Hey, everyone! Cheryl Reed, the woman who organizes the annual Ecuador retreat, just dropped a line to say she’s had a couple of last-minute cancellations for this year’s event. If any of you is the spontaneous adventurous type and would like to join us in early November, visit the website to register. For more info, check this announcement I originally published in March.
One of the fun things about my job is getting to know readers and colleagues. We start out as strangers but our bonds grow into something more over time. And when you bring a group of us together, sometimes something magical happens.
In 2013, I flew to Ecuador to join Jim Collins and Pete Adeney (a.k.a. Mr. Money Mustache) for an experiment. We participated in a chautauqua organized by Cheryl Reed of Above the Clouds Retreats.
Twenty-two attendees joined us that year at an old hacienda outside Quito. For seven days, we talked about financial independence, personal freedom, and happiness. My colleagues and I each gave an extended presentation, and we met one-on-one with as many attendees as possible. (I got a reputation for making people cry when I met with them. I wasn’t being mean, but I was asking tough questions, trying to get to the heart of what was holding them back.)
People loved it. The feedback we got was fantastic. “Well have to do this next year,” Cheryl said. So we did.
In 2014, we held the chautauqua again. Twice. Jim and Pete did a week on financial independence, and I joined David Cain (from Raptitude) for a week exploring what it means to be happy.
Again, the feedback was great. Attendees came away pleased and fulfilled. They got their money’s worth.
You know my recent article about how to build confidence and destroy fear? That material comes directly from my presentations in Ecuador. Same with the material I’ll share next week about happiness and meaning.
Kim and I enjoyed the misty mountains of the cloud forest (photo by David Cain)
Last year, I couldn’t make it to Ecuador (I was traveling the U.S. in an RV!) This year, I can.
I’m pleased to announce that I’ll be returning to Ecuador for the fourth annual chautauqua on wealth and happiness. Cheryl has scheduled three different sessions this autumn. I’ll be presenting during the first week, from October 29th to November 5th. And I’ll be joined by two of my favorite people: David Cain (again) and Leo Babauta from Zen Habits.
Space is limited — only about twenty spots are available — so if you’re interested, you should sign up soon!
If you’re curious about this and want to know more, feel free to email me or leave a comment below. I’ll do my best to answer questions. I really do think this a great event — one of my favorites — and well-worth the trip.
I hope you’ll consider joining us for another magical session in the mountains of South America! (And by the way, I do intend to linger into the second chautauqua so that I can hang out with Pete and Jim. But I won’t be presenting.)
Note: People sometimes wonder, “What does J.D. get out of this?” The answer is: A sense of satisfaction. Seriously. Cheryl offers to pay me every year, but I always tell her to use the money to fund her charity, Project One Corner. Part of being financially independent is having the ability to give back in small ways. This is one of the ways I give back. Cheryl pays my airfare and lodging, but that’s it.
from Money Boss http://ift.tt/1UL3tAm
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