Waterfalls, Wi-Fi Fails, and Croque-Madame

THE RUCKUS MAKER MONTHLY THEME: REST AND RELAXATION

Waterfalls, Wi-Fi Fails, and Croque Madame: Why Leaders Need To Step Away To Level Up

Every summer I like to travel for work and spend time with friends.

This year, I planned a trip with my friend and fellow Ruckus Maker, Chris Horton, to Vancouver and Whistler.

The Delay Was the Journey

The retreat didn't start as planned.

My flight was delayed and I spent 8 hours waiting in a noisy airport, watching passengers become increasingly upset.

At first, I was irritated.

Then I realised I had snacks, a notebook, and a novel.

Things were looking up!

In that in-between space, I began to shift my perspective.

The distractions, the detours, and the delay itself, was the journey.

With a deep breath and a fresh page, I relaxed and let it happen.

The Shoe Was on the Other Foot

The next day I met up with Chris after a great Mastermind meeting at Revolver Coffee (it’s one of my fave places).

After a waterfall hike and traffic delays, we reached Whistler.

I had one more Mastermind meeting before I could unplug.

Easy, I thought.

But then my laptop wouldn't connect to the internet. I couldn’t sign in to my email. I couldn't get Zoom to open.

Suddenly, I was frazzled, frustrated, rushing.

I flashed back to the airport, to others caught in the spiral of upset.

Now it was me.

My takeaway?

Sometimes the solution is yielding in the face of disruption.

Slowing down inside, not just outside.

A Table of Strangers

Some of the best parts weren't planned.

We met a family from Arkansas at dinner, chatting for 2 hours about their lives and the challenges of leading in schools.

Another time we met two French women at breakfast who shared tips about Croque Madame.

My friend Chris collects conversations the way others collect souvenirs.

He reminded me to expand our leadership circle.

We can lead with kindness in passing moments too, with curiosity, openness, and a simple hello.

Connection is its own kind of nourishment.

The Waterfall Whisperer

Chris has an obsession with waterfalls.

Sometimes he'd veer off the highway: "Let's just check around this bend," he'd say and disappear.

At first, I laughed.

But then I realised he was on to something.

His approach to each day was one of openness, wonder, and curiosity about what surprise might be around the corner.

That's a leadership lesson: sometimes we rest best by shifting our pace.

When we trade control for curiosity, we make unexpected discoveries.

Peace doesn't always mean stillness.

Sometimes it sounds like falling water.

The Golden 24

On the last day I woke up early with my coffee and notebook.

I wrote down my thoughts about the trip before going back to regular life.

I thought about the flight delays, the new people we met, and all the waterfalls.

I recalled the grace I was offered when I didn't offer it to myself.

Don't miss the golden opportunity of reflection.

The growth may be in what you noticed, not in what you did.

What Rest Restores

This retreat reminded me that great leadership depends on being patient, giving grace, and the restorative power of slowing down.

This summer renewal didn't require a passport or a five-star agenda (although I’m definitely looking forward to our next Ruckus Maker Live event).

All I needed was to pay attention, slow down, and receive what was around me.

I was restored through the gift of presence.

You don't have to escape your life to find rest.

Sometimes you just need to return to it with fresh eyes, a more quiet heart, and space to breathe.

Slow down. Reflect. Learn again.