Don't Walk Alone In The Desert: Lessons Learned in Arizona

Recently I returned from the SDP annual conference in Arizona with a lot of new ideas and inspiration to build my business.   Mary Carol Garrity inspired all of us with her candor and her remarkable story of her rise to the top.  Despite her abundance of personal success in the home furnishings and decor industry,  I couldn't help but notice how much credit she gave to others who have helped her along her walk. 

I went to conference a few days early to take advantage of the SDP's invitation to "relax, renew, and rejuvenate".  My roommate Wendy and I started out early our first day into the desert for a 2.5 mile interpretive walk established and maintained by the Wild Horse Pass staff.  As the blazing sun bore down upon us, I realized an even earlier start might have been better.  We found our way together though, and enjoyed the Gila River and the natural flora of the Arizona desert.

Wendy left conference a day earlier than I, and on that last day there I decided to take that desert walk by myself.  I started out early, recalling it would be about a 40 minute walk.  I had my bottled water and cell phone, but no sunscreen or hat to shield my face from the already intense sunrays.

Somewhere along my way, I inadvertently strayed off the trail.  Suddenly I noticed there were no signs to read; there was no Gila River along my side.  I strained to see the rooftop of our resort, but the horizon revealed few clues.  I tried to retrace my steps but suddenly everywhere I looked the scenery looked the same: dry, dusty and brown without a trace of shade.  I tried to quell the panic I was starting to feel emerge.  The eerie desert silence did not help.

True I had my cell phone, but no actual phone numbers to the resort.  Earlier that morning I had been in touch with Kris Ozgar, someone I had only briefly met from conference, about sharing a ride to the airport.  Quickly I hit "send" on my phone as she was the last person I had contact with before my walk.  I was relieved to hear her voice, but felt foolish telling her I was lost in the desert, not knowing how to explain where someone might find me.  I told her I would find my way, and hung up feeling a little less alone.

By this time it was really getting hot and my walking pace increased along with the temperature.   I knew I had to find my way back to the river and that if I could find it, I would follow it back to the resort.  Ten to fifteen minutes later I heard the water and saw a small sign bearing a stick picture of a hiker. I was headed back to civilization...but still it was a long walk back.  I called Kris again and told her I had found my way.  When I finally opened the door of the resort and embraced the cool blast of AC, I realized I had been gone almost an hour and a half!

As soon as I felt secure on that trail back to safety, I began to think about what had happened.  I am sure a lizard or two heard me say aloud "Beth, what were you thinking taking a walk alone in this desert? "   Wasn't it blatantly clear at conference that we need our friends and colleagues for support, to get ahead, to help us find our way?   

Yes, this was the most valuable lesson I learned at conference, August 2008.

Beth Batke

Comments

[DesAnn]

Thank goodness your'e safe! You shared an important point about how we really are a "Sisterhood" at The SDP.
Just think what a GREAT story that will be someday for you to tell your grandchildren!

My best,
DesAnn
Design By DesAnn ohio

[Cynthia Havens]

Beth,

I am so glad you made it back safely. I love the desert and its beauty but wow...it is so hot out there this time of year! I enjoyed reading your comments.

Cynthia Havens
Awesome Interiors

[Annie Doherty]

Beth
I am very glad that you returned safely. I only went for a 45 minute walk and that was enough in the heat.

Thank you for reminding us that we have friends and colleagues in a great organization that will help and support us.

Annie