In the conclusion of the zipline excursion series, the Hummingbird Zip Line Course’s story exemplifies the meaning of “bounce-up™” and could resonate with you during our current times.

When Hummingbird opened in 2013, the company signed a 12-year concession contract with Gulf Shore State Park. For three years in a row, the public voted the course Gulf Shores #1 attraction. Imagine the momentum, pride, and success the owners and staff felt.

“Mj, your newsletter really resonated with me,” a colleague shared, talking about my ziplining excursion in last week’s edition. His response kicked off the second topic in this three-part series.   After the six of us zipped to Hummingbird’s second tower, one adventure-goer tossed her heavy leather gloves. Shook her head. Done! Dense vegetation surrounded the tower set in Gulf Shores State Park. After several quiet radio calls and the arrival of two crew members in a sports utility vehicle, the muscle-toned guides lowered the cabled harnessed woman to safety.

Have you looked at a photo and instantly you’re taken back to that moment in time?

This past week a photo memory from 2013 surfaced in my social feed. I remembered how heavy my legs felt as I climbed the first of seven extremely high towers on the Hummingbird Zip Line Course. The same heaviness some people experienced when they picked up the phone to make a cold call. The sweat gathered on the palms of my hands as I held the oversized palm-padded leather gloves. And that little voice said, “This sounded like a better idea when I was sitting in my home office in Pittsburgh.”

This week, like many, football is on my mind. High school, college, and professional teams have kicked off what will be an unusual season. My thoughts drift to the coaches I know, and I can only imagine the additional stress the pandemic will cause. I know each coach will have a strategy as strategies are a crucial piece to the game, which brings me to this week’s edition.

In 1998, I met the legendary best-selling suspense author Mary Higgins Clark who has published over 50 books during her lifetime. Mary shared her story of writing from the kitchen table while raising small children. What stuck with me was one extremely specific tip she recommended: Never throw away an idea. Write down those ideas and saved them.

We often hear people reference the quote, “When one door closes, another opens.”  Do you wonder how many people believe it? You probably could guess that I do believe it. Granted, one needs to have an open mind, be open to possibilities, and act on the opportunity. Though a door could be open, it’s taking the step to go through it to see what waits on the other side of it that makes a difference.

Over the past few years, I followed SnackNation and its co-founder Sean Kelly. One of the reasons I like this company, in addition to Sean’s innovative solution to a problem and his ability to shift, is its social giveback, following other companies like Bombas, Warby Parker and Love Your Melon.

In 2012, while still in college, Sean watched a fellow gym member grab a Coke, take a sip, and hop on an elliptical.

Over the weekend, I talked with a friend who is moving from Boston to Rhode Island in two weeks. In our conversation, she mentioned each day she continues doing another “once-over” to decrease the chance of packing, moving, and storing items she’s doesn’t need in her new space.

Competition. That one word causes many reactions. If you’ve had a positive competitive experience in the past, you’ll remember the excitement. If it wasn’t a good one, you’re probably groaning. Either way, a new challenge could be good for you.

Three times in July I moved my deck furniture for some type of exterior maintenance work on my townhouse, which is one of the benefits of an HOA community. My next-door neighbor stopped me one day ranting about the three-day notice to move plants, décor, outdoor rug, and furniture. With the third project, we had two and a half extra days to prepare compared to the 12 hours we had with the first project.

Do you have a month that has more challenges than other months? One that you must be extremely intentional about so that you’re not looking in the rearview mirror recalling past events. Mine is July. This summer month has shaken up my life and turned it upside down more than any other…and more than once.

There are specific dates etched in my mind for two reasons. First, the event itself and second, the events are part of the person I am today just as any adversity you have faced is part of you.

As I deleted photos from my camera roll, I came across one that had me shaking my head. I sat at the red traffic light staring at the marketing yard signs placed at a heavily-traveled intersection off Interstate 79.

“They all look alike. Not one sign stands out.” I remember thinking this out loud and quickly snapped the picture to use for future sales training.

Did you ever hear someone discuss a leader who talks about teamwork, yet consistently micromanages his team? Or make a remark about a colleague? “Here comes Jason, late as usual?” Jason has created a negative habit and he’s known for it.

Once, I had a boss who always said, “no” to anything new. His motto was “We always did it this way.” Innovation wasn’t on his radar.

Learning to shift is a key ingredient when it comes to resilience, bouncing-up™ and business. With the movement of world events and the economy, shifting becomes vital. For most businesses, it isn’t always easy. For family-owned farms, at the mercy of the climate, they can get hit twofold.

For the past several months, like many, I’ve livestreamed Sunday Services. Adding a bit of spice to my at-home time, I decided to explore different faith options in other states. When I travel, I love absorbing new cultures and experiences. Why not gain new experiences from my living room. With technology, there would be a plethora of options and opportunities. (Psst. You might be wondering what church has to do with prepping--keep reading for the bigger vision.)

We had a glorious day for the summer solstice this weekend in Pittsburgh. For many, including me, consider the solstice as summer’s kickoff. It also marks my annual Shake, Shed, and Shred event, which had me wondering how others celebrate as I walked out of the office supply store. Do you have a yearly tradition or a way to celebrate summer solstice? Is it a personal tradition or professional one?

My “8 Days of Ireland” has ended. It’s one “trip” that I didn’t gain weight, break the budget, and arrive home exhausted. 😊

The week’s Bounce-Up™ theme combines creativity with engagement. Whether you’re trying to nurture your social network, boost your list, increase your client base, or grow a business or membership, engagement is a core foundation.

This week, June 8th–15th, I would be touring Ireland had the virus not swept throughout the world. As a gift to myself, this trip would celebrate bouncing-up during the second Pink Pumpkin diagnosis. During my Ireland travels, I would meet family members for the first time. As the weeks passed, it was a forgone conclusion: Ireland wouldn’t happen this year. You’ve probably experienced your share of cancelations or postponements, too. Like many people, disappointment hit.

Have you ever wondered why some people seem unshakable in the face of adversity, while others become immobilized? Though it looks like the “unshakable” people are equipped with an extra something, most often, they developed core fundamentals. When a crisis happens, they’re proactive.

Do you remember the I Spy books filled with hidden photos? The first book launched in April 1992. Sometimes those concealed objects were obvious and sometimes they were not. I like to think of opportunities in the same way I view the I Spy books. Opportunities are like those hidden pictures.