Anthony Landale

We all on occasions face unnerving situations – those moments when we feel ourselves to be on the edge of our comfort zone when, for example, we need to speak up, take a difficult decision or take what feels like a big risk. It isn’t easy. In FED terms this is where you need courage and trust and need to ‘go for it’

This story isn’t about business but it concerns just such a ‘moment of truth’ when the author David Whyte went on a trek in the Himalayas. He was walking on his own for a couple of days and planned to meet up with his friends further up the valley. But at the end of a cliff path David found himself facing a deep black gorge and the only way across was a rotten footbridge swaying dangerously in the wind. He sank to the ground. Below he could hear the distant rush of water. Ahead he could see the crazy state of the bridge and although he wasn’t afraid of heights he felt himself unravelling inside. It was just far too dangerous. There was nothing to do but turn back.

Then, just as he came to this decision an old Nepali woman, shouldering a huge load, shuffled straight past him and without hesitation stepped straight onto that trembling bridge and crossed the gorge. And once across the bridge she turned briefly and smiled mischievously at him. Incredulous, but without stopping to think, David picked up his pack and followed – and in just a few stomach churning strides also cleared the gorge.

Leadership nudge: what are the big opportunities or challenges facing you where you need trust and courage in order to take that first step? Who can fully support you to go for it?

By Anthony Landale

(Original source of this story: The Heart Aroused by David Whyte)

Learn more about Anthony Landale, the author of this article.