Sherpa…

Noun.  A member of a Himalayan people living on the borders of Nepal and Tibet, renowned for their skill in mountaineering.  I must admit – I have never met someone who fits the true definition of a sherpa.  However, I have climbed mountains (never in the Himalayas), completed many triathlons, and rode my bike across the state of Iowa in a day.  I know the value of having people surrounding you and supporting you during these events.  If you want to learn more about the traditional definition of a sherpa, check out this fascinating article.

When I climbed Kilimanjaro…

I brought a ton of gear.  What can I say? I love gear and I overpack.  And I learned the value of a sherpa.  Someone who made it his mission to help me get up the mountain.  I am forever grateful for the help, especially on summit night.  We couldn’t communicate well, but I certainly thanked him with the universal sign of gratitude- a big bear hug!  I am not sure he knew how to take me- but that’s not his fault.  He isn’t the first!

In Practical Life…

A sherpa is anyone who supports us as we reach for our goals and dreams that we, quite honestly, couldn’t accomplish without a little help.  My wife, the Fabulous Amy Recker, has been a sherpa for me.  She has helped with packing, logistics, reserving rooms, securing plane tickets, and cheering me along from the sidelines and encouraging me and celebrating me at the finish line.  And that just covers the races.  I could write a book about how amazing she is! Anyone who knows her knows her gifts of support and encouragement.  She is priceless.  I am so fortunate to have her in my life.

How about other sherpas?

We are better together.  I will die on that hill.  It is one of the tenets of life that I hold to tightly.  We were meant to be in relationship.  Some of my closest friends have been sherpas for me in seasons of life.  They have helped carry the load.  Mentally and physically.  Several of these friends helped me move- actually multiple times.  And I have helped them move.

They have been there when I needed them most…

My coach Mitch has been a sherpa for me.  He has been a guide to walk with me on the way as I try to make an impact in the world with my story.  My mentor Stan has been a sherpa for me as he has taught me self-awareness and the concept of life as a journey.

I could go on and on…

My parents have been guides for me throughout my life.  My team at Recker Dental Care.  So many people.  I am blessed to have been supported on the journey by so many amazing humans.  And I sure hope that I have been a sherpa for my friends, my family, my clients, and my people.

So how about you…

Who are the sherpas in your life? Who are the people who have helped you along the journey?  On your journey, who could you have not done it without?  Which people have played an especially important role in your success?

Do they know it…

Have you told these sherpas in your life the difference they have made?  Did you take the time to give them a huge thank you for being a guiding light or support when you really needed it?  We never know what tomorrow brings.  We truly don’t know if we will get a chance to show our appreciation if we don’t do it today.

Here is my encouragement…

Tell them.  Thank them.  Write a note.  Send a text.  Make a phone call.  If you don’t tell them, they won’t know the impact they made.  And some day it will be too late.  Do you want to risk that?

Encouragement is a way to grab a win…

For the person you are encouraging and for yourself!  And speaking of wins, I have been sending out a newsletter twice a month.  It gives three easy ways to grab some wins. I have been getting some great feedback and people have been implementing the wins!  If you would like to get the newsletter delivered to your inbox, you can sign up here!  Let’s grab some wins together!