Have you ever thought about the types of things that inspire you? You know… the things that get your palms sweaty from excitement, fear, or anticipation. Books can certainly do the trick, so can magazines, but now a day’s social media does the best job of it all. Following individuals and the incredible things do as they do them are enough to get me pretty excited to test my limits.

These limits however typically lie right on the line of scary, challenging, but that’s part of the fun, right (when you look back at it)? There’s an expression that I’ve heard people use before and I’ve always thought it to be quite true: “If your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough”. Maybe that’s why I find some of these people that we (@spreadstoke)  follow on Instagram such big inspirations. We follow many photographers, adventurers, pro athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts who all share what they live for with the #spreadstoke tag and they’re doing big things with their lives. Their stories, photos, and videos get us and many others excited to get out and try new things.

This week, one of my favorite stoke spreading ambassadors is Jacob Moon, or @moonmountainman who absolutely LIVES a life that pursues outdoor adventures. His adventures, his photographs, and his stories showcase every reason why people love and are inspired by the mountains. If you’re in need of a high dosage of inspiration or just a fresh new face to follow while you sit in the office like most normal human beings, Jacob’s feed will have you lusting for bigger adventures, and planning your weekend activities (while you’re supposed to be working) with a limitless amount of haste.

Keep spreading stoke out there.

Every season there are good days you had with friends, but there is always THE day that sticks out in your mind from the rest when all of the factors and elements aligned in your favor to create a truly epic day.

Several weeks ago, I lost a dear friend to the mountains in a ski accident in Switzerland. When I heard the news I was heartbroken and grief stricken. Yet a strange and familiar feeling was present.  As I reminisced the joys and laughs of my friend, I became aware of this feeling that resided.  Gratitude.  Gratitude is a simple word with numerous meanings, and in this exact moment of time, it meant peace, harmony.  Let me explain…

With a love for the outdoors and a thrill seeking attitude comes an immense emotional roller coaster. Where lows can be tragic and humbling, and highs can be exhilarating and rewarding.  This range of emotion is extreme, but then again, apt for extreme sports.  The uncertainty of what today’s adventure will bring I think is what is most appealing.  Will I be confident or fearful, will I succeed or break, will it snow or rain? This might be the reason I indulge in my passions. The moment is so defined when you ‘adventure’.  It’s what fuels me to get back outside and do it again. Because no matter what emotion my passion is igniting, there is one that is constant: an undeniable love of being outside.

I have witnessed fatal injuries and the hardship that inevitably comes with disability. I have heard the words, “lost in an avalanche” too many times, and I have shed numerous tears over my own progress and frustration with nature. Yet with all of these defying moments has come clarity. It is these moments that remind us how precious our time is, something that should never be taken for granted. DO. WHAT. YOU. LOVE. NOW. The rewards and joy will always outweigh the hardships. The feeling of bliss from accomplishment conquers all, whether it is jumping off a cliff, getting to the top of the mountain, or getting up on a kiteboard for the first time. Feeling happy for someone like seeing your little cousin on skis for the first time, your friend standing up out of a wheelchair, and seeing your dad’s face light up when discovering an untouched pow field triumphs any grief.  Be grateful, for everything.  The injuries and victories, the distress and stokeness, the powder and ice mogals, and most of all nature, for this insanely beautiful and vast playground.   That is exactly what my friend, Sam Thompson did.

“Be present in all things and thankful for all things.”- Maya Angelou

Here are some photos from previous adventures that remind me of why it’s so important to live in the moment, no matter how hard it may sometimes be.

Now time to go outside, take a deep breathe, and smile…

Kiteboarding towing Brooke Shaw on a sled. Awesome fun!