I was sent to the School for Innovators for work - a team building exercise with new members of the extended team. It wasn't only us though, there were guides and 'stretchers'. Regardless of the number, we became a team. We went though a singular journey, together.
Now, clearly I like to share my thoughts and have no trouble speaking (or at least writing) but even I have walls and limits. What I thought was going to be a week of business team building and integration of climbing into business turned out to be a completely personal journey.
I am not going to go into extensive detail on this, but I will say that anyone who has a chance to go to Rolf Smith's School for Innovators needs to go AND needs to be prepared to learn things about themselves that may or may not be surprising.
We, as a team, climbed up Old Man Mountain and scaled 45+ degree rock faces tied to each other literally and figuratively. We trusted each other that we wouldn't judge, laugh or make fun when we stated a deep fact about ourselves or simply needed a break while climbing because it was all too much.
I made friends - globally - that I know if I was in town I could call, or if I wasn't I could call, and this was after only spending 5 days together. I figured out that I am not happy where I am...one wonderful person who was on this journey with me asked me (once we were back at our very long week long meeting) why I wasn't smiling. The thing is, I was smiling but it wasn't my true smile, or laugh, it was the show I put on here to others who don't know any better. I was happier without electricity in every room, without 100% running water, heels, make-up and regular meals. I was getting to see the whole picture, how what seems like the end of the world back here was tiny compared to what was in the world for us.
I came back loving my family more, knowing I needed to prioritize life. And not in the listing sort of way, but in what worked for me and my family; for me and my friends. I miss me and being the happy me I know I really am deep down.
The fact is - sometimes we all get too hung up in the next paycheck or meeting, and while that is very important because it is how we function and keep our families safe and fed, it is not our life, it might not be our career, it might just be a job. No one can force you to be unhappy - you are in control of yourself. They might be able to beat you down, but find that mountain, that rock face, that team that makes you laugh again and hold onto it.
Me? I have my family, my friends, my journal. And next year - more mountains.
Suitcases open doors - mountains open eyes. Now let's see if I remember to keep mine open.
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