Climbing to Redefine Views…
With all the abbreviations that were new to me, I can almost hear those around begin to correct what a T.I. is -- “Mo-der-ni-za-tion”. Others may even cringe at past projects of tenant improvements where planning is not always part of the process. Why should we (Architects/Designers, et al.) give above and beyond for such projects? Reasonable question but none one of which I’m referring to. What does a TI have to do with hiking?
An extra mile…
I recently was welcomed on a few hikes with co-workers; the most recent a 16 mi. hike up and down a local mountain (see photos). I had a good time backpacking and joining others in a common goal. Not just to get to the peak and safely back in a few days, but getting out hiking and camping, and the subtleties in life that enrich and encourage each other in the meantime.
I spent most of the first day dealing with common difficulties in hiking. Besides a tiresome hike with gear, I lagged behind. Sometimes quite often respectfully standing aside to let others climb. Some paths ahead were still vague to me; the only thing cut and dry about it all was the trail and the air. A short time alone, I seemed to exceed the expected mileage (4 mi. became 5mi.) but had not made it to a designated resting place and began to question where it was until I saw another waiting. Later on with determination and a time of rest, I was able to join the campsite a couple miles up the path.
The next day climbing to the peak and back was achievable but still tracked more than the map indicated. The more I looked at the time, distance, and other stats, the more difficult it was to continue forward without slowing or stumbling. We pushed ahead and made it to the top and had a good day.
I had a better time coming down to the trailhead the following day, not just going downhill with a backpack, but more so focusing on the people and steps ahead of me, relying on a guide with a map that was out in front.
I began to understand that there were some differences in expectations and the way things were being measured. Not so much in climbing higher and further than the destinations but included were all the steps along the way needed to safely and effectively get to where we needed to be.
T.I. - Teamwork and Individualism
Carrying a good load and hiking up and around was somewhat difficult but rewarding with my shared commitments. There were several times I recognized how we carried our own load, each of us checking ahead and back to somewhat stay together. Looking back down into the valley below, I could get a general idea where I’d been and where I still needed to climb, trying not to compare myself with other’s experiences. The next day I was renewed and a little excited coming down from the peak. I got a little carried away, needing to pace myself coming downhill. At an open campsite before and after the ascent to the top, we prepared our own meals and I had a good time of sharing cleaner air, sunsets, and stars; conversations and rest.
Looking ahead, with a new large project underway, I knew I could affirm responsibilities, and that I needed perseverance through difficulties and deadlines. Although working out with and alongside co-workers was somewhat new to me, I discovered that there are others nearby to rely on, encourage and press on; as well as find rest with when needed to carry on again. I believe with our own and combined efforts we can be glad of accomplishments made. Even more so to be part of a team which brings pride in not just providing excellence in our work, but through guided efforts through a group of individuals can benefit achievements, each other, and those around.
