Special Thanks
I would like to give a special thanks to the Kwinana Rotary Club who were so kind as to sponsor me and give me the opportunity to participate in RYLA 2023.
Day 1 – The Beginning
What a great way to start RYLA 2023! I awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and the sound of a river flowing. So many new friends, so many new experiences.
Today I learned that teamwork really does make the dream work as cliché as it may sound, working as part of a team can be advantageous.
Benefits of Working in a Team
1. Different Perspectives
Working in a team allows for different perspectives on certain topics, it helps to have a diverse set of ideas so the team can formulate one big fantastic idea.
2. A whole lot more fun
Being part of a team is something special and it is certainly fun to tackle challenges with a team rather than by yourself.
3. Memories
The laughs and memories you have with your fellow teammates are priceless and something you will cherish for eternity.
Day 2 – The Warrior’s Mentality
What is The Warrior’s Mentality?
– A warrior mindset is the ability to face challenges head-on, with courage and determination. It’s about being resilient in the face of adversity and never giving up. People with a warrior mindset are fighters. They’re constantly moving forward and always striving to be better.
Going through life, you need to have The Warrior’s Mentality, especially when you’re going through heartache and facing the challenges life throws at you.
On Day 2 I was faced with an obstacle, my body wanted to give up before I’d even reached the tip of the iceberg. My brain was telling me it had enough and that I’d given it my best go. But being that guy, I soldiered through the pain I was in and I climbed, I climbed to the top baby! And I felt so accomplished, I felt victorious as soon as I reached the peak, I knew I had just overcome failure with the help of The Warrior’s Mentality I have instilled within myself from the day I was born…
Key Takeaway(s)
1. Utilise The Warrior’s Mentality
When exposed to uncomfortable situations you must utilise The Warriors Mentality.
Day 3 – A Newfound Passion
On Day 3 I found myself a newfound passion for Acting which I would like to improve with some Drama classes outside of RYLA.
Lessons Learned:
1. Never be afraid to give something new a try (unless it’s smoking/vaping)
Don’t be afraid to try new things and experiment. Try a new hairstyle, new food or travel somewhere you’ve never been before, spice things up and don’t be boring.
2. Acting x Story Telling
When you’re telling a story it helps envision the idea you’re trying to convey to the audience if you act it out whist telling the story because It’s easier for the audience to remember what they see rather than what they hear.
Day 4 – We’re All in This Together!
Ahhh… Day 4, one of the most challenging days by far. The number of stories, memories, and experiences on this day were paramount.
Lessons Learned:
1. We’re all in this together
When you’re part of a team you will never be alone when faced with life’s challenges.
2. Body language is a key giveaway
You can tell a lot about a situation just by observing the body language of everyone around you.
3. Everyone can be a leader
Some people think that being a leader requires you to be an extrovert or some sort of Albert Einstein. Well, I’m here to tell you that isn’t the case because at RYLA I learned that everyone can be a leader in their own way.
Day 5 – A Marvellous Performance, 11/10.
On Day 5 we hosted a special event with dinner and entertainment for our Rotarians and our sponsors. In the special event, we hosted a talent show so people from the camp can showcase their talents with me being one of the 3 judges. We had many great performances, one of them being my favourite which I gave a solid 11/10 and was performed by my friend Kyla who was outstanding in her performance.
Lessons Learned:
1. Put Yourself in Uncomfortable Situations
Today I learned that you should embrace uncomfortable situations and use them to improve as a person because without this there is no room for growth.
2. Time Management is Key
It’s imperative to have fantastic Time Management skills in 2023, your time is your most valuable asset and shall be utilised to its maximum potential.
3. Organisation is Essential
Fold those clothes… Make that bed.
Day 6 – Ice Ice Baby
Lessons Learned:
1. Everyone has different values and beliefs.
Everyone has different values and beliefs, and we all have different backgrounds and stories so you should be mindful of how you communicate with others.
2. Soldier through the pain
When you are faced with adversity you must utilise The Warrior’s Mentality mentioned earlier to soldier through the pain and achieve your biggest desires.
3. Vulnerability – and a Supportive Team Environment
Vulnerability is not something we normally show but if we put aside the fear of being judged it can really help the relationship you have with your team. By sharing your story and your vulnerabilities, you’re allowing your teammates into your inner circle. Hence creating a supportive team environment and a deeper relationship with your fellow teammates who will then support you with words of affirmation or by simply being there for you when times are tough, they’re your tribe, your pack of wolves.
Day 7 – Well That Went Quickly…
It’s true that time flies when you’re having a blast, especially when you’re at RYLA.
Lessons Learned:
1. Words Are Powerful
Words are extremely powerful, you can manifest great things by simply speaking them into existence (of course combined with execution and a plan).
And also complimenting others can go a long as you never know what they may be going through, your kind words could be just what they needed to brighten their day.
2. Gift Others
Gift others without the intention of receiving a gift in return, gifting is a nice gesture.
3. Improve One Step at a Time…
Start off with small steps which accumulate over time eventually forming into one big goal that you set out to achieve. Make practicality a necessity.
Extra Key Takeaways from RYLA 2023 at District 9465
1. Life is an adventure and upon finishing RYLA I realise how much more fun life can be and I want to travel the world with my first destination being Italy. And no I did not mean for that to rhyme, it just happened…
2. Cherish all the memories you make because they are priceless.
3. Document your life as much as you possibly can and create a second brain.
Conclusion
What an experience… I have successfully completed RYLA 2023 at District 9465. The amount of memories, experiences, and friends I have made from that one week is absolutely astonishing.
I’m so upset that it has come to an end, but with all stories, there are always chapters and this is just one of those chapters being finished with another chapter beginning. I would love to thank all my friends from RYLA for a magnificent experience and I love you all and will cherish the memories we’ve made for eternity.
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