Contentment

Can you see just how content I am feeling with the spring sun on my skin?







The start of this year brought some awesome ice conditions to Western PA. I finally got up some of the local grade IV water ice and I managed to set up toprope on one of the secret cliffs (>100 feet high with big freaking fear factor). Thanks for another good ice season, Dr. Bob, Tim, Laura, and Rayman.

Yet it has been simply wonderful to get back on rock this month. And when do we ever get to rock climb outdoors in PA every weekend in March?! I have also already climbed at the Red, where the photo was taken. Good to climb with you once again, Indy and Michelle. I do so enjoy the easy leads in Muir Valley.

One of the most basic questions in leadership is how to lead ourselves.

A few years back the positive psychology movement has made its way into the leadership literature. A positive ratio of positive-to-negative interactions appears to be a good predictor of how successfully we are leading our public as well as our private lives. This can positively impact the organizations in which we lead. And at the end of the day, the “magic ratio” also determines how we self-rate our productivity and happiness.

One interestingly positive interaction I had this month was meeting an older rock bum at the Red. I have met young ones before, who take time off from school to climb, and, as teens and tweens, don’t seem to mind living out of a tent for a season. But this one was definitely in his thirties. A relaxed and friendly man with a patched up belay jacket who was easy going and fun to talk to, although he seemed to long for a room. This started to make me think: Could I be like that? Seriously, could I ever? Could this be me when I retire?

Astonishingly, I recently found out that while my needs and likes continue to be important in the second half of my life, my wants are starting to recede into being less important than they once were. This I also discovered while climbing. I have been bouldering this month. Did I ever want to go bouldering? I think not. But now that I have, bouldering with new friends has given me a wealth of new positive interactions. Bob R., aka Bunny Bob, you may have started out as the only game in town, but now I rather think you are the best!

Knowing ourselves, our needs and wants and likes, does help us to lead our lives. But sometimes all it takes to be content are tired muscles, a ray of sunshine, and the kindness of our friends.