As we sat on the train after a big day, heading home from the first Impact Day within our year long Let's Lead program, one of the participants said something that really moved me. 'That's what I wish for all, that you're tired at the end of each day from doing activities you love'. Her poetic and genuine phrasing drifted around me for a moment before it really found a home. It seemed such a simple wish on the surface, but as we reflected more on the experience we'd just been on and the program we were apart of its importance began to really sink in.
"My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humour to lighten the burden of your tender heart." - Maya Angelou
12 of us from the group had met excitedly at Wollongong Train Station at 8:25am on Saturday morning. All of us were on time and eager to see what the adventure would involve. This Let's Lead group is a partnership we have with SCARF (Strategic Community Assistance for Refugee Families) here in the Illawarra. Now in its second year we work with young adults from a refugee background to develop leadership potential, as we journey together as difference makers in our own and others lives. And what a journey it's been. This year we've also been able to add two Impact Days to the program through the kind support of The Outdoor Education Group. Saturday's one was first stop Kiama Station.
"Sometimes we become so focused on the finish line that we fail to find joy in the journey." - Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
We navigated and walked the coast track from Kiama to Minnamurra. On paths. On sand. And on rock platforms. We shared stories, ideas, and conversations. As individuals. As small groups. And as a whole group. We played, laughed, and connected. Because having fun and deepening connection is so important to all that we do. We experienced challenges but reached the Minnamurra River and then changed speeds by paddling as pairs in canoes. Learning to steer. Learning to stop. And learning to trust ourselves and others. The list could just keep going on and on and on for what happened during the day. But we were all left feeling so filled with gratitude as we reflected in our final circle.
"This is a wonderful day, I have never seen this one before." - Maya Angelou
The day was perfect. Not because everything was perfect. Or that we are perfect. Or that everything went to plan. But because each of us chose to show up fully, stretch our comfort zones, and make the best out of whatever unfolded. We each played our part and contributed to the whole. Remembering that, 'Success isn't final, failure isn't fatal, it's the courage to continue that counts' - Winston Churchill. It's such a joy to be surrounded by such inspiring leaders like these. So, if you were sitting there tired on that train at the end of a big day, what would you have said was your wish for all?
