Four.
That’s how many liability waivers our family needed for Thanksgiving break activities.
(Sidenote: If your family activities don’t involve multiple liability waivers, are you even spending quality time together?)
In addition to a competitive pickleball match, an epic game show showdown, and a no-holds-barred Nerf battle with 20 family members ranging in age from 4 to 71, we bought tickets for an indoor slide park named Slick City.
It turned out to be the most intense activity of them all.
Essentially a waterpark without the sharp stench of chlorine, there were about a dozen slides with different configurations. For each one, you schlepped a mat up a ridiculous number of stairs and anxiously waited in line until it was your turn to rock and roll. I saw scores of young children partaking so I figured it would be fairly low-key as I signed away my rights and a teenager strapped a plastic wristband on me to confirm that I understood what I was getting myself into.
My kids were already off and sliding on their own so I went with my sister to the slide called “Mega Launch” that resembled a ski-jump slope. As I got to the front of the line and gracelessly lay belly-down on the mat with my head pointing straight downhill, my heart began pounding in my chest (I’m feeling it even now as I’m recounting that moment!).
My inner monologue kicked in with gusto:
This is a horrible, no-good, really bad idea! I am terrified! This feels dangerous! It's not too late! I can change my mind and go back down the stairs! I'm in my mid-40s! I don't care if people think I'm a wimp!
And then right as I was about to get back up and walk away, another smaller, much quieter voice suddenly showed up and simply stated:
They let four-year-olds go down this slide. It must be safe.
I inched forward, using my fingers and toes for traction, until gravity took hold and the mat shot forward.
I soared up, up, up, and then landed (plopped?) down on the soft cushion with a huge smile on my face.
“OMG, that was so fun! Let me see the video,” I said to my mom who was documenting my maiden voyage.
I was shocked when I saw the footage. “Wait, what? No! This can’t be true!”
I was absolutely sure I had been launched 10 feet in the air (at least!) and had a hang time of perhaps 15 seconds, give or take.
In reality, I maybe went 6 inches and spent way, way more time convincing myself at the top to go for it then the entire sliding adventure actually took.
And isn’t that the perfect metaphor for navigating change?
The anticipation, hesitation, and stories we tell ourselves — they put us into panic mode and hold us back. But when we push forward despite the fear, we often discover it’s not nearly as daunting as it once seemed.
And sometimes? It’s even fun!
If you (or someone you know) could benefit from working with a certified coach focused on personal and professional growth and a trained facilitator who will provide customized, holistic, and tireless support as you or your team identify and take action toward your goals, please reach out to One Eleven Leadership to set up a complimentary consultation.