KALYMNOS CALLING

Hard to believe, but we're coming up on the one-year anniversary of Elements+Found. When I first started this Blog, it was really just an attempt to hang onto my funny, learn a little something about myself and maybe serve up a few laughs for those of us out here braving it in the modern dating world. 

But that's just part of the story. It's occurred to me while I've been stuck getting the junk out that there's a much bigger story to tell. I haven't completely figured out what that is just yet — but isn't that part of the process? So I thought I'd broaden the content and share a little bit about the people, places and experiences that are currently inspiring me and kicking me forward. 

First up, Kalymnos. A Greek island in the southeastern Aegean sea that offers world class climbing and bouldering all year round. It's quickly become one of the most popular rock climbing destinations in the world with its unique rock quality, fast access to links between climbing areas and the island's mild climate and warm hospitality. 

It first showed up on my radar sometime last year with this picture in adventure photographer Nathan Welton's Instagram feed. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to go. And then it's like the island blew up all around me. Suddenly I was seeing Kalymnos everywhere I went.

A sign. 

So I do what I do. I think about it, I talk about it, I dream about it, I research the hell out of it...and still don't make any solid plans to go. 

Until last month when on what was an otherwise uneventful afternoon, an unidentified number from Greece showed up in my missed calls.

That's it. Kalymnos is now calling. Literally calling. Time to stop planning, get out of your head, just go. 

Super impressed with Lesley and her team at Rock and Sun, the UK-based guide service I'll be climbing with next month, May 7th-14th. So impressed that I'm already planning to get my ass handed to me in one of their performance coaching clinics in Spain next spring. But first Kalymnos...

You can follow my trip updates, photos and videos on Instagram with the tag #kalymnoscalling and drop me a line in the comments. Would love to hear your solo travel tips and what adventures are calling your name this spring.  

image

NOW PLAYING | E+F MAR 16

Currently...a few E+F faves for March.

GETTING THE JUNK OUT

You've probably noticed you haven't heard much from me here lately. Part of it is a crazy work/travel schedule. The other part...well, frankly, there hasn't been much to write about. You could say I'm officially in a dry spell. Or, as I prefer to think of it, getting the junk out. 

I made the mistake of dragging some crap from 2015 — and let's face it, if I'm really being honest, 2014 — with me into the New Year. Not to mention that my January started with a root canal, a flat tire and my kitchen flooding in that order. Weelll, I might be exaggerating that last part just a little bit, but you get the idea. 

So I figured I'd take this time to do a little self evaluating and maybe figure out exactly what it is that I'm still holding onto in my past that's ultimately standing between me and my future. 

I was talking things through with a friend recently who suggested that maybe I should write a letter to my childhood self. You know the one. The one before all the fear, insecurity and self doubt creeps in and tries to take the whole place down. 

Yeah, I had the same reaction. Ridiculous. But, my attitude has always been you can't knock it 'til you try it, and at this point, I'm willing to try anything if it'll help me get unstuck.

So here it is. Open, honest and unedited, and you know what? I realized I might have learned a little something since this whole thing started, and that maybe I should listen to myself and start following my own advice. 

Dear Tam,

We're going to play a little game. I want you to close your eyes and think of one of your favorite, very best days. Where were you? What were you doing? Who were you with? What were you thinking about? How did you feel?

You got it? Good. I know mine, and it was suspended somewhere above the desert, crack climbing in Indian Creek last fall. Now that, that right there is the good stuff. The you you're looking at in that moment, that's who you really are. Remember that, hang onto it and let everything else go. 

I tell you this because there's going to come a time in your life in the not so distant future when it feels like suddenly the tables have been turned, and the whole world is against you, trying to tell you everything you're not. 

"You're not pretty enough, you're not smart enough, you're not accomplished enough. You have no talent, and no one wants you on their team." Oh, and my personal favorite, "If you'd just been a little more of this or a little bit less of that, things would have worked out differently and everything would be o.k." 

Well, that's bullsh*t. It's nothing but your own fear talking and you gotta let that sh*t go.

Understand it's not going to be easy and you're going to make mistakes. Glorious, amazing mistakes. It's part of the process. Trust it and know the mistakes are your sign that you're on the right path. You've simply got to live the moment you're in to get where you're going. 

This is your story that you and only you get to write, and I can't wait to see where it goes.

Now go on and get after it, I got your spot. We got this. 

Love always, 

Me xx 

P.S. If you can avoid the whole getting braces, glasses and a bad perm in the same week, do it. Will definitely make things a lot easier. 

photo: tommy chandler

NOW PLAYING | E+F FEB 16

New month, new beginning, new start...new music.

NOW PLAYING | E+F JAN 16

Hello 2016! Here's a few fresh tracks to help welcome the New Year.