When the Wander Women pulled the plug on their cross-country cycling attempt, my esteem for them, what they do, and how they live, skyrocketed. No small statement since they were already high on my list of the people I admire.
In this age of manicured image, they are refreshingly real. They decided in their retirement to use their precious lives gathering experiences instead of stuff, to open themselves to adventure rather than live in a comfy fortress. In the past three years they’ve completed thru-hikes of the Appalachian Trail, The Continental Divide Trail, and the Pacific Crest Trail.
Although that is impressive, the reason we follow them is the hope they inspire. They’ve developed a community of support that shows up for them. Because they are generous, they attract generosity. Rides appear. Baked goods show up. Offers of places to stay. They say, “Yes” to whatever life throws at them and know that life will throw a “Yes” back to them.
Sometimes saying “Yes” means to stop. The plan falls apart, the elements do not cooperate. Every good adventurer knows it’s not enough to get up the mountain, one must also make the return trip. The variables have to align and, if they don’t, it’s wise to wait. Saying, “Yes” means saying, “Not today.” As Kristy said, “It’s best not to get lost in the goal.”
It’s the reason I admire them: they are not stacking achievements. They are having experiences. They are enriching their moments rather than hanging certificates on the wall. They lead with joy rather than acquisition.
They end each of their vlog installments with encouragements: Live. Get outside, people. Make the tough decision. Say, “Yes.”
read Kerri’s blogpost on this saturday morning smack-dab.
smack-dab. © 2022 kerrianddavid.com
Filed under: Gratitude, Heroes, smack-dab | Tagged: aarp, artistry, community of support, cycle across america, david robinson, davidrobinsoncreative.com, encouragement, experiences, generosity, generosity of spirit, improvisation, inspiration, Kerri Sherwood, kerri sherwood itunes, kerrianddavid.com, kerrisherwood.com, say yes, second chances, spontaneous, story, studio melange, support, the melange, thru-hike, two artists, Wander women | 4 Comments »
The Direction of Intention 