You can look at tests in two different ways.
You can regard tests as obstacles that prevent you from living your dreams, or you can look at them as the stepping stones to your dreams.
Most people regard tests as obstacles.
Every test that comes their way stresses them out because they know that this is the test that will keep their dreams from coming true. Each test is a life and death struggle, and if they fail the test, they are finished. Their lives are over. Their dreams will go up in smoke.
Successful people look at tests as stepping stones and launching pads that make their dreams possible. They don't dread tests. They look forward to them because when they pass the test, they will be one step closer to actually living their dreams.
Tests always ask the same question. "Are you willing to do whatever it takes to make your dreams come true?"
If you answer in the affirmative, then you pass the test.
If you have great dreams for your life, then prepare for the tests that are coming your way. The bigger your dreams, the bigger the tests you will face.
When you run from a test, you run from your dreams.
When a test comes your way, step up to the plate and start swinging. If you keep swinging, it won't be long before you get a hit, or maybe even make a home run.
Everything I have ever accomplished was a test of whether I was willing to do whatever it takes.
Sailing around the world on a catamaran was a test that lasted eleven years.
Driving around the world in a Land Rover Defender is a test that will last at least two years.
Amazing things happen when you are willing to do whatever it takes.
Remember, life is a test, and if you don't quit, you pass the test.
Tests are often irritating and inconvenient. In the picture at the top of the page, my green Defender had the lift pump go out, and the truck stopped running. We were travelling on the Darb Kunaris which is an ancient track heading in the direction of Kuwait. I carry a spare 12 volt solenoid fuel pump that I bolt to the chassis rail and splice into the fuel line to get the Defender up and running. I carry enough electrical wire and fuel hose of the appropriate diameter so that when the fuel pump goes out, I can deal with it without too much hassle. I passed the fuel pump test with flying colors because I was willing to do whatever it takes.
Awesome music video that captures the essence of what it's like to sail offshore in a catamaran around the world when conditions are less than perfect. David Abbott from Too Many Drummers sings the vocals, and he also edited the footage from our Red Sea adventures. This is the theme song from the Red Sea Chronicles.
Sailing up the Red Sea is not for the faint of heart. From the Bab al Mandeb to the Suez Canal, adventures and adversity are in abundance. If you take things too seriously, you just might get the Red Sea Blues.
If you like drum beats, and you like adventure, then have a listen to the Red Sea Chronicles Trailer.
Flying fish assault Exit Only in the middle of the night as we sail through the Arabian Gulf from the Maldives to Oman. And so begins our Red Sea adventures.
Sailing through Pirate Alley between Yemen and Somalia involves calculated risk. It may not be Russian Roulette, but it is a bit of a worry. Follow Team Maxing Out as they navigate through Pirate Alley.
Stopping in Yemen was just what the doctor ordered. We refueled, repaired our alternator, and we made friends with our gracious Yemeni hosts. We also went to Baskins Robbins as a reward for surviving Pirate Alley.
After you survive Pirate Alley, you must sail through the Gate of Sorrows (Bab Al Mandab) at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The Gate of Sorrows lived up to its name with fifty knots of wind and a sandstorm that pummeled Exit Only for two days. Life is good.
Captain Dave and his family spent eleven years sailing around the world on their Privilege 39 catamaran, Exit Only. During the trip, the crew shot 200 hours of video with professional cameras to show people what it's like to sail on a small boat around the world.
The Red Sea Chronicles is a one hour and twenty-two minute feature film showing their adventures as Exit Only sails through Pirate Alley in the Gulf of Aden and up the Red Sea. The professional footage documents their experiences in Oman, Yemen, Eritrea, Sudan, Egypt, and the Suez Canal. It chronicles the rigors of traveling in a remote section of the world rarely visited by cruisers. Exit Only dodges Yemeni pirates, fights a gale and sand storms in the Bab al Mandeb at the southern entrance to the Red Sea. The crew explores deserted islands on the western shores of the Red Sea, and learns to check the cruising guides for land mines before venturing ashore.
The Red Sea Chronicles also has outstanding Special Features including an Instructional Video on Storm Management that tells sailors how to deal with storms at sea.
And don't forget the two Music Videos: "The Red Sea Blues", and "Captain - Save Our Souls".
The Red Sea Chronicles is a first class adventure that stokes the sailing dreams of both experienced and wannabe sailors alike.
Join Team Maxingout as they sail through Pirate Alley and up the Red Sea
See what it's like to cruise on a catamaran before you spend a bazillion dollars purchasing one
After watching the Red Sea Chronicles you will be able to see yourself sailing on the ocean of your dreams
Although I like the feel of a paper book in my hand, I love trees even more. When people purchase an eBook, they actually save trees and save money as well. Ebooks are less expensive and have no negative impact on the environment. All of Dr. Dave's books are available at Save A Tree Bookstore. Visit the bookstore today and start putting good things into your mind. It's easy to fill your mind with positive things using eBooks. No matter where you are or what you are doing, you can pull out your smart phone or tablet and start reading. You can even use electronic highlighters and make annotations in your eBooks just like paper books.
