Photo by Cassidy James Blaede on Unsplash
I spent the holidays down South for the first time this year. As someone who has lived in Central New York for the majority of their life, this was an interesting experience. Where I have grown accustomed to cold temps and *fingers-crossed* a white Christmas, “The South” does winter differently! This was a holiday where I got to learn something new and remember that everything was new at one point.
We didn’t bundle up in our snow suits and boots and build a snowman or make snow angels. No. During my visit we went to a park and played soccer…on brown grass…in sneakers and short-sleeved shirts…because it was 73 degrees…in December! Now, I could talk about global warming, or how the grass down south is a different variety than up north, or how the south really REALLY loves sugar in their iced tea. But I was struck by another thought that’s stayed with me since that unseasonably warm December day.
As my mom, me, and my 7-year-old nephew were getting ready to go to the park, I took note of the three of us bent down tying our sneakers, and I had a “well, of course, duh!” moment. Here we were, three generations doing something as simple and easy as tying our shoes. But rewind the tape to when each of us was being taught how to turn two bunny ears into a tied shoelace. Can you remember how frustrating it was at first? We had to practice over and over and over, oftentimes relying on someone who had already mastered this skill to help us out when we got stuck.
Tasks that we now perform absentmindedly, at some point required conscious effort and skill development. We all had to learn the basics at some point, both in life and in our careers. Acknowledging that we all start somewhere fosters a sense of empathy and understanding. It encourages us to support one another, recognizing that everyone is on their own journey, facing their own challenges, and striving toward their own goals.
Maybe you’re the one who is stuck and could use some guidance from someone who once stood where you are. Or perhaps you’re the guide, ready to share your experiences and knowledge. Wherever you are on your journey, the next time you’re tying your shoes, take a moment to reflect on all that you’ve learned and accomplished up to that point.
Onward!
Written by: Emily Henion, Search Consultant at Hunter Crown, LLC
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