Earlier this month, I went on another adventure. One of great heights – literally – and it was a great reminder of how we were created to rise above our critics and fears.
Even though I’m not a fan of heights, I keep putting myself in (very) high places, like that time I took an aerial tour of my hometown.
My most recent climb to higher altitude was with the same group of community catalysts that went on the adventurous flight in that tiny Cessna 180. Before our climb to the top of the lookout tower at Halsey National Forest where they watch for wild fires and impending storms in the Nebraska Sandhills, we once again had intriguing conversation about living authenticity, saying “no” to things that don’t fuel our purpose and our power of positive influence.
That type of conversation always fills my cup and inspires me to do more and be more for myself and those around me.
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As much as I love and gain energy from conversation like that, after a few hours it’s good for me to get outside to allow my brain and my heart to exhale and soak up the sunshine. After lunch (yay, lunch!) we embarked on a two mile hike which also helped the insights from the morning’s conversation to really sink in. To transfer from my head to my heart.
Our hike led us to a lookout tower that offers incredible views of the 90,000 acres of the largest hand-planted forest in the world. This new panoramic view above the treetops inspired me to elevate my perceptions about circumstances and challenges. We get so comfortable in our habits and our earthly day-to-day routines that sometimes we need a little reminder to do better, to dig deeper, to live our truest life.
I hope these reminders will help bury your critic and bring your champion state to the surface. I hope these reminders will ignite hope and renewed energy around your hopes and dreams. There reminders are for myself as well. Because we could all use a reminder once in a while.
12 REMINDERS TO RISE ABOVE
#1: RISE ABOVE the gossip and whispers. It doesn’t bring anyone any joy, including yourself.
#2: RISE ABOVE the hardships. Know there’s a timing and reason for everything and that this too shall pass.
#3: RISE ABOVE the unrealistic idea of perfection. Because nothing is perfect.
#4: RISE ABOVE passive aggressive conversations and sarcasm and communicate with others authentically.
#5: RISE ABOVE the knee-jerk reaction to belittle someone else to boost your own ego or status. You are valued regardless of your own perception of your ego or status.
#6: RISE ABOVE moments of weakness by taking a breath and re-centering.
#7: RISE ABOVE anger and defensiveness. Dig deeper and discover the true source of your feelings.
#8: RISE ABOVE guilt. Acknowledge whatever it is you may feel guilty about and move on with intention to make a better choice next time.
#9: RISE ABOVE a raised voice. You volume doesn’t help prove a point. It’s your authenticity that proves the point.
#10: RISE ABOVE feelings of scarcity. Know you are resourceful and remember that life is not about the things. It’s about the moments.
#11: RISE ABOVE your own doubts and insecurities. Living in that space doesn’t do anybody any good. You are capable of incredible things.
#12: RISE ABOVE and know that He loves you. And at the end of this journey, that’s all that matters.
Take a plane ride or climb to the top of a lookout tower. Take some time for quiet reflection or to connect with those who motivate, inspire and encourage you.
Rise above, my friends.
Great post! It was great to come across this tonight and reflect back on the Halsey adventure. After one week in the new job, I’m feeling completely overwhelmed, but I had a mentor tell me once if what you are doing doesn’t scare you a little, then you aren’t pushing yourself hard enough. I’m looking forward to continuing to Rise Above and can wait for our July meeting!
You’ve got this, Andy! I know your passion and perseverance will lead you to do great things for your community. Looking forward to our July gathering as well!