The day of the Presidential Fitness Test, we ninth graders are asked to grab hold of the thick rope in the middle of the gym floor and shimmy up to the red tape overhead, using arms and legs. Most of the kids look bored but I am filled with excitement. Legs swinging wildly beneath me, using only my arms, I shoot right past the red tape far below and climb until I can leave the rope entirely and grasp the rust-red painted steel beam. I feel my breath in gasps as the rope burns my palms on the way down.
Christi Byerly is the CEO of Awaken Coach Institute, which exists for your bravery. She trains depth coaches who want this world to be more loving for everyone.