklahoma is opening up spaces in Housing for the displaced families! Call 405.325.2511

The South OKC LifeChurch.tv campus is also open for shelter. Call 405.216.5433.

News 9 has released a list of additional shelters. Click here to view.

Benchmark Animal Hospital {1701 W 116th St, Perkins, OK} is taking in any animals that have been affected by the tornado and need shelter or medical attention. They can be reached at 405.547.8381.

For anyone who is without power, there is a phone charging station at the Moore Best Buy {2700 S Service Rd}.

 

 

Pray. 

As I watch the sky change colors and form clouds here in Dallas, Texas tonight, I reminded of the ginormous magnificence of the God I believe in. No matter your belief system, I encourage you to extend your love, compassion, warmth, and hope for Oklahoma toward middle America. Today, it may not feel like enough, but these things matter, prayers are felt and, I can assure you, make a difference to those on the other side.

 

I come from a resilient and deeply connected state. A place where strangers become friends while standing in line at the grocery store – where I never once found a shortage of people to take me in and support me, no matter the circumstance.

 

Let Us Stand Strong with & Send All Our Love to Oklahoma.

 

Xo,

Amanda Frances McKinney

 

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