Become What You Dream

Just saw this for the first time a few minutes ago. I’m really happy to be part of Adventure Film. The event is different from most other film festivals, especially in the way that those who attend the festival often leave feeling empowered and inspired. It’s not about the deepest powder snow or the most exposed first ascents – it’s about the journey, the process, and most importantly - it’s about soul.

When starting Bulumu less than a year ago, our goal was to create a company that would inspire and educate through creating products that promote healthy and active lifestyles, while also being a steward of our community and be as environmentally conscious as possible in our practices. Lofty goals, but they are our soul.

Those goals have not changed, and while there are certainly things we can continue to improve upon, we are happy with the progress we’ve made by staying true to our original intention.

The reality is that the world doesn’t need more of anything, the world needs better everything.

It’s a pretty strange feeling to see the Bulumu logo in this trailer for with iconic brands such as Patagonia, but that too was part of our dream in the first place.

Space Required to Transport 60 People

Came across this on a friends Facebook page. The small print on the bottom says this image is a poster in the City of Muenster Planning Office in Munster, Germany (yes – the spellings appear different).

Although many of us only need to sit in rush-hour traffic to realize nearly every car is only carrying one person, this is a great reminder of the relationship(s) between population density, transportation, and environmental impact. The solutions to these problems are quite clearly linked to better efficiency of movement, not more vehicles.

Thinking in terms of energy and resources used to build and fuel 6 cars vs. 1 bus vs. 60 bikes is huge. Not to mention the waste created over the lifespan of these products.

Glad to know that a city planning office somewhere in the world is taking these factors into consideration.

 

 

Spend your Soul

Hard to believe I’ve spent nearly a year creating something from nothing. A year ago, Bulumu was just a concept born from a feeling of boredom and a notion that we could do better – better for people, community, and the environment. Pretty ambitious to say the least.

The journey has been nothing short of challenging, but also very fulfilling and rewarding. In the past year, we have been recognized for our commitment to a healthy lifestyle on all levels from product to community involvement to social giving,  our product has been sent around the world on location with film crews, and have fueled numerous adventures.

All this is good, but what’s the cost?

A spent soul. How can I support, promote, and inspire healthy and conscious lifestyles if I’ve stopped being healthy and active myself? I can’t. It’s not authentic. After all, that’s why I started my own business. It’s not about making money, or being famous – it’s about living. It’s about being better. It’s about lighting my soul on fire and making a difference.

Strange as it might sound, changing my approach during a change in seasons seems like a perfect time to re-ignite that fire. To start doing the things that had me thinking and dreaming about building a business in the first place.

Despite being a lifelong athlete, I’ve discovered that can I learn a lot about myself on a mountain bike. Patience, persistence, pleasure, pain, humility, fear, commitment and courage (among others).

Weaving though fallen yellow Aspen leaves earlier this week, my mind wandered and I began thinking and dreaming, then I realized I am right where I want to be.