Dianne Burnett - The Road To Reality: Voted off the Island!...My Journey as a Real-Life Survivor

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The Road to Reality
Dianne Burnett

Foreword by Richard Hatch
Afterword by Michael Bernard Beckwith

Executive in Charge of Publication: Stephen Powers
Editor: Melissa Rossi
Copy Editor: Jill Kramer
Design: Jonathan Friedman | Frame25 Productions
Map Illustration: Araya Peralta
Front Cover Design: Jordan Duvall
Author Photo: Dana Fineman
Family Photos: Dianne Burnett, family, and friends
Cover photo courtesy of Getty Images

Printed in USA on recycled paper

2012 by Dianne Burnett

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced by any mechanical, photographic, or electronic process, or in the form of a phonographic recording; nor may it be stored in a retrieval system, transmitted, or otherwise be copied for public or private useother than fair use as brief quotations embodied in articles and reviewswithout prior written permission of the publisher.

The author of this book does not dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of any technique as a form of treatment for physical, emotional, or medical problems, without the advice of a physician, either directly or indirectly. The intent of the author is only to offer information of a general nature to help you in your quest for emotional and spiritual well-being. In the event you use any of the information in this book for yourself, which is your constitutional right, the author and the publisher assume no responsibility for your actions.

Authors Note: I have re-created events, locales, and conversations to the best of my ability. In order to maintain individuals anonymity, in some instances I have changed their names.

To my beautiful sonsJames and Cameron
and my loving mother, Joan,
who continues to illuminate my path

The creation of The Road to Reality, my first book, was in itself a learning experience that helped me become the person I am today. When I began writing it, my life was in a holding pattern: like Chevy Chase in Vacation, I felt stuck in a never-ending roundabout, unable to find my way out. Writing this book proved to be the ideal exitputting me on the road that led to higher ground.

A number of extraordinary and talented people were involved in paving the way. Melissa Rossi helped me map out the course of this book process and brought the details and the humor to life. Stephen Powers, President at Agape Media International, had the vision for the big picture and gave me a green light; he has been a delight to work with. Im thrilled that Michael Bernard Beckwith kindly shared his light and insights in the afterword. My old pal from Survivor, Richard Hatch, (who, unlike me, withstood getting voted off the island) cuts the ribbon with his foreword. Agent Bill Gladstone saw my journey as an inspiration to others. Jordan Duvall, who created the cover, captured exactly the image I was seekingof a woman embarking on a new journey. Graphic artist Araya Peralta drew the lovely map. Brian Solon helped me lay the foundation, organizing the information derived from interviews. Jill Kramer guided me through the editorial maze. Kelly Carter, a writer for People magazine whom I met on the boat to Pulau Tiga Island during the taping of the very first Survivor, has helped to keep me on course, proving to be a true friend who never wavered. Anthony William, my real life spirit guide, amazes and inspires me with his wisdom; every day he helps me see my path more clearly.

My siblings Steve, Vicki, and Lisamy kindred spirits since birthhelped me recall fond moments from childhood; my half-brother Domenico kept me laughing, as he has since the days we shared a bedroom with Superman sheets on the beds. My father Dominick taught me that you have to roll up your sleeves and work for what you want in life. My mother was my rock: When I couldnt find my way, she was my beacon of light, my best friend, my biggest fan, and most enthusiastic supporter, who I sadly lost along the journey. Not a minute goes by that she is not in my thoughts. My sons, James and Cameron, are my greatest accomplishments: my angels and my pillars of strength, they brighten every day letting me see life through their beautiful eyes.

And, of course, my road to reality would never have been the same without Mark Burnett, my ex-husband and the father of our children, who whisked the girl out of Long Island, and showed her the world, transforming life into a non-stop adventure; Im grateful for that unforgettable part of my journey that he shared. And Ill always be happy that my road to reality opened new doors, among them two projects that are now the focus of my life: Joan ValentineA Foundation for Natural Cures, which explores alternative therapies to treat and prevent cancer, as well as theotherside.com, my new multimedia platform that is a gateway for transformation of mind, body, and spirit.

Finally, to all the women Ive known, read about, watched, and shared experiences with over the years whose experiences have touched my life, I thank them all for what Ive learned and for making me realize that we all need to just be.

Twelve years ago, on a balmy isle in the South China Sea that was thick with rats, poisonous snakes, and aggressive monkeys, I waded ashore from my latest attempt at spearfishing to see a lovely blondewith a toddler in her arms and a seven-year-old in towmaking her way through the jungle.

Im Dianne Burnett, she said, flashing a bright smile. Youre hilarious!

I was impressed that the wife of executive producer Mark Burnett would fly to this primitive and hostile locale, Pulau Tiga, with two little kidsand without a nannyto be on location for the shooting of a new TV series called Survivor. Unbeknownst to us, Survivor would quickly become the number 1 reality show in the U.S., and one of the most popular programs in television history. It wasnt the last time Id be struck by Diannes mettle. At that moment back in March 2000, we sixteen castawaysdivided into two teams, Tagi and Pagongwere on Day Six of the real life Gilligans Island, where finding food and water, making fire, and constructing shelter were requisite skills. I would go on to eat gross squirming larvae in contests, frighten off four-footed invaders, and bare-handedly wrestle with sharks while partaking in the reality show that pitted human against nature, and human against human, in a bear of a contest to win $1 million. Id planned my initial strategy before showing uprealizing that winning would require forming powerful alliances to control the game and avoid being voted off the island in tribal councils.

Those thirty-nine days I spent battling the elements, fellow castaways, and even, at moments, more powerful foes, underscored that self-understanding, knowing ones goals, gutsy determination, and the ability to change gears were all necessary to surviveand to win, which I ultimately did. Those same qualities are trademarks of the whirlwind that