Japowder 2016 Reflection

Scott Skiing at Niseko Mt. Resort Grand Hirafu

It is surreal to realize that my three weeks abroad have come and gone. 

This post is broken into two sections:

• Japan Photo Gallery
• Japan Reflection

I hope you enjoy my reflection from a first time experience in Japan. 

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Japan Photo Gallery

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Reflection

I achieved one of my childhood dreams ---> Ski powder in Japan with some of my best friends.


I left the United States full of stress, anger and fear; the result of work, life and unhealthy daily habits. I really have no one and nothing to blame for my behavior but me. I often found myself living in the past or future and rarely in the present, let seemingly little things piss me off and just let life get a little out of control.

It is a matter of how we manage both the ups and downs of life that show our true character.


I see the purpose of my Japan adventure as one to reflect on life and reassess my true character. To find me and set in motion a positive direction for the next chapter of life. 


As the days and weeks floated by in Japan so did my dark thoughts and feelings. I slowly felt the light drifting back inside. 


Today, I feel like a new person. I feel like the positive me again. Cleansed from my demons. Filled with energy and motivation to accomplish some of the grandest dreams of my life. 


Japan provided me with the time and opportunity to get clarity on what my goals truly are for this year and to dream BIG.

My dreams are simple, but grand…

• To be sincerely happy
• Help 1 Million People
• Purchase a Home and Property
• Ski Pow in Japan and All Over the World
• Write Inspiring Words
• Take Kick A$$ Photos
• Travel the Globe
• Have Happy and Loving Relationships
• And, so much more...

In Japan I experienced a large amount of disconnected alone time, which provided me with the ability to reflect on the last 13+ months of my life, resulting in answers to complex questions questions like - 

• Why have I been feeling sick for the last month? 
• Why have I been so angry and how do I best manage anger? 
• Was giving notice to quit my job really the right decision?
• Why do so few people understand why I live the way I do?
• Where am I and where am I going with my life?

These questions are hard for anyone to ask. It is even harder to find answers. I am so grateful to feel at peace with all of the decision made in the last year. I regret none of them and know that the next chapter of my life will build upon the last. There will be mountains to climb and descend, and I will surely get the opportunity to inspire positive change along the way.


Japan was truly the experience of a lifetime and I would not have asked to travel with anyone other than my dear friends Drew and John. We got to experience one of our childhood dreams together and that alone was a blessing.

My greatest learning from this experience was that I typically experience three phases during each life experience. Knowing this now helps me connect with feelings and actions to improve my life. It helps me answer some really complex questions about the high and low moments that we all experience in our lives.

Three Phases for Life Experiences

1. Culture Shock - A feeling of excitement or nervousness as a result of a new place or experience.
2. Flow - A feeling that things are moving along as they should. Things just feel right.
3. Next Adventure - A feeling that you are ready for the next challenge. Moving to the "next adventure" results in you experiencing "culture shock" once again.

Enjoy the photos. ^^^
Scott