Recently, I spent an incredible weekend at a beautiful beach house in Milford, CT in the company of Edgewalkers. To say the experience was life-altering is an understatement. It was validation that life was meant to be juicy, joyous, challenging, exciting and full. Life was never meant to be dull, complacent or ordinary. It was edifying to be in the company of such wondrous, complex and eclectic women. We shared our thoughts, ideas, challenges and dreams and I came away from the weekend even more determined to pursue what my soul hears, a calling. A calling that may be unconventional to some, but I am certain, just right for me.
An Edgewalker is not easy to define because they are usually indefinable. They are the ones with the 'crazy' ideas or have unconventional ways of getting things done. They are the ones who can envision the end when all around them is in chaos. They are the bridge between the conventional and known and the unknown. They are the ones who utilize intuition skillfully at work and at play. They somehow know because they…just know. They are not traditionalist by any stretch of the imagination. They feel compelled to travel the path that is before them, even if they have to go it alone or with a few. It is that passion that propels them, but sometimes leaves them on the outside of corporate thinking and corporate culture. However, it is this edgy thinker that is needed in today's world, business and non-business, because they are comfortable with not knowing. They will find their way. We are dappling with unknown territory in many ways and who better to step into the new frontier than an Edgewalker.
The workshop was based on the book, Edgewalkers, by Judi Neal. We talked broadly and intimately about the joys and challenges of being an Edgewalker. It is difficult role to play as there are many times people just do not get you. They do not always understand how you problem solve; why something is very important to you and not at all to them; and how you make decisions with your gut and not spreadsheets. Many times, you are right on the mark and you have valid points, but it is so frustrating getting there. Sometimes you cannot explain how you got 'there'. Take heart and persevere. It is the unconventional skills and methods of Edgewalkers that are needed to step into new territory. They can see what may have been overlooked before as unimportant and they can move forward based solely on faith when others cannot. Take heart and persevere, because you are needed.
One thing I absolutely know is that we need vision, big and small. So whether you are a full-blooded Edgewalker or daring to let Edgewalker characteristics peak out, you are needed. It is Edgewalking thinking that could give you the courage to step out and try something new even when everyone else doubts you. It is sharing that crazy idea that turns your company around. It is creating a business plan that did not exist before but works wonderfully in the new economy. It is knowing your new career choice is the right one and leaving behind the job that was killing your spirit.
Edgewalking is not pursuing foolishness; it is being called by something far greater than you and you simply have a role to play, not as a puppet, but as a fire-starter. It is the courage to play bold. I am more determined to live authentically and fully. I am going to enjoy walking on the edge and canceling any fear that may be waiting on the side of the roads. I will not take fear with me. I challenge you to do the same. Leave fear behind and step into a fantastic life. Roll with the setbacks and learn from them, but by all means, live with joy and walk the edge.