It took a good hour before he went for it.

Dropping into the bowl is a terrifying thought, as boys all around him easily zoomed up and down, encouraging and showing him how it could be done.

The secret?

You have to lean into it, you can’t lean back.

Full commitment.

Watching strangers come to my son’s encouragement and coaching, knowing he’s new to this skateboarding world, and mentoring him along, it was inspiring seeing these kids teaching powerful life lessons without realizing it.

And then – he dropped in!

Didn’t fall.

Elated he went again and again until it was fairly easy.

Eventually his new skate pals looked at the board he’d received from a friend as a hand-me-down and they suggested he needed something a little better if he was committing to skating.

Since he had taken the initiative to try something I never dared to in my youth (dropping in was too risky for me and my skateboarding adventures) we next found ourselves at the skateboard shop getting a custom board for his new passion, helped along by his new pal Ryder who built the board.

When our child, or anyone we lead, finds their gifts, passions, talents, what tools are we giving them to succeed at a higher level?

When was the last time you recognized and acknowledged the strangers-turned-mentors who have come along your journey and helped you succeed?

What is one activity or adventure where you can be fully committed to improvement, by leaning into your newest adventure?

What is your Promise To Lean In?

What a cool thing to watch my son Royal experience so many aspects of leadership and The Promise in one day, and how grateful I am for those who helped guide him along the way to discovering a new Signature Move.

Proud of you, Royal.