Ziplining Snafu: Story & Reflection
Tonya Caylor, MD, FAAFP, PCC
Physician Coach for Family Medicine Residencies; Co-Director of the AMWA Evolve Leadership Coaching Program, Coach for the UW/Madigan Hybrid Faculty Development Program. Speaker on Professional Fulfillment and Wellbeing,
When we explored Alaska with our 13-year-old before our move from Florida 17 years ago, we made sure to make it adventurous for her.
We signed up for zip-lining in Ketchikan among the tall Western Hemlocks. I've never been a fan of heights (understatement of the year!), but I was determined. We rode to the top of a mountain and stepped out the other side of a cabin in full gear. We took a practice zip, which was only a couple of feet, and minimal height change from the starting platform connected to the cabin deck.
I didn't look down until I reached the official start platform. Terrifyingly high. ?? Being in the back of the line allowed me too much time to take in the expansive view. My threat detection system went on full alert, and?I was no longer rational -- It was clear?to me that I was in imminent danger!?
Wide-eyed, I looked at the guide and said, "I can't." Encouragement from everyone only increased my resistance. He finally relented and radioed down for help.
"We have a Bailout," he said.?As I rode back down the mountain to the office, I was embarrassed, but more than that, I was relieved. They had me sign a form that at the top said - no lie - ?"Bailout Form."
It struck me that they kept referring to me as the Bailout. One thing I knew was that I may have bailed, but I am not a Bailout.
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We must separate our behavior and feelings from our identity.
You are not a worrier; you may worry. You are not a procrastinator; you sometimes procrastinate. Don't internalize labels - the negative psychological impacts are genuine for doing so.
Reflection: What labels do you need to lose? Start practicing now. "I'm not a people-pleaser, I just don't like dissapointing people." etc. We are not our behaviors. We are not our feelings. What labels do you need to remove from your nameplate? I promise you, it's worth it.?
PS. The next excursion was the repelling course in Skagway (pictured above - a little less height). At the top of the mountain, I stepped forward to go first (before my brain went on full alert) and successfully refused not only the label of "Bailout," but the action itself. ?
Have a joy-filled and label-free week, Tonya
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