Farewell to 2012: Expedition Endings and Beginnings

Hope does not kill; I shall live and get what I want one day.

Zulu proverb

 

On a vacation to the island of Maui back in 2002, I went on a sunrise biking tour of Haleakala, the world’s largest dormant volcano. This expedition was exciting from the outset. At 2 a.m. the tour company’s van picked me up from my hotel, and then whisked me to their office to be fitted for my bike and other gear. From there we headed to the 10,000 foot summit of Haleakala and once we arrived, sat in the van and waited—trying to keep warm. The temperature at the summit stays at 40 degrees. That’s why bikers get outfitted with gloves and other pieces at the tour operator’s office— to ward off the mountainous cold on top of the volcano. They also advised me to dress in layers.

So what was I waiting for at o-dark-30? To view the sunrise peaking brilliantly over the neighboring eastern island of Hawaii out across the expansive Pacific—this sight one of the highlights of this early morning tour.  And it was beautiful and spiritual to see.

After the ooh and ahh’s of the sun’s arrival, the tour group prepared to bring us down the craterous volcano on the bikes. With safety briefings and equipment checks done—it’s time to maneuver the switchbacks on my bike until we reach sea-level. Swerving and curving on the bike, I paced myself behind the safety instructor as we pummeled downward while enjoying Maui’s vistas along the way.  We made a few rest stops to include a lunch break— then some four hours later, we arrived at a Pacific beach. Shedding the cold weather gear and layers that were needed for the dawn’s heights, we now settled into the 80-plus degrees. Ready to dive in the ocean, I reflected on this safe adventure and basked in the Hawaiian culture.

I had always wanted to travel to Hawaii on vacation and now I’d done it. My time there was wonderful as I explored the beauty of this 50^th state.  But I also looked forward to my return to the mainland. I don’t think I could live in Hawaii. Yet I hope to go back again.

At the end of any journey we stop and assess.

After spending money on a vacation we ponder did I have a good time? When a career or job is over we reflect on, what skills did I pick up from this opportunity? We come back from a shopping trip and summate did I get what I want? When time with family or friends is over we ask was my visit a good one?

Then we take refuge before launching out again, ISO (In Search Of) or (In Spite Of) because life dictates that we don’t stop but keep going—we try to…

This is what I’ve done in Navigating Life’s Roadways.

The phrases embedded in my journeys’ assessments are…

·         Then I got back on course

·         My energy sent me this way

·         A return to my sanity got me doing this

·         I went back to what I know

·         The Lord is guiding me

·         Redo, morph, return, ponder and reinvent

 

These are also words for continued focus that show up on my roads and in my spaces.

 

Navigate, Synchronize, Rudder, Beat the Bushes, Negotiate, Stay the Course, Walk the Path, Stand Firmly on Your Ground

 Recognize your IPS (Internal Positioning System) and engage your GPS (Goals, Positions, Situations)

 

Enjoy the beauty and blight that make up life’s ever evolving trails. Hang with the emotions of your journey’s high-grounds and low-grounds. Push when necessary, pause to reflect and pray for strength. Keep hope near and embrace love.

This piece is excerpted from my book, Navigating Life's Roadways; Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008D6RJ0M

 

9 Quick Ways to Steer Towards Your Success: From the Beginning

Deborah at 4 years old.

It really did start here. Born the oldest child of a single teen parent, there was much for me to grasp early on in my life.  So I learned to navigate.  Responsibility, focus and a love of learning put me on a trail that led to beat the overwhelming odds that could've stopped me in my tracks. My earthly entry came also in the midst of the pulsing quest for civil rights as well as gender equity - the movements. Yet, through the many lessons provided by my determined mother, wise grandparents and supportive small town community, I steered through a few things.  Graduate from a prestigious college, became an army officer, entrepreneur and now author. Not that there weren't numerous mistakes and failures along the way.  And now I share the glories of those successes and setbacks in my motivational memoir, Navigating Life's Roadways: Stories of Insight from My Odyssey and Inspiration for Your Journey. I've enjoyed some scenery on my sojourns, much of it similar to what you see in the picture above. Whether it was a smooth waterway, hard hill, or imposing stone, there's been a take-a-away in it from that part of my journey!  Sharing these nine ways for your to steer on, my hope is that you too will see that there is a message in the middle of wherever we find ourselves. Use it to move forward!

1. Be determined to drive on!

•       In spite of.. headwinds,  uncertainty, and storms (Whatever they look like for you - slow economy, job market, relationship challenges)

2. Rudder at the right signs.

•       Stay anchored in your values, vision and interests (List and revisit them)

3. Open all lanes for learning.

•       Detours and potholes are there for a reason (If you fall in or go the wrong way, so what? Find a way out or around)

4. Crank your motivation motor.    

•       What’s the gas in your engine? (Passion, giving back, your expertise, challenge, taking care of your family )                            

5. Acknowledge fellow travelers.

•       We don’t journey alone. (Get support from friends, mentors and network)

6. Plot a route that’s realistic.

•       Be who you are and pace your journey to your style of moving (Do you)

7. Rejuvenate at rest stops.

•       Take a break, vacation or staycation (Have a special spot that fuels you)

8. Boldly stay on the boulevard of belief.

•       See it to the right, left, front and rear as you check your mirror views (Engage!)

9. Claim victory at critical times.

•       Segment your successes for each leg of your journey (Small wins are good)