It's Confidence That Let's You Take the Next Step

It's Saturday, February 23. Simply said, " Today was a great day".

Sarah and I are visiting with our daughter, Mallory. She's in her 2nd year at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, MI. If you've not been in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in winter, you have no idea what you're missing. It's beautiful! Today we started out at Presque Isle Park.

As we hiked toward Lake Superior the landscape changed from snow crusted woods to a moonscape of ice. Mallory looks like she's hiking on another planet.

We continued our trek. We came to a place, the Bay, that Mal had visited just a week prior. She couldn't believe the changes. One week earlier the water was easily visible. Since that visit the water froze, the waves pushed the ice ever higher, and the Bay had a completely different feel and look.

Being the ever adventurous soul, I opted to climb up some of the ice for a better view. I love a good challenge. Mallory wanted to follow but struggled to climb. Risk and fear (and maybe common sense) was holding her back. I encouraged her to follow, helped her up a particularily difficult section, and we were rewarded with a wonderful view.

My blessing for the day came from watching Mallory gain confidence in herself. Climbing on the ice, ascending the rocks, and the fun of our final 15 foot slide down the side of a steep, snow covered hill forced us to plant each foot with confidence. In fact, when we didn't proceed confidently, our foot would slip or turn and our balance would be thrown off. In certain places the consequences of a fall wouldn't have been life threatening, however the fall would have been painful.

As we hiked out I was able to correlate the lesson from our adventurous climb to our daily life.

1. As we proceed in life, self-confidence is a strength. Arrogance and pride cause mistakes. Self-confidence allows you to assess the risk, proceed with a plan, and push on towards personal growth.

2. Placing one foot in front of the other when you are facing risk and fear will be rewarding.

3. Unless you take the next step you will always be wondering what's around the next corner.

4. What's around the next corner will more than likely bring a smile to your face.

5. Be curious and confident today!