Have you ever been inspired by a child?
We get inspiration and wisdom from thought leaders, Olympic athletes and Warren Buffet. But there's something invigorating about getting life-lessons from someone younger than we are...sometimes way younger. That's what happened to me.
Henry & I were hiking the Skyline Loop on Mount Rainier in Washington state.
It was a gloomy day like this. Misty. Pea soup. So cloudy and foggy that Henry said, "This is the prettiest mountain we'll never see!"
Typically, we start hiking together, then Henry gets his speed on! As he peeled up the Trail (rated "difficult") I noticed a little girl Confidently hiking several feet ahead of me. She was wearing tiny KEEN hiking boots, and a bright pink NIKE shirt and using a mini pair of "hiking poles" for a "serious hiker!" That girl had the gear!
Her dad was hiking close behind her and they were just chatting away about birds and wildflowers and marmots.... oblivious of the drizzle and the steep, rocky trail.
After a while, I caught up to them and we hiked together. Her name was Ella. I asked her, “How old are you, Ella?”
“I'm 6."
“Wow! Is this your first hike on Mount Rainier?"
"No! I came when I was little... when I was 4, and 5.”
“This hike is 5 & a half miles, Ella. Is it hard for you?"
"No! It’s really fun!"
“What's the best part?”
“Being with my dad.”
I was inspired!
Our conversation clicked along. Occasionally, Ella’s dad gave her a few hiking tips.
When she got cold, she took care of herself and put on her jacket. When she was hungry, she told her dad, and they stopped for a snack.
I kept on hiking and caught up to Henry.
One section was steep and rocky and scary slippery. And I froze. Terrified of falling.
Especially because in the winter, I had slipped on ice and had broken my wrist. Henry coached me, "Look down at where you're putting your feet, bend your knees, and take your time."
Got it.
Then I started my Atta Girl’s, "Tracy, you're doing great. No rush. You have very good balance.” As I’m giving my pep talk out loud, I heard a little voice behind me. "Hi. Hi." I turned around. It was Ella skipping along, and her dad! They caught up!
Ella's positive attitude and unshakable belief in herself inspired me. Her father was her wingman, for sure, but he didn't coddle her. Then I had this thought, "How does an adult’s confidence go off-the-rails? Or off-the trails?” If we lose our edge, in business or in life, how do we get back on-track?
Here’s what I relearned from Ella.
At any age, we need to TAKE RISKS -- hiking farther than we thought we could.
CHALLENGE ourselves -- on the steep slopes, or doing the hard work at work.
CHEER ourselves on -- The only way around fear is through it.
TRUST that we can do it -- Give ourselves that pep-talk.
And, in life or work – everyday -- SURROUND OURSELVES with people who want the best for us -- a wing man, a wing woman, a trusted friend, advisor, colleague or coach.
I’ll probably never see Ella again. But I’ll always remember from her words and actions that confidence can be learned. And relearned, at any age.
Thanks for reading.
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