Crystal Flaman, social entrepreneur and founder of 10 Million Acts Of Kindness, has inspired audiences around the world, sharing her wisdom and stories from 25 years in business and athletic adventures! She believes that each of us can create a ‘movement’ in the world with our own unique gifts and talents. She has completed eleven Ironman Triathlons and ran in one of the world’s most challenging foot races, not once, but twice, raising over one million dollars for various charities through her athletic pursuits. She is also a recipient of the esteemed Peter Legge Philanthropist of the Year award.
Q. If you could give your past self some advice, what would you tell yourself?
If I could give my past self some advice, I would tell her, “You’ve got everything you need within you to accomplish all of your dreams! All you’ve got to do is go after them, chase them, focus upon them and do something every day towards them!”
I’d tell her to surround yourself with people who love you and support you and who believe in you! And most importantly, I’d whisper in her ear, “If you knew what you were capable of, it would literally astound you. You can do anything you imagine. Dream big and bring your dreams to life!!”
Q. What do you have going on that you’d like to share?
Right now, I’m very passionate about a social project – a movement – that I started last year to generate more kindness in the world! One of my favourite movies from long ago is Pay It Forward. Since then, I’ve loved sharing random acts of kindness. It is my goal to gather one million people to share 10 random, or not so random, acts of kindness! Ten Million Acts Of Kindness was started last year, during the pandemic, as a way to focus on something kind, positive and inspiring – when the world was isolated, divided and struggling. Kindness can and does change the world.
Q. What keeps you motivated on a daily basis?
There are a number of things that inspire, motivate and bring me joy. First and foremost, having the right partner* by my side helps make everything possible and enables me to really shine, do what I have been put on this earth to do and contribute to making the world a better place. (*I’ve learned this through trial and error. 🙂 ) Things that inspire and motivate me are getting out in nature, writing, being creative, really making my health a priority and doing something physically active – every day! What brings me joy are the simple things in life – time with loved ones, being out in nature, laughter, creating great moments and memories and using my gifts and talents to make the world a better place. I do love to travel and love experiencing new cultures, backpacking around the globe to witness all the extraordinary beauty that surrounds us and meeting incredible people along the way.
Q. Do you have a mantra or phrase you live by? What is it?
A mantra or phrase that has inspired me over the years is from the movie, Field Of Dreams. It is: “If you build it, they will come.” With that phrase in my mind on a daily basis, I started and built an award winning boutique hostel for international travellers along with a second hostel in the snowy mountains of British Columbia. The hostels served thousands of travellers over a 20 years span and I am forever grateful for the opportunity meet and serve these travellers. This phrase continues with me each time I offer a DIVA Retreat in Central and South America, where women gather to discover their inner voice through adventures of the body, mind and spirit! The retreats are a blend of yoga, inspiration, humanitarian work and a whole lot of connection and laughter with other like-minded women.
Q. What is your number one business goal to accomplish this year?
My number one goal for 2022 is to complete the writing of two books that I’m currently working on! I can’t wait to share them with you!
