The Do-Over

“Will I go kayaking again? Sure, if I have to, which means, if a mentee needs me to go, I’ll go,” (Shanterra McBride, July 28, 2015).

Words written in the previous post, as I shared my story of kayaking for the first time. In the spirit of being transparent, I admitted that it was an experience I did NOT fully enjoy. I learned some lessons and even saw a bald eagle, but I did not like that little boat and I especially didn’t enjoy the mini-panic attacks that struck me as I rolled down the Connecticut River.  I said I would do it again, but I honestly didn’t believe there would be another opportunity for this to happen anytime soon. Quite frankly, there isn’t a whole lot of kayaking going on where I live. But, less than an hour after I posted the blog, I was asked to go back out on the river, in a kayak, with 16 teenage girls, THE NEXT DAY.

I don’t know about you, but I have needed many “do-overs” in my life. I was extremely thankful (and shocked) to receive one this time. The dictionary states that a do-over is a “new attempt or opportunity to do something after a previous attempt has been unsuccessful or unsatisfactory.” Because of my fears and discomfort during the first kayaking expedition, I really needed a do-over. I may have completed my first attempt at kayaking, but I felt unsatisfied with my performance. I was so preoccupied with other matters, (like drowning) that I missed out on a lot of the value of the experience – the beauty, peace, and calmness of my surroundings and having fun with the folks who were with me.

Fast forward to four days later, when I was asked to do it all again. Why? Because the “mentees” needed me to go. And here’s what’s great about this do-over – the girls didn’t need me to go to coach them on how to kayak – THEY were already experts. They simply needed another adult chaperone on the trip. Enter ME. The adult but yet the novice.  However, since I had gone just four days earlier, I knew EXACTLY where to go. I knew the steps for signing us in. I knew how to direct the girls to the safer side at the fork in the river. I knew how to give them directions on where to put their paddles and life jackets. Thankfully, for everyone there, especially ME, they were all swimmers, including the other two adults. I was there, not as a savior, but purely as a guide.

The lesson is this: Sometimes young people just need you to cover them. Adults can miss this lesson because we are often too occupied with fixing, saving, rescuing, hovering, etc. If I hadn’t had a do-over, not only would I have missed the growth opportunity for myself, but I would have also missed the chance to be a  “covering” for 16 amazing, intelligent, brilliant, fantastic, and courageous leaders! I would have also missed out on a lot of fun with a new experience that will now be a “must-do” for me at GLC!

Until next time, look for the do-overs, the chance to cover and embrace this Marvelous Monday!

1. What are you marveled by today?
2. What is something you want a do-over on?
3. How would you use your second chance?
4. Do you have a life coach to help you see the opportunities for do-overs you may be missing?

Reply here or email Shanterra