I'm on my way to the airport, thinking about how many times I've decided against doing something because it's not been OK to do so.

I can't count the number of times I've failed to step out of line with the "norm" because no one else has done so before me.

And that right there is a problem.

You see, I can't wait for permission to challenge the status quo. The very act of upsetting the balance (and people, depending on how you look at it) is what sets life off in new directions so that we can explore new, unchartered territories.

We need to grow.

I don't have to go through examples - there are enough trend setters to choose from who have all, at one time, decided to throw it up in the air and go with it. They were caring not about how others would think of them, but more about how they would think of themselves had they decided to play it safe and miss out on the treasure chest of spontaneity and free will.

These people are our role models, our heroes, our teachers.

Asking for permission is a valuable human quality. It is a show of respect and is essential to live a life of gratitude... but you can't ask for permission - even from yourself - to live life with no rules.

You already have that permission.

Go - live life on your terms!

UPDATE: Here are the pictures of the walk - http://su.pr/7SzBfp

FIRST THINGS FIRST: You do not need to do the hike to attend the tweetup in Leeds in the evening/night.

SECOND THINGS SECOND: You do have to bring me a birthday gift as it is my birthday. I accept all major credit cards, alcohol, confectionery, hugs, and kisses (from females).

Having said that - here are the details for the hike:

1. We start at 5am (the earlier the better as it gets busy... I know! How can a mountain get busy?!)
2. The hike takes approx. 12 hours
3. You should pack around 2 to 4 litres of water depending on your... dependency on water
4. Bring enough complex carbs to keep you going throughout the walk like nuts, seeds and also some high sugar fruits like bananas
5. Wear hiking boots as it's going to be marshy and steep
6. Bring a fresh change of clothes as you will probably need them with the mud and all (more than one extra pair of socks would be good)
7. Make sure you write out your will before you leave (just kidding)

Here are the details for the drinks during the evening when everyone is just about dead:

1. We're meeting at 8pm at All Bar One http://www.allbarone.co.uk/allbaroneleeds/
2. If you're traveling to the event and you need somewhere to stay, here are a selection of B&B's in Leeds near the bar:

   <br />View Larger Map

I'll be adding more details as we get closer to the event. If you would like, ask me and I'll add you to my Google Calendar for this event, but you'll need a Google account first.

Lastly - this is going to be a MISSION - meaning it's going to be tough as hell. If you're a real man... or if you're a real... woman - then get yourself signed up by RSVP'ing in the comments and putting it in your calendar.

All the other real men and real women are welcome to join us for drinks in Leeds later on.

So far, people showing up are:

@Paul_steele
@Clementyeung
@joetheblow
@sheb57
@mrspeeebeee
@peeebeee
@SerenityWorks
@grantbennett

I you want to see @Paul_Steele's original post click here.

The Hike:

This is a great video showing the whole hike - the music is a little melancholy to me (reminds me of American Psycho a little...) but nonetheless you should watch it if you want a good idea of what the hike is going to be like.

Here's a collection of business cards from some of the nicest, most genuine and most social (funny I have to mention this one, because a lot of people simply weren't) people at SXSW interactive.

Enjoy - if you want to connect with anyone in these images just mention to them that you got their info from me: