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!!