Seven Women in 7 days in Iceland: What I Learned

During January, I spent 8 days in Iceland hiking and exploring the country with 7 women.  These are woman I have hiked with in Patagonia, Chile and Monte Blanc in Italy and Switzerland. While it may sound risky, I assure you it is not risky but rather adventurous. We are not the tour bus types and would rather rent a car and find the local spots.

These reflections also fit with life in the workplace.  Nothing earth-shattering, just another great reminder.

What I learned and relearned about life while hiking in Iceland during the winter with 7 women:

• Laughter is great medicine.  Seeing the humor is those challenging times makes life grand!
• Go with the flow.  Things will not always go the way you want them to go.  Surprise, surprise! Sometimes one needs to let their plan and agenda go and be willing to go with what others want to do.  What may happen, and often does, is that it is a better agenda anyway. ‍
• Honor the uniqueness of each person.  There is great value in having diverse group members.  Some love the details, others see the big picture, some take the lead, others stand back.  Some like to talk more, others are great listeners. It all works and is what makes it so much fun.‍
• Things will not always go as planned.  Shift gears and move forward.‍
• Be spontaneous.  Be willing to change directions and see where that may lead.‍
• Have an open and thankful heart.  Be thankful for the gift of life, friendships, opportunities and connections with others and other cultures.

Savor the moments.  When you are out hiking or doing something special, there may come a time when you feel like time stands still, you are truly “in the moment”. It is a time of connection.  Stop, savor that moment and take it all in. Glacier top moments!

If you know of others, perhaps your leadership team or a friend, who would be interested in learning more or receiving this and other blog posts, please feel free to forward to those individuals.

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