Pictured above: A midday visit to Vickery Falls in the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area near Atlanta, Georgia

While dog sitting and housesitting for an older couple in Tallahassee, Florida, I planned a day trip to Wakulla Springs State Park, about a 45 minute drive from their house. After dutifully feeding and walking their dog, I left him a special peanut butter treat and eagerly hopped into the car. My excitement grew anticipating a riverboat tour I had read about that promised up close encounters with alligators and other wildlife. As I approached the entrance to the park, the Ranger delivered the news: “Sorry, the riverboat tours are completely sold out.” What? After driving all that way, I asked him if there was any possibility of getting onto one of the boats. He suggested contacting the Office Desk Clerk in case there were any cancellations. I called. No such luck. I was completely bummed.

After sulking in disappointment for a bit, my determination and inner optimism took over. I decided to head to the dock and scope out the situation firsthand before the next boarding; anticipating that someone might not show up. As folks began queueing in line, I gathered amongst them while setting back a bit to assess my odds of getting onto the tour. Before I knew it, the rangers for the riverboat tours herded us all onto three small boats, did a quick number count, and off we went.

I sheepishly looked around trying not to draw attention to myself. As it happened, there was plenty of room with several empty seats available. I was relieved. A bit of self-confidence, pride, and joy welled up in my heart as I relaxed back into my seat and took out my camera. I was thrilled!

It was a great tour and I was fortunate to see lots of gators, birds, turtles, and even manatees lurking below the surface. It was like a jungle cruise as the trees had lots of hanging vines. In fact, the old Tarzan movies with Johnny Weissmuller and the Creature from the Black Lagoon were filmed there. The whole experience was instructive in that sometimes when encountering a seemingly “no go” message, it pays to Show Up anyway!

“Showing up” includes being opportunistic at times. At another point during my vagaventure I was staying with some friends in Milton, Georgia (near Atlanta). I had several coaching clients sprinkled throughout the day. One of them canceled midday. It gave me about 2.5 hours of free time before my next client. Based on my friends’ recommendation, I was able to borrow one of their cars and head out to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area in Roswell. It was a wonderful place to hike and decompress as I took in the sights of Old Mill Park and Vickery Falls along the way.

I was so immersed in my surroundings that I ended up taking an unplanned “scenic” trail. My hike turned into a run — I needed get back in time for my late afternoon coaching clients! 😂

How Showing Up has Influenced Me

In the year since I wrapped up my travels, I’ve been more intentional about putting myself in positions to take advantage of opportunities that might arise, even when the odds may not look good.

For example, I recently attended a combination play and live musical act, The 27 Club, at a burgeoning community theater in Oceanside where I live. I was excited by the concept for the show and the music I was going to hear. When I went online to order tickets, I discovered they were sold out! Ugh. Drawing upon my vagabond experience, I decided to go anyway and see what happened. When I showed up at the makeshift box office outside the theatre, it turns out they had one ticket left! I happily paid them and strode on in.

I’m so glad I followed my intuition. The performance was phenomenal and included hits from the likes of Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Robert Johnson, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Amy Winehouse who all tragically died when they were just 27 years old. Fascinating, right?

How about you? What might be some personal benefits if you were to “show up” more often?

In the year since finishing my six-month Vagabond Adventure throughout the U.S. and Canada, I’ve had time to reflect on this incredible experience from which I gleaned 10 life lessons. Previously, I wrote about my experiences with Generosity , Connection, Flexibility and Security and their impacts on me.