One frosty morning in December of 2008, I awakened to the reality that I was unemployed. Suddenly, I found myself among the thousands of other people who were looking for work in a dire economy. Together we stood at the same crossroad.
After celebrating my 53rd birthday and more than 30 years in the resort business, several of them in Human Resources, I frantically thought – “What am I going to do next?”
My collection of best- selling business and motivational books sat in the middle of the floor packed in boxes. Each day, I climbed into my sweatsuit, wool socks, wrapped myself in a chenille throw and voraciously read the books in my library, searching for ways to create my destiny. I took long walks, pondering my achievements and disappointments, rewinding various scenarios in my mind. Eventually, the layers of fear and self-recrimination wrapped tightly around my head and heart began to loosen. I started to hear that voice from deep within.
One day, a nature photography book by John Fiedler caught my attention. As I slowly turned the pages, the photographs transported me into the wilderness as I recalled my own experiences hiking in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The images captured the essence of the thoughts and emotions reverberating from within. I began writing passages from my heart and soul, creating Mountains of Inspiration.
When hiking, it’s critical to stay on the trail to avoid stepping on the delicate ecosystem that is struggling to survive in the wilderness. The footsteps we leave behind imprint the memories of the fragile soul we encounter on our journey. Leave impressions that nurture- encouraging words and acts of kindness. Create an envirnoment that will flourish and a legacy that will endure.
Defining moments have the potential to transform our lives – personally, professionally and spiritually. If we listen carefully, we receive the wisdom to learn and grow and the courage to press on.
I invite you to step into the high country to reflect…
