Living la Vida Fearless
Weekly Edition
March 20, 2007

Fresh Tracks

We're over the worst of the winter here in southern Ontario. And there were many days when it felt like the worst indeed. Torrents of wind blowing snow around so fast and furious that it was impossible to see five feet ahead of you. Sleet, rain, ice and hail: all within two hours of each other. Hours and hours of driving time to commute home in a drive that usually takes 30 minutes. Thank goodness that's mostly behind us now. The coming of March always signals change and the rebirth of spring.

However, as is often the case, winter does not go easily or lightly from these parts. This past week was proof again of the stubborness of old man winter. The grass had started to appear with milder weather warming our winter sodden bodies. The sun is warmer...the days are longer. And old man winter gets the last laugh on us as we begin to breathe the fresh spring air.

Two days ago it snowed again. Not a lot but enough of a reminder that it's not spring officially: at least not yet. I like these kinds of snow storms because I know the worst is behind us. So, it gave me comfort to see the fresh snow on the ground. It was actually quite pretty: a fresh blanket of clean, white, pristine snow. No tracks, no marks from anybody or any thing yet. As I watched the snow fall, gently, for the last time probably this winter, I began to think about fresh tracks in the snow...and otherwise.

Fresh tracks. Nobody before you...nobody to lead the way...nobody to mar the landscape. From winter to spring...fresh tracks. I love the idea of fresh tracks in the sense of adventure it created for me. What could be ahead of me I wondered as I put one foot in front of the other? What new adventure lay in wait for me? But I also felt some apprehension as I stepped forward into uncharted territory...was there something scary out there that I didn't know about? What if I failed at my attempts at this new adventure? What if somebody tried to stop me from moving forward?

Ultimately I continued along the way creating my own set of fresh tracks. People have called me a trailblazer...that's what this felt like. Creating a trail for others to step into...to feel safe...to feel that they could trust and move forward. Such is the element of the coaching I do. It's all about fresh tracks, new perspectives, trust, integrity and moving forward despite all the hardships that may befall us as we journey on. I find this work challenging, rewarding and life changing and I am honoured that I have the ability to enable so many people to "feel safe in their own new tracks."

What about you? Do you feel safe as you move forward? Do you face challenges in a way that helps you to grow? Got a story to share? Let me know and perhaps I'll post it for you.....

Living la vida fearless,

Jan

www.tobeyourbest.net