This week I’ve been sitting with a simple reminder: don’t let the unknowns of tomorrow steal today’s flow.
We all know how easy it is to get caught in the “what ifs” — what if the weather ruins camp, what if the Scouts forget their gear, what if this whole meeting turns into chaos. Before we know it, tomorrow’s worries rob us of the energy we could be using right now.
Instead, I’ve been practicing the same advice I’d give a Scout crossing a stream: look for the next stepping stone, not the whole river at once. One step, then another. That’s how you get across.
In Scouting (and life), the flow happens when we focus on what’s right in front of us. Prepare, yes. Be mindful, yes. But stay here — in this step, on this stone, with this moment.
This week’s simple challenge:
- Pick one thing in front of you today.
- Give it your best attention.
- Then take the next step, when it’s time.
That’s it. Flow isn’t about doing it all at once. It’s about not losing today to tomorrow’s unknowns.
Jack (the three-legged coach): “Sniff the next stone. Step. Wag. Repeat. Also, snacks help.”
Jack again: “If you slip, that’s okay—shake it off and try the next rock.”
Keep on Wacky Scouting,
Scott