The Ascent

The Ascent, by Julie Rahm

Last May, I graduated with the Leadership Craven Class of 2008. Leadership Craven is sponsored by the New Bern Chamber of Commerce. The program gives the participants behind the scenes perspective of the inner workings of Craven County. To successfully complete the program, an overnight retreat at Camp Seafarer, a YMCA Camp, is required. The crucible of the retreat happens on the second day with an opportunity to climb the tower at nearby Camp Seagull. The tower is three stories high with a platform on top. The climbing options include cargo netting or telephone poles with widely spaced foot and handholds. The task appears easy. But, when the platform is viewed from below against the blue sky, the true nature of the challenging climb becomes apparent. The height is daunting. Most of my classmates went first. Some climbed part of the way and decided that was enough. Others elected not to climb the tower at all. For me, nothing less than standing on top of the platform was acceptable. About a third of the way up, my fear of heights began to surface. My determination was not enough to suppress the anxiety. Fears began to creep into my psyche. I became tired and unable to see the next hand or foot hold. My ascent up the tower slowed then finally stopped. I did not have the energy for more vertical. Then, I heard voices below me. Krista, Janine, and Nancy were encouraging me. They started coaching me. Their voices echoed the locations of the next handholds and footholds. The encouragement and directions were enough to get me moving back up the tower. With their help, I finished the climb.

Looking out from the top at the beauty of the Neuse River I thought about the times in my life when I needed help and did not ask for it. I often camouflaged my need for help. Even in the most demanding times I did not show my need. What made me reluctant to ask for help? Did I feel imposing? Did I have a fear of looking incompetent? Did I have a trust deficit? Have I experienced negative feedback when asking for help? On that tower, I finally realized in order to accomplish great things – or even not-so-great things - I need other people. It is lonely being and army of one. Happy, successful people surround themselves with other positive, supportive people and ask for help. It is a sign of strength, not weakness.

In the weeks since that day, I have been paying attention to my people environment. As the doorkeeper of my people environment, I choose who I let into my world. I choose people who support my goals. Looking for opportunities to create a personal community rather than being an island has energized me. I look for people to help in my pursuits. My new perspective has made all the difference!