This past weekend, Nelson and I packed the dogs into the Subaru and hiked some hard stuff near our new house. It’s been awhile since we’ve done a hearty hike and we all needed it!
After picking out a loop hike that we hoped wouldn’t be overly crowded, we strapped on our hiking boots, grabbed the dogs, and headed out.
I’ll admit it: the 3.7 mile loop kicked my ass. More than half of it was uphill, some of it pretty steep. Nelson and the dogs went ahead while I persevered step-by-step, supported by my trusty hiking poles.
At one point, I was head down, huffing and puffing and wondering why I was doing this. “If I turn around now,” I thought tiredly, “it’s all downhill from here back to the car.” I felt tired. Alone. And a bit vulnerable.
And that’s when I almost stepped on it.
A little snail was on the trail in front of me – heading UPHILL.
I smiled, carefully maneuvered around him on the narrow trail and saw the lesson: if he (or she) can do it, carrying everything he has on his back, surely I can continue uphill, too.
Awhile later I passed a black snake on the side of the trail. She (or he) didn’t really react as I jumped back with a small squeal. We watched each other awhile before I continued my upward climb and arrived to find Nelson and the dogs resting at the trail junction.
We had a great day. I’m happy I kept going up that mountain. I’m happy I didn’t quit.
My “Pay What You Can” day was a big success, too. Nearly a dozen people signed up for an hour-long session with me.
Asking for help can be uncomfortable. Vulnerable.
And I’m grateful that each of these people felt comfortable enough with me to reach out and say, “Hey, I have something I’d like to work on with you.”
The reasons for these sessions varied:
- Feeling stagnant in business growth
- Overwhelm
- So many ideas and opportunities!
- Working too much IN the business
- Perfectionism, succeeding, failing
- Getting (and staying) organized
- More!
This list contains common, universal struggles. And it excites me that each person felt some measure of vulnerability and still raised a hand to say, “I’m ready to find answers!”
I’m loving being able to ask penetrating questions that help you discern where you’re stuck and for us to create an actionable plan to get you into clarity and action. Out of fear, overwhelm and confusion.
After all, in life, the hard things are worth persevering through. The folks who signed up for a “Pay What You Can” session know this is true.
Will you join us?
Angie
P.S. If you know someone who is hungry/desperate/eager/ready for something like this, my best client engagements come through referrals. Don’t be shy about forwarding my notes to folks you know who are suffering from overwhelm or feeling stuck.