We adore….
sitting on patios.
being outdoors year round - hiking, biking, skiing, water sports - you name it.
helping strangers out of the goodness of our hearts.
Living Proof:
X. and I go hiking after driving in from downtown. I’m sitting on a giant rock by the side of a rushing stream. I drop my water bottle into the water below, crap!
Nooooooooo, I say aloud.
2 meters away, a family of 6 with teenage kids are exploring along the stream as well. The father hears me yelp and dashes to fish out the water bottle. The current is strong. He loses his balance and falls into the icy cold water. Some of it splashes on his dirty blond hair. His entire lower body is soaked.
The water bottle keeps floating down stream.
His brother has better luck. He grabs hold of the water bottle. Success! He hands it to X.
Me: Turning to the father, throwing up my arms to cheer along with his kids - You are MY HERO!
Him: But I didn’t get it….
Me: It’s the effort that counts!
Such a millennial thing to say.
I’m part of a generation where we were taught that everyone can be a winner. Growing up in elementary school, everyone got ribbons at Sports Day in June. Winners and not so winners alike.
Yes the outcome matters. But the process and how it’s done matter more. Thank you dear stranger - I appreciate your kindness.