Hello, I’m Luke.
I’m here to inspire meaningful change and confidence so that people can seek fulfilling and courageous lives doing what they love, on their terms.
Things haven’t always gone my way. Following a family tragedy at an early age, I was confronted with loss at a time when i didn’t know how to make sense of it.
I sought refuge in things like outdoor sports, lived in many different outdoor towns, tried out all sorts of work, and generally tried to keep myself busy. I made meaningful connections, and have so many friends and family to be thankful for, but always had a foot out the door. I worked in and managed restaurants, sold outdoor gear, wrote for websites, taught kayaking and stand up paddle boarding, coached skiing and most recently, mountain biking. The employment that really changed me was working at a recovery center for teens learning to manage and recover from their substance abuse and mental health challenges.
Through all of this I knew something was lacking. Something was going unfulfilled for me. I saw people struggling with desires, fears, anger, pain, heartache, and everything in-between. I realized the connection between our stress and fear when we try something new, and the common threads it can have in other parts of our lives. There emerged a universality in my experiences; When we confront a challenge in one area of our lives, it is all too often already at play in a myriad of other places.
Meanwhile, I’d been cultivating and creating a skillset I couldn’t be more proud to have today. I’ve seen people, young and old struggling with taking the first step of flipping their kayak upside down and the immense physical and emotional distress they experienced. I’ve seen how one question can change the entire experience, and how the recognition and naming of a fear can shift everything. I’ve borne witness to harsh inner critics that held co-workers back from being the team player they wanted to be. I’ve sat on the sides of rivers and trails with youth as they confronted difficulties at home, in their friendships, and wrestled with questions that appeared to have few answers.
Throughout so many experiences, I have seen the dramatic shifts that can take place, both in my life, and in those around me when one small variable changes. The seemingly impossible mountain to climb, can very quickly dissolve into a river we’ve always wanted to float, enjoying the ease and beauty all around us.
Looking back, the greatest helpers in my life weren’t the ones who laid out the path for me. They asked, “what do you want?”, then challenged me to live up to my answers. It is with this in mind I humbly and kindly offer to join you in your quest to take on your challenges and unlock your potential, one small, but significant step at a time.
I hold certifications such as a Lumia Certified Life Coach, ACA Level 4 Kayak Instruction, Switftwater Rescue Level 4, Wilderness First Responder, and completed all courses to be an Addiction Technician through Colorado Mountain College. My undergraduate was a BA in Sociology from Fort Lewis College.
I am here to connect you with your inspiration and joy so that you can go forth with passion and creativity!
I look forward to meeting you on your journey,
Luke Lubchenco
