Hop Out of the Rapids

My family and I are returning from a week of vacation at the beach. The hotel we stayed at has many pools, beaches, water slides and activities as well as secluded quiet areas to read, reflect and relax…something for everyone.

One water ride that stood out is called the Rapids River. A mile long water ride that is comprised of numerous sections of very rough, man-made tidal surges and “rapid water” that you ride a tube through. Each section is broken up only by “hop off points” where the water gets temporarily calm for those wishing to get in or out. My son Matthew and I rode this many times over the last few days. Attracted to the adrenal rush, we couldn’t get enough of the fast paced, unpredictable and exciting challenge each section provided. At times, it felt like we would be knocked off the tube and swept away, but staying on the tube and holding on tight proved to be the best way to navigate the rough water together. In fact, once we completed all sections, the fear of falling off dissipated and we literally ran back to the beginning to start it all over again. It seemed the more time we spent in the rough water, the more confident we were we could handle it…together.

As the week went on though, the desire to complete all sections as fast as we could became tiring. Instead of racing to the next rapid, we began getting out and relaxing at the hop off points before tackling the next challenging section. We talked, laughed and spent time together, unknowingly making the journey more memorable and the next series of rapids more enjoyable when the time came to face them.

This made me think about my life and the transformation underway at GE, and how the current challenges in both are simply the “rough waters” in this section of my journey. It reaffirmed the importance of holding on together during difficult times, but also taking a break, reflecting on where I am and enjoying the people I am with during the journey… especially as we navigate the rapid rivers of our lives. I now plan to “hop out” now and then as the rapids will always be there… but the people I am riding with won’t.

I’m sure I’ll see you in the rapids, but cannot wait to hear about your journey with others in the calmness in between.