I learned a surprisingly “deep” leadership lesson, from our 24+ mile rim to rim Grand Canyon day-hike
One I hope to never forget!
It is this-
This life is a journey and If I focus more on me, my goals, the sights I want to see, and the destinations I want to reach, I’ll be missing the most beautiful, meaningful, and rewarding parts and gifts of life's journey!
We experienced these beautiful gifts on our rim to rim journey and others including: kindness, connection, service, belonging, humanity, relationships, inspiring people, cheering, love, compassion, incredible views and vistas, and God’s hand and tender mercies.
Many have learned this well, like them, I hope that I, and each of us can remember-
T.S. Eliot: "The journey, not the arrival, matters."
Eleanor Roosevelt: "The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."
Arthur Ashe: "Success is a journey, not a destination. The doing is often more important than the outcome."
On our hike we met an elderly man named Patrick, he was hiking alone and really struggling. We asked him to sit by us and if he was ok. He said “I’ve never been worse”. He had run out of water, my son-in-law and daughter had extra and gave a lot of theirs to him, along with some electrolytes. We invited him to hike with us and we learned that he recently was diagnosed with cancer and he didn’t expect to live long. Some of his friends were going to come with him but had to cancel, he said "I was not going to miss this for anything".
End-of-life interviews have provided profound insights into what people consider most important, and we learned similar insights from our experience with Patrick, like:
Relationships and Love are overwhelmingly important and sought during this time. Family and close friends become most important, and often regret about the quality of these relationships is expressed.
Meaning and Purpose is highly considered and whether they found fulfillment in their pursuits. Many lament that too much time and priority were given to work and career.
Simple Pleasures become pronounced at this time. Small moments of joy, like going on a bucket list hike, enjoying nature, and making new friends, gain significant importance.
Spirituality and Faith become more salient for many. They seek comfort in their faith, ponder eternal questions, and prepare spiritually for what is to come.
Material possessions and Achievements become secondary to meaningful relationships, spiritual well-being, and a sense of peace and fulfillment.
An invitation to you and me-
Life’s destination is a journey, have goals and adventures, see sights, invite and connect with others, and help them to see and reach the meaningful destinations that you and I want to reach. Slow down, look around, don’t miss the most beautiful, fulfilling, and rewarding parts and gifts of life's journey!
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