When Bob Met Wendy: A Pecos River Love Story Plus A Life Lesson To Go First
Defining Moments: On November 4, thirty years ago, Bob and Wendy crossed paths during a life-changing team-building exercise at the renowned Pecos River Learning Center outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Bob was a high-powered Silicon Valley CEO, and Wendy was a VP with one of the most renowned brands in the world, Coca-Cola. Both were searching, but for what? Little did they know, this serendipitous meeting would lead to a beautiful marriage and inspire a feature in Larry Wilson’s influential book, “Play to Win.”
The Fateful “Name in a Pocket” Exercise
The Pecos River Learning Center is known for its innovative and impactful team-building activities. During one such exercise called “Name in a Pocket,” participants write the first name of a person in the group that they would like to partner with for the next team exercise. Then, they are to seek that person out, convince them to be their partner, and sit on the floor. Sixty people were in the room; Wendy wrote Bob’s name on the paper, and the facilitator said go! You have two minutes to convince them to be your partner. Wendy shot across the room, grabbed Bob, and sat on the floor without Bob’s input. When the exercise time was up, the facilitator asked if anyone had agreed to be partners because only Bob & Wendy were sitting on the floor. Bob raised his hand, and to the gasp of the rest of the group, he pulled the slip of paper out of his pocket, and Wendy’s name was written on it.
When Bob drew Wendy’s name, he felt an instant connection. As they shared their stories and vulnerabilities, a spark ignited between them. This began their 3,000-mile romance, which was chronicled in their book, “Defining Moments.” The exercise laid the foundation for a deep bond built on trust, understanding, and mutual respect.
Featured in “Play to Win”
Bob and Wendy’s story caught the attention of Larry Wilson, founder of the Pecos River Learning Center and author of the groundbreaking book, “Play to Win.” In his book, Wilson highlights the power of choosing growth over fear, a principle that Bob and Wendy embodied in their relationship.
Wilson featured the couple’s journey, from their serendipitous meeting at Pecos River to their thriving marriage, as a testament to the transformative power of embracing vulnerability and taking risks in both personal and professional life.
30 Years of Love and Adventure
Since that fateful day at Pecos River, Bob and Wendy have built a life together filled with love, laughter, and continuous growth. They credit the “Name in a Pocket” exercise for not only bringing them together but also teaching them the importance of open communication, active listening, and supporting each other’s dreams.
Throughout their 30-year marriage, Bob and Wendy have embarked on countless adventures, from backpacking across Europe to starting their own successful business. They continue inspiring others with their story of seizing opportunities, facing fears, and choosing love daily.
The Legacy of Pecos River
Bob and Wendy’s story is just one of many lives touched by the Pecos River Learning Center. The center has been a catalyst for personal and professional growth for decades, helping individuals and teams unlock their full potential through experiential learning and self-discovery.
As Bob and Wendy celebrate their 30th anniversary, they remain grateful for Pecos River’s role in their journey. They continue to embody the principles they learned during that pivotal “Name in a Pocket” exercise, proving that incredible things can happen when you open your heart to growth and connection.
You Go First
The Power of Going First: How Taking the First Step Can Transform Your Life
In the grand theater of life, we often find ourselves waiting in the wings, hoping for someone else to take the lead. We wait for the perfect opportunity, the right moment, or for someone else to make the first move. However, the truth is that by waiting, we miss out on countless opportunities to shape our lives and the world around us. It’s time to embrace the power of going first and witness how it can dramatically change your perspective and life.
The Waiting Game
Imagine a world where everyone is waiting for someone else to take action. A world where potential relationships never blossom because both people are waiting for the other to initiate a conversation. A world where innovative ideas remain dormant because no one is willing to be the first to propose them. This is the world we often find ourselves in when we fall into the trap of waiting.
Waiting breeds inaction and stagnation. When we wait for others to make the first move, we surrender our agency and let external factors dictate our lives. We become passive observers rather than active participants in our own stories.
The Courage to Take the First Step
Taking the first step requires courage. It means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing vulnerability. Going first can be daunting, whether it’s striking up a conversation with a stranger, proposing a new idea at work, or pursuing a long-held dream. However, in these moments of courage, we unlock the doors to new possibilities.
When you decide to be the one to make the first move, you take control of your life. You become the architect of your own destiny rather than waiting for life to happen to you. Taking action sets a chain of events that can lead to incredible opportunities and experiences.
The Ripple Effect
The power of going first extends far beyond your own life. When you take the first step, you inspire others to do the same. Your courage catalyzes change, encouraging those around you to embrace their own agency and take action.
Imagine the impact of a single person deciding to volunteer at a local charity. Their action may inspire friends and family to get involved, leading to a ripple effect of kindness and community service. Or consider the entrepreneur who takes the first step in pursuing their business idea, paving the way for others to follow in their footsteps and chase their own dreams.
A New Perspective
Your perspective on life shifts once you embrace the power of going first. Instead of seeing obstacles and challenges as insurmountable, you view them as opportunities for growth and change. You become more proactive, seeking out new experiences and taking calculated risks.
This newfound perspective can transform your relationships, career, and personal growth. You start to see the world as a place full of possibilities rather than limitations. You become your life’s driving force, shaping your future with each step you take.
Embrace the Power of Going First
In a world where everyone is waiting for someone else to make the first move, be the one who dares to go first. Embrace the courage within you and take that initial step towards your goals and dreams. Remember that every great journey begins with a single step, and every great change starts with a single action.
By going first, you transform your own life and inspire others to do the same. You become a catalyst for positive change, leaving a lasting impact on the world around you.
So, the next time you find yourself waiting for someone else to take the lead, remember the power of going first. Take a deep breath, summon your courage, and take that first step. Your life and the lives of those around you will never be the same.
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