“Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
In last month’s newsletter I wrote about a hike to the top of Iceland’s second highest waterfall. We discussed how this journey is like the pursuit of a vision. I shared about an adventure through a cave, river crossing and the strenuous ascent. But how does the journey end? Well, in this article we get to hear the rest of the story.
Reaching the Top
My husband and I eventually reached the top of the hike where the roar of the waterfall is the loudest. We stood on a ridge above the waterfall looking down as the water flows over the crest and falls several hundred feet. We are filled with awe, wonder and amazement. It is a time to take it all in. It is these memories that you secure in your mind and treasure. They become landmarks that you can recall for encouragement in your pursuit of the next adventure and vision.
Learning Opportunity:
When we reach our vision, it is important to celebrate. What landmarks in your mind, and as a team, do you want to create as a part of your story? These become a part of your tools and resources in the continuing journey.
The Adventure Goes On
When you reach the top of the Glymar waterfall hike, you have two choices: Go back the way you came or continue the trail that takes a less vertical and gentler way down. When hiking more vertical trails the descent can be more difficult than the hike up. This is because when hiking down, the momentum of gravity can push you into a fall and your body is more tired. We knew the better choice was to continue the trail; however, there was an obstacle.
As is typical with waterfalls, there is a river at the top. So, to continue the trail we had to cross this river. But this time there were no rocks to hop or log to help. You must walk through the knee-deep river. When packing for hiking, part of my typical list would include water shoes. However, with traveling internationally to Iceland, we were wanting to pack lighter and choosing what to leave behind. We knew waters in Iceland can be frigid and decided that hiking in frigid waters wouldn’t be a part of it. We were wrong.
So, we took off our boots and socks, held hands, and crossed the river together. The numbing of the water helped my feet not to notice the edges of rocks below the surface. I was also thankful to be walking with a partner. As we held hands through the clouded rapids and ripples, we were able to stabilize each other. When we reached the other side, my feet stepped upon and felt tundra for the first time. I was amazed at how soft and warming it felt to my feet. I was thankful for the new experience.
Learning Opportunity:
After we reach a vision, there will always be new obstacles ahead. Accept them and don’t let them diminish what has been accomplished. Always keep open-minded for what this new experience might bring. Also, don’t go it alone. Doing the journey with others provides additional strengths, resources, and shared joy.
The Descent
During the descent, we enjoyed our wide-open view of the valley below and the gentler decline. The physical and mental intensity of this part of the hike was less intense. The trail was wide and not on the edge of a ridge. We could walk freely and enjoy the view. We talked about the feeling of accomplishment, the highs and lows of the adventure, and what we were taking away from it.
Learning Opportunity:
As a leader, having time for reflection and rest is just as valuable as the hard-work and perseverance of achieving a vision. It is in rest that we learn from the past, refuel in the present, and gain clarity for the future. When we push ourselves to depletion, we can make unwise decisions, interact with others poorly, and even hit burnout.
Chasing Waterfalls
What visions are your pursuing? The song “Don’t Go Chasing Waterfalls” is about not chasing intangible dreams without thinking through consequences. Visions require very real challenges. It is weighing out the costs, benefits, and connection to your purpose. Then it is embracing the journey.
I was talking with a leader about their career journey. The role they have right now has stretched them and made them uncomfortable. This has made them think about other roles from their past and wondered if those roles were a better fit? But in reflecting on their current position, they are not unhappy. They recognized how the current position is still allowing them to live their personal purpose in connection with the organization’s purpose, and this is most important to them. The question is, with recognizing their purpose and unique design as a person, what is their future vision?
Points of Reflection:
- Have you reached a vision or goal?
- Have you taken time to celebrate?
- Have you taken time to rest and reflect?
- What is your next vision?
- How can others join you?
I thoroughly enjoyed and learned through my journey to a waterfall and hope you are blessed in your journey too!