Luminary Interview: Lance Ekum – Jungle of Life

I am featuring Lance Ekum in my Love and Light Luminary Interview Series today. I have known Lance for a few years now. He is the founder to the site, Jungle of Life. I believe that he has many qualities that make him a force of inspiration in his own right.

So let’s find out more about him, his site and his thoughts….

Q. Can you explain why you name your site Jungle of Life? What convinced you to start blogging?
A. In early 2008, my wife and I were talking about our “bucket lists” – things we wanted to do before our time here on earth was finished. And from that conversation, the idea of writing came up for me. I dismissed this thought at first…except that it just kept hanging around in my brain (and in my heart)! A couple of months later, I began to look at how I could write and get some feedback. Blogging was relatively new to me at the time, yet it just seemed like an easy entry point into me putting words onto paper (figuratively speaking!).

At that time, I began to see what names were available – choosing word combinations that I found meaningful. It felt like I was striking out on finding something – and then, as I looked at the many words I had scribbled onto a piece of notebook paper – two words jumped out at me. The words…”jungle” and “life”. And it was like that name “Jungle of Life” just came instantly after that…and it was an available domain name! It just felt “right”, Evelyn, and I knew that was the name I would use (even though I was still figuring out what my voice was).

[My Comment: I think the "Jungle of Life" is a name that suits you very much! It depicts adventure, possibility and courage - values that are often espoused on your site too!]

Q. What overall message do you hope to share with readers?
A. Having been doing this now for nearly four years – that message has shifted a bit (although not too much) over time. Today, the message I hope to convey to Jungle of Life visitors is one of inspiration and belief in what is possible. I believe that very much – that we are limited only by our beliefs.

If I can, in some way, provide inspiration, hope, or guidance in moving forward in life – then I have succeeded.

In recent months, the site has again shifted – and I’ve brought on eight other writers, who contribute monthly. I choose a theme for the month, and then each writer writes to their expertise (which closely models something called the Wheel of Life).

[My Comment: Hey - I have been doing my own Wheel of Life exercise in the past few days. More info coming up on this site!]

Q. What challenges have you gone through that has now contributed to your success?
A. The one that has had a bigger effect than I ever imagined – happened many years ago – when I was still in college. I was driving, briefly fell asleep, and drove off the road (before waking up). At the time it felt like the worst thing that could have happened. Gradually that shifted to a deeper gratefulness for being able to not only walk away from this, but to drive away – with almost no damage done.

I have often asked myself – “why me?”. And that’s a “why me” in terms of why, when anything thing could have happened that would have been much worse – why was I able to walk away unscathed?

What that has left me with – and what continues to be with me – is a belief that I have a purpose here on earth (as I believe we all do). And I’ve been given a wake up call, of sorts, to live my life with purpose.

Some days…I’m fully there (living to my purpose). Other days, it’s a challenge (perhaps we all can relate). And still – this journey I’m on in this thing called life – it and I keep evolving and becoming more fully what is meant to be.

And I continue to hold that moment from many years ago close – knowing that life can be fleeting…

[My Comment: I am so glad to know that nothing untoward happened to you in that driving incident. Oh yes, I definitely can relate to the ups and downs of everyday life. Like you, I believe that it is staying the course and that I am here with a purpose.]

Q. I have noticed that you are great at networking with other coaches, bloggers and teachers. You also seem to have an amazing family. What is your secret to cultivating healthy and loving relationships?
A. Thank you, Evelyn! For me, the first thing I think of in all of this is “what matters, here”. And what matters…is the relationship. I really try not to go into something with ulterior motives. When I do this – I believe that I come across as genuine and real. In a world where that can sometimes be lacking – I believe there is a real “want” to be in that space. And that, alone, has created some wonderful relationships.

The other part of that, though, is follow up. This definitely takes time, but is so worth it in cultivating these relationships to an even deeper and more meaningful level.

[My Comment: I am guilty of not following up at times. It can be quite hard to manage with busy schedules and all. That is why I admire you greatly for your commitment to keeping in touch. I am blessed by the grace and the strength of your friendship ]

Q. What self-improvement area are you hoping to focus on in the new year and why?
A. It’s right there in your question – FOCUS!

Each year, I choose one word (or phrase) that I use as my guide for the year. This is something very intentional and thought out. This word is something that is meaningful to me at a deep level.

So this year, I am choosing FOCUS – and will be purposefully keeping that in the forefront. As I sat down this year to think about a word of the year – this just came easily to me…because I know, in my heart, it’s time to step up my focus.

Is it easy? Some days, yes. And others, not at all! Here we are, though, almost a month into the new year – and it’s definitely something I have thought about more – and even more importantly – chosen to act upon.

[My Comment: I love the word - Focus. It is what a lot more of us need to learn. And my word is Vision - check out the post here!]

Q. What is your dream? Can you please share with us your vision going forward?
A. It’s interesting – my dream feels fluid and ever-changing. Perhaps, maybe all our dreams are that way – as we journey on through this life we are living…

Today, that dreams feels very much like one that involves more fully experiencing life. And to that, I’ve been very actively removing things (physical, mental, emotional) that no longer serve me. At times, I wonder if I’m shifting too far – and yet, when I stop and look more deeply at this place I’m at…it feels right (just maybe not always in alignment with what the world sees as “right”).

As I go forward, my dream involves being of service in this world, while at the same time experiencing more meaningfully what this life – this one life I’m living – is truly about.

[My Comment: You could not have better articulated what I wanted to say for myself too. It's great to know that we share so many similar thoughts!]

Evelyn, thank you for so graciously inviting me here into this space you have created. I find much comfort, guidance, and love whenever our paths cross – and it’s an honor to be here today, and sharing a part of my story.

Lance, thank you very much for agreeing to the interview. I pretty much enjoyed how your answers have flowed with the questions. Finally, I am honored to have your presence on my website.

Love and Light Luminary Bio

Lance Ekum is a t-shirt wearing guy, living in Wisconsin with his wife and 3 kids. For fun, he throws popcorn in the air and tries to catch it in his mouth. He’s expecting a call from the Olympic committee as soon at popcorn tossing is officially accepted as an Olympic sport. If all that popcorn weren’t enough, he also authors the Jungle of Life blog.

Shine from the soul,

Author. Adventurer. Life Coach. More About Me.

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