What Makes Us Come ALIVE?

It's a question I've been curious about since I was a little girl – and have spent much of my adult life exploring.

Through my writing. Through my work. And through the way I choose to live my own life.

Years ago, I came across a quote by Howard Thurman that put words to something I already felt:

“Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”

I've carried those words with me ever since.

They've influenced the work I do, the choices I make, the stories I write – and some of the rather unexpected paths I've followed along the way.

This is a place where I get to share some of them.

Welcome to my world.

Annicken R. Day, author of Fly, Butterfly, dancing on the beach in front of Bali Ha'i, Kaua'i, Hawaii.

Following the breadcrumbs...

Life has a funny way of leaving breadcrumbs.

Little clues. Unexpected encounters. Feelings we can't quite explain.
Ideas we can't quite let go of. Places that somehow call us back.

I've learned to notice mine.
I don't always know where they're leading.
But when I follow them, I tend to find a bit of magic.

I've followed the breadcrumbs from Norway across Europe, across the Atlantic to America,
through leadership, boardrooms and corporate transformations,
onto stages, into novels, across the Pacific to Kaua’i, Hawai’i
— and eventually down a winding road in the Tuscan hills
that somehow became home.

None of it was part of a master plan.

Thank goodness.

Annicken R. Day with her book "Fly, Butterfly" with a beautiful view of the Tuscan landscape.

Over the years, I've learned to pay attention to what gives me energy.
What excites me.
And to use that as a compass when making decisions.

And I’ve learned this:
We don't always need to know where we're going to recognise something that makes us feel more alive.

And perhaps that's what much of my work – and life – has ended up being about.

I write stories. I speak to rooms full of people. I work with leaders and organisations.
I bring curious humans together in Tuscany.

And I keep making choices that feel right to me, even when they don't make much sense on paper.
It’s worked for me so far, so I guess I’ll just keep going, keep exploring,
and above all: staying curious.

The novel "Fly, Butterfly" by Annicken R. Day in the sand in front of Bali Ha'i, Kaua'i, Hawai'i.
Annicken R. Day speaking on stage in Mexico City.
Participants of Chill Connect Create Camp hiking in the Chianti hills in Tuscany.
Annicken R. Day and the Pacific Ocean.

Come explore