In the fall of 1995, I ventured alone into the vast northeastern reaches of Nepal on a trek to the third tallest mountain known as Kanchenjunga. Within the first three hours of walking, I discovered that the many dirt trails leading off the main one from Cavalli made them indistinguishable and I was going to get lost quickly in the lush, green jungle if I didnt ask for directions frequently. Well, I got lost anyway.

Over the course of the next week, I had many friendly Nepalese people give me guidance toward my destination, the small town of Taplejung, but what I didnt know was I was going in a big circle around the town. I stayed the nights with numerous and generous families who spoke none or very little English, and my Nepali was only as good as my language book.

During that time, I found a strange confidence flowing through me that made me happy rather than afraid. I knew, just knew, that I was being watched over and had tremendous faith that I would not only enjoy my trip, but also meet lots of wonderful people, see incredibly beautiful countryside, eat exotic food and come home with many one-of-a-kind memories.

When you have that deep down knowing, your attitude changes, you relax and you experience the adventure of life with every cell in your body. Sometimes, I get the same feeling before my co-author Michael Conrad Kelley and I give a talk to a group of business people, or before I leave the start line at one of my bicycle races. It is a sensation of excitement and anticipation with a dash of the unknown mixed in.

Faith takes many forms and feelings. Often, its felt as confidence, while at other times it comes as an understandingif you just let go things will work out just fine. Having faith in yourself, and the process of the universe, enables you to see life clearly without chaos and confusion.

Faith is found in knowing youre not alone and accepting it. Faith is an intangible energy that resides in all of us, if you open your heart and mind and allow it to manifest. When you do, your life will never be the same.

In the end, its just one mans opinion, mine.

Keith Renninson

Keith E. Renninson is a native of Colorado. After a tour of duty in Viet Nam, he returned home and spent 30 years as a financial planner and insurance agent. He was a two-term President of the Mile-Hi Association of Life Underwriters and four-term President of the Kipling Sun Homeowners Association. He is the Chairman of the 2006 Tour de Cure bicycle ride for the American Diabetes Association in Colorado. Keith is also the current Vice-President of COBRAS (Colorado Organization of Bicycle Racing Seniors).

In 1995, he self-published his first book, “The Pain & Joy of Love: A Collection of Poetry, Black and White Photography and Short Stories.” In 2003, Keith was the Editor of the Arapahoe Community College Art and Literary Magazine “The Progenitor,” and in 2004-2005 the Editor of the Arapahoe Observer newspaper.

During eight years of the 1990's, Keith wrote his column, "Philosophically Speaking" for the Downtown Denver News.

In August 2004, Keith's essay "Compassion at Death's Door" was published by The American Legion Magazine and received worldwide acclaim.

When neighbor Michael Conrad Kelley offered they work together on his manuscript “Zooch the Pooch,” Keith was excited and honored to be involved in such a worthy project. An illustrated children's book and parenting tool, Zooch was published in November of 2005 and is available on their website or at Amazon.com.

Mike and Keith are also professional speakers presenting their inspirational talk & seminar "Seven Simple Steps to a More Fulfilling Life." They can be contacted directly for radio, TV and print interviews.

In December 2006, one of Keith's latest essays, "To Achieve Clarity in Life Make Meditation Part of Your Day" will appear in a new book "101 Ways to Improve Your Life" alongside notable authors such as Mark Victor Hansen of "Chicken Soup for the Soul" fame.

Keith formed Golden Years Videos, LLC with business partner Jeff Forman which produces exercise videos for senior citizens, and those unable to perform standing exercises. Always the exercise enthusiast Keith, wanted to provide a series of videos which would assist those in need of conditioning. You can see more about this at the Golden Years Videos website listed above.

In his leisure time, Keith studies philosophy, competes in American Cycling Association bicycle races around Colorado, loves to downhill ski, practices yoga, writes and climbs the Fourteener’s of Colorado’s Rockies.