I’m noticing a lot of people seem to be experiencing a great deal of unhappiness lately.  It takes many forms, and is blamed on many external situations; but whether we call it despair or fear or anger or loss, there’s plenty of it going around.  It’s interesting that it comes up during a time when many psychologists, coaches, consultants and writers have been focusing on techniques for increasing happiness.

I just saw this quote from visionary billionaire, philanthropist and creative genius Sir Richard Branson: “If happiness is the goal – and it should be, then adventures should be top priority.”

Although I think it’s a little presumptuous to tell anyone what their goals “should be,” I do think happiness is a key component in any successful undertaking, most definitely including altruistic ones.  I also believe that making happiness a part of any goal will help keep it on a positive track.  And I definitely concur with Sir Richard that adventure is a great way to expand happiness, for oneself and for others.  It calls upon courage and openness, and brings forward newness, expansion and rebirth.  Adventure both requires and creates determined leadership where it matters most:  within one’s own heart.

That’s why our Captains Courageous events are called Adventures With Heart.  Even the name itself (“coeur” = “heart”) evokes a more heart-centered way seeing, living, leading, being.  We focus on bringer greater awareness to the leadership of the heart in all things – and happiness just happens to be a very common byproduct.

I find myself both pleased and grateful that the Captains Courageous Island Adventure is happening on the island of St. Croix April 29-May 5.  I had no idea when we scheduled it that we would be in such tumultuous times; but I can’t think of a better way to heal the hurts and set a new course forward.

Please consider joining us.  You can learn more about it here, and I’d be delighted to have a conversation with you about it. Set one up here.