A rallying cry or rallying call is something such as a word or phrase, an event, or a belief which encourages people to unite and to act in support of a particular group or idea.
If you’ve followed my journey for the past five years, you’re familiar with who I am and what I do. But if you’re new to the Dream Igniter Crew, welcome!
I’m a life coach, writer, and lifelong student of self-development. I did a major life reboot that took more than 18 months beginning in 2018. Since 2019, I’ve been a nomad, traveling across the USA and sharing my experiences to help others ignite their dreams and expand their life experience. I’ve written several books along the way and recently created two impactful workshops: "Map Your Own Life: Reverse Engineer Your Dream & Build a Life You Enjoy Living" and the other one that’s geared toward businesses, "A Coaching Mindset: The Ultimate Superpower for Managers and Supervisors."
My plan is to take these workshops on the road and present them as often as I can in as many places as possible.
But my larger mission goes far beyond just paid workshops.
The Big Vision
I want to get a van to live in as I travel around the country. My current ride (The Red Rocket) is a car, so there are some inherent limitations. Plus, arranging for accommodations nonstop is both expensive and tiring. It’s time to level things up. A van/camper will be just the ticket! It will make more travel possible while decreasing my expenses. Thus far, everything I’ve done has been funded solely by me.
In the past five years I’ve traveled through 26 states, driven 90K miles, and met dozens of people from all walks of life. I’ve met farmers, cowboys, blue collar, white collar, millionaires and one billionaire. What I’ve learned is this: while the country (and much of the world) is deeply divided in many ways, most people yearn to enjoy a prosperous life of peace, love, meaningful work, relative safety, and have some fun too. Every aspect of the work I do is intended to help this all happen on a larger scale.
So, in addition to my two paid workshops, I’ve created two free, workshop-style inspirational gatherings to help bring communities around the country (and the world!) together and empower individuals to ignite their dreams. I truly believe this work will spark many positive changes in our world!
There are two ways I do this:
1. The Inspiration Club
Life can be challenging, and the people we surround ourselves with can make all the difference. The Inspiration Club is all about bringing together real people on real journeys. It’s not a gathering of perfect people who have it all figured out. Such people don’t exist anyway. The Inspiration Club is about sharing real, raw experiences. It’s about learning from each other, supporting one another, and igniting dreams. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or somewhere in the middle, this club is for everyone willing to help a fellow human being. The Inspiration Club concept was birthed years ago by some awesome friends in the UK. I’m bringing it to the USA!
2. Writers Arise
Writers change the world! This isn’t a critique session or a classroom-style instructional gathering. Writers Arise is about igniting dreams, encouraging creativity, sharing ideas, and discussing ways to get your work out to the world. It’s about building a supportive community by writers and for writers. If you’re looking to hang out with cool, like-minded people and get inspired to take your writing to the next level, Writers Arise is the place for you. The first one of these I put on was a huge hit!
I Need Your Help
If I intended to be famous, receive accolades, or serve only my own interests, I’d be living a much different life than I am today. I do have my own dreams and aspirations that I pursue wholeheartedly, but I also want others to experience the same if they choose to do so. Work of this magnitude requires lots of resources and for people to work together toward a common vision.
In that spirit, I’d love to hear from you! 18 months ago I began caregiving for my mother when some serious health issues arose. It has become a near 24/7 job and far from easy. Not complaining, I love my mom, but it has been an incredible challenge. It has also been a time of deep personal growth for which I’m grateful.
During this time I completed a coaching program and officially became a certified Integrative Coach. I also created the two paid workshops I mentioned previously, wrote a book, and managed to squeeze in some freelance writing—my sole source of income at the moment. All of this was woven throughout multiple hospital stays, emergency surgeries, doctor appointments, 911 calls, and basic daily caregiving.
Despite the challenges, I am determined to fulfill my vision of bringing together thousands of dream igniters and world changers while ensuring my mother still receives the care she needs. I am fully committed to this work!
I intend to purchase a van (preferably a Ford Econoline), cover travel expenses, and bring these workshops and gatherings to communities across the country—even the world!
I’ve thought of doing things like crowdfunding (e.g. GoFundMe) or setting up a Patreon page. And of course I’ll do freelance work, coaching, and anything else necessary to help bring this all to pass. There are lots of things to consider and plan for, but I will not sit on the sidelines while the need is so great.
What do you think/feel about crowdfunding? Is it something you’d consider contributing to?
What do you think/feel about participating in Patreon? If you don’t know, Patreon is a membership platform that enables creators of all kinds, whether it's writing, music, podcasts, video, or any other form of content to monetize their work, by allowing fans to subscribe and pledge a monthly amount. Fans then get a more personal experience and access to the person they’re supporting, behind the scenes info, group chats with other fans—all without being bombarded with nonstop advertisements and divisive content found on social media.
I’m curious how many others would want to be part of this work and what ideas you’d have that will help this work expand—perhaps even to your city! So, what are your thoughts?
Comment below (scroll to the very bottom) or email me at keithesmith@straightupliving.com
Thanks!
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