Reflection on Mount Adams Climb 2025: Be-Love-Do

What I brought to the Mountain

As I reflect on what I brought to Mount Adams as a mentor for the 2025 climb, I consider the rock we passed around. I am pretty sure it was random that someone picked up the rock from the middle of the circle and used it as a guide to determine who would share their reflection. Yet, how fitting and metaphorical. From the shared photo album, there is a picture of one of us holding that rock. It made me think how each of us came to the mountain with something heavy and sharp, just like that rock.

I, too, brought some heavy and sharp challenges with me. I had a strong desire to accompany the students on their journey, and I hoped I could facilitate a fraction of the experience I had the previous year. Yet, I had a lot of self-doubt: “What if I don’t connect with the students? What if I get tired and slow the team down? What if I get us lost? What if I 'bonk' on the summit?” With my desire to accompany the students, I also brought this distorted desire to be perfect, and if I were not perfect, it would be a failure. This reflects a core belief that pervades many other facets of my life.

Second, I brought the burden and exhaustion of caring for my parents. My dad has dementia, and my mom has started hallucinating terrible visions, and recently fell and broke her leg. Before the climb, I traveled with them from Texas to their cabin in northern Wisconsin and spent three weeks caring for them. They, and I, wanted one more time at their beloved cabin where they spent the last 25 summers. They love that cabin, the beauty of the lake, and their friends so much. During this time, I also sold their home, and my spouse, Susan, moved their belongings to an independent/assisted living facility. This was emotionally difficult as we entered a new phase of life.

Third, I also brought some lack of clarity about my career. I am sensing a shift in my vision for my work, as many life changes are occurring: parents aging, children leaving home, long-time team members leaving the organization, and a fundamental shift in our business. I ask myself, where can I best lead, grow, and teach others the Be-Love-Do that I have learned?

Finally, I did not just bring all rocks to the mountain. Due to my experience as a student the previous year, I am a different person. Last year, I left ego, the desire to control, striving, attachments, and much self-doubt and insecurity on that mountain. From that experience, I took away the belief that I can change the world by modeling Be-Love-Do in each moment and then surrendering the outcome. I was a different person returning to the mountain this year. I brought a new way of being. I also brought a lot of joy and excitement for others to have their own experience.

What I Left on the Mountain

I wasn't perfect on the climb. My feet ached more than I remember after day one the previous year, and 10 days later, my feet still ache! I had to stop a few times and catch my breath. I needed help a few times with my pack and purifying water. I am incredibly appreciative of Kyle, Adam, Cyril, the other mentors, and team K2 for the feedback on how I showed up during our time together. They helped me discover that being authentic is more important than being perfect. I left on the mountain my core belief, that if I am not perfect, I am worthless. Yep, that sounds strong, but that is how it feels.

As I continue to experience more opportunities to transcend myself, and the Mount Adams Climb being a significant one, I left a little more of that ego, false sense of control, and desire to get what I want on that mountain. This frees me to be more loving and present. It allows me to be more Be-Love-Do.

I also left some, but not all, of the need to have my work and life all planned out. I am learning to be open to what avails itself, and focus on the moments of each day. I did not know what to expect when I met Team K2, my fellow mentors, and what the mountain would present this year; yet, all of it provided opportunities to be present and to love, to use my gifts (to do).

What I took from the Mountain

Before I came to the mountain, I had been working with my leadership coach to define who I want to be and how I want to work. Through this coaching, I gained clarity that the Lord has blessed me with gifts to coach, teach, mentor, advise, and lead. I am fortunate because I also feel alive and full when I am doing those things. After reading How to Know a Person by David Brooks, I gained even more clarity that I want to use those gifts to accompany others on their journey. Brooks uses the word “illuminate.” I want to illuminate others to discover their authentic selves, to grow, and flourish. This desire brought me back to the mountain as a mentor.

Yet, what I took from the mountain is the question, “What is life asking of me now, and who am I to accompany?” Upon reflection, I recognize that I am not just to accompany those leaders summitting on their goals and aspirations, but also the people placed in front of me each day, specifically my mom and dad. This is an arduous journey to accompany one on because I feel like I am walking with them at the end of their journey, of our time together, at least here on earth. I frequently lose my patience and sometimes get slightly angry when I'm pulled away from what I want to do. Although I now recognize that I don’t need to be perfect, I need to be present, love the best I can, be patient with myself, and forgive myself.

From that, I take two lessons: 1) Because I believe a loving Father has given me great gifts, and that Father has a claim on them, I must accompany those he places in front of me each day; and 2) Be present, not perfect. Be authentic. I am human, and love the best way I can.

Finally, as it relates back to my profession, I am taking away that who I am becoming is WAY more important than where I am working, and the most beautiful thing is that I like who I am becoming! I like what I am shedding and allowing Be-Love-Do shine through. I feel lighter and more joyful. Instead of having the whole path planned out, I am becoming more comfortable trusting that the moments, the people, and situations placed in front of me in the ordinary day (the long snowfields of life) provide numerous opportunities to accompany and illuminate others.

To Adrian, Kelsey, Adam, the mentors, students, and Team K2 (Andrew, David, and Nicole), I love you. Thank you. Thank you for accompanying me on my journey.