I'm not sure why but today I was struggling a little bit with anxiety. I think it had something to do with the fact that for the last 12 months I've been a part of a Leadership group and our meeting this month is at a retreat in the mountains of upstate New York. We had a similar retreat back in the Spring which required us to set out on early morning hikes up the side of a mountain. While the early morning view at the top of the mountain was spectacular, the climb for this overweight, fifty-something guy was punishing to say the least.
The first morning, I stopped maybe a dozen times to catch my breath and to try to come to grips with my embarrassment for holding the group back as we cascaded up the Blue Ridge mountainside. Ever present in my mind was the fact that this was the first morning. We would "get" to do this two more times before the retreat ended.
On Day 2 my group set out early just to give me a little extra time in my ascent up "Devil's Mountain" as I so affectionately referred to the mountain of my discontent. I have to admit that Day 2 was a little better. At least I was now familiar with the severity of the hike and I had decided to take the journey in bite size increments and to celebrate small victories along the way. I also made sure to have some buddies with me who encouraged me each painstaking step along the way.
On the final day of the retreat, we set out early and I was amazed at how different I felt as we wound our way up the mountainous terrain. My breathing was somewhat normal. We made just one "catch my breath" stop and I noticed that I could actually somewhat carry on a conversation as we hiked without getting winded.
Just before we reached the summit, I snapped a photo of the sun rising above the mountains in the distance. The view from the top was amazing. As I stood there, I thought about how beautiful and awe-inspiring the sunrise was that morning. I remember feeling like a winner. I had stared the mountainous matador in the face and I won. I didn't give up.
On the final day of the retreat, we set out early and I was amazed at how different I felt as we wound our way up the mountainous terrain. My breathing was somewhat normal. We made just one "catch my breath" stop and I noticed that I could actually somewhat carry on a conversation as we hiked without getting winded.
Just before we reached the summit, I snapped a photo of the sun rising above the mountains in the distance. The view from the top was amazing. As I stood there, I thought about how beautiful and awe-inspiring the sunrise was that morning. I remember feeling like a winner. I had stared the mountainous matador in the face and I won. I didn't give up.
I learned a lot about myself at that retreat; thanks to a mountain. I also learned that being a leader takes resolve and when times get tough you just have to keep pushing. Quitting is never an option.
So, getting back to today's twinge of anxiety, I think I just needed to be reminded of a past victory to get me ready for this weeks adventure. You see, we will be mountain climbing again and this time the mountain is supposed to be bigger and steeper. I just needed to be reminded that sometimes the obstacle is the way to becoming a true leader.
See you at the top!
Be Well.
Bill
See you at the top!
Be Well.
Bill
