Personal Experience
My husband and I were vacationing in western Sicily recently and planned a visit to Erice, a hilltop town above Trapani. At breakfast, another couple warned us about fog and dangerous mountain roads. A waiter the night before mentioned icy conditions and bitter cold.
I have motion sickness and a healthy fear of narrow, winding roads. I immediately wanted to cancel.
My husband calmly reminded me that he has driven extensively in Italy. He would go slowly. I had packed plenty of sweaters.
Hesitantly, I agreed.
Yes, it was foggy. Yes, he drove carefully. And no — the roads were not nearly as bad as I had imagined. On the way down, the clouds lifted and revealed a breathtaking view of the ocean and the elegant coastline of Trapani.
Erice, Sicily, Italy. February 2026
That moment exists because I chose to go.
Leadership Learning
In work and in life, fear and resistance often guard the very experiences that would stretch and reward us.
I believe deeply in living what matters and focusing on less. But once we choose our focus, we eventually reach a point that requires courage.
Clarity alone isn't enough.
We have to go there.
Reflection
You are exceptional at what you do.
Where is the place — not necessarily literal — that you know you need to go, but have been hesitating?
What would open up if you did?
