What Do You Hope to Find?

I’ve just returned after a few well spent days fishing in Alaska with my dad and friends.

Spending time in nature continues to fill me physically, spiritually, and emotionally. In a world where often, my focus is 12-inches in front of me on a screen, it is good to look up and re-focus on the 12-miles forward.

Here is just one picture of sunrise in the Cross Straits area of Alaska:

Alaska was bought from Russia in 1867. The territory was called “Seward’s Folly” in the past because of the endless tundra, snow, and glaciers. Today, those very same resources are priceless. If the earth is just a taste of perfect shalom, I wonder what Glory will be like in heaven?

Alaska is a unique place with vistas that stretch over the horizon. Trust me that I recognize the blessing.

Alaska has unique people. I’ve heard that people move to Alaska to escape from something in the lower 48 States. During a conversation with a local he told me a typical greeting isn’t “What brings you here?” Most conversations start with, “What do you hope to find?”

As we think about this connection to Leadership Life-stories, I’d like to offer a few ideas about Solitude stemming from a post I originally wrote while in Iceland.

Leadership Life-stories: SOLITUDE

A Psychology Today (2020) article suggests solitude and loneliness are fundamentally different. In general, being lonely can be negative and may be imposed on you by others. Solitude is a chosen activity and can restore body and mind. Solitude are times to explore and regain perspective. These can be important personal development steps that help us get to know ourselves and ultimately our Leadership Life-story.

I would like to suggest three ideas where solitude works for me:

Physical Activity (Nature) – Quality solitude is not sitting on your butt and doing nothing – although this may work. I am reminded how a walk, run, bike ride, or doing something in nature is important to me.

While fishing in Alaska was terrific, watching the sunset over Lake Michigan or having a cup of coffee in the morning allows sweet times of reflection.

Time to Process – In a world that is constantly on the go, it is helpful to let some decisions to simmer until taking an action step. Solitude allows individuals time to process. As I get better in my daily writing habit, an important step before I throw up words on the page is to slow down and think.

Time In Prayer – An evangelical faith perspective is foundational in my life. An online Workshop earlier this summer reminded me that there are spiritual battles fought every day. How are you getting into the Word and spending time in prayer?

As we wrap up these quick thoughts, how are you intentionally cultivating time for Solitude in the busyness of work, life, family, and friends?

My hope is to bring together a group of people passionate about Leadership and Storytelling. I’ve broken down the Leadership Life-story process to DISCOVER, DEVELOP, and DELIEVER. How can I continue to serve you?

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Let the Journey continue…..