What do Everest, a rattlesnake and the IRS have in common?

Yesterday while mountain biking, we almost ran over a rattlesnake sunning itself on the trail. Later on, we would come across another rattler, except this time, he was curled, hogging the singletrack, and in the perfect position to strike. We had to wait. We had to practice patience.

What a timely lesson since less than 24 hours ago we mailed our 501(c)(3) application to the IRS. Yes! We have taken yet another step to becoming official, or at least recognized by the federal government as a tax-exempt charitable organization. Of course, who knows how long it will take the IRS to send us that official letter of determination (could be months). The good news is we can operate as an official nonprofit organization and our tax-exempt status will retro to our born on date (April 15, 2010)!

The OM crew came together as a group to unite and inspire people affected by neurological challenges to LIVE BIG through a common passion for outdoor adventure. Now, everyone has the opportunity to support this incredible cause.As Jake (Leader of Organizational Development) says, “We are changing the face of diagnosis one outdoor adventure at a time.” That is the hope!

As we journey, we know we may encounter the rainy day, the rattlesnake or the false summit. These make the journey that much more interesting. We at Outdoor Mindset will be celebrating the baby steps and small successes…and practicing patience. This will get us over even the tallest of mountains. After all, as Jordan Romero, the 13-year-old who recently climbed Everest can attest, “I know it requires a lot of patience. I will remain patient.”