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Home » Destinations » North America » United States

Inspirational Interlude

Modified: Mar 4, 2020 · Published: Aug 26, 2007 by Dave Lee |

The golden opportunity you are seeking is in yourself. It is not in your environment; it is not in luck or chance, or the help of others; it is in yourself alone. -- Orison Swett Marden

The quote above rang true for me when I came across it in a journal I received as part of my company's 2-day culture shaping workshop. I've often used quotes as motivational tools for staff, and myself, and I drew an instant connection between the message in this one and my solo backpacking trip.

I interpret it to mean the growth and personal potential I hope to realize is within my power to achieve, and not by a simple change in physical location, the luck of the Irish, or support of others. I have the power to realize my full potential here and now, in my seat, at my computer desk in Arlington, Virginia, USA.

Of course, I think it'll be a heck of a lot more fun to "be here and now" while sipping a Capirinha on the beaches of Rio de Janeiro!!

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Comments

  1. Michael @ Traveling Stories Ma says

    August 26, 2007 at 4:41 pm

    An interesting quote, it brought back some of my readings from the Tao Te Ching which deals with personal influence versus that of fate.

    Michael

    • Dave says

      August 27, 2007 at 1:22 am

      Glad it struck a chord. Thanks for the link back!

  2. Michael @ Traveling Stories Magazine says

    August 26, 2007 at 11:41 am

    An interesting quote, it brought back some of my readings from the Tao Te Ching which deals with personal influence versus that of fate.

    Michael

    • Dave says

      August 26, 2007 at 8:22 pm

      Glad it struck a chord. Thanks for the link back!

  3. Ben Sivalia says

    October 29, 2010 at 12:46 pm

    Amazing This really is one of the best websites I've ever come across on this subject.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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