I have used this phrase for years, generally to refer to specific activities of my daughters, friends, or acquaintances. As I typed the title for this week, I was motivated to see if my view of this indulgence was correct. I googled it and found the expected definition , ‘living life through someone else’s experience”. Sounds ok until the caveat follows, “vicarious living can be dangerous because it takes away from the happiness and satisfaction that we should feel when we are thinking about our own lives.” My daughters, Megan and Katie and their spouses backpacked and camped in the Cecil D. Andrus-White Clouds Wilderness. Three nights and two days in one of the most spectacular places on earth. The photos and stories retold allowed those who stayed behind to get a flavor for the journey. I am no longer ready for a 16 plus mile round trip hike through rugged, steep terrain to enjoy the Boulder Chain lakes and the views, not to mention sleeping on the ground. The definition suggests that those that can, should “create your own damn content!” Now I find myself on the horns of a dilemma, pack up and hike to the white clouds or live the safer style. Bet you can guess what trail I choose.
I proudly continue to serve on the Board of the Andrus Center for Public Policy. The Andrus Center advances the legacy issues of former Idaho Governor and Secretary of the Interior, Cecil D. Andrus—“wise use of our environmental resources and public lands, proper funding of education for our children, and the cultivation of leadership from all segments of society.” The center provides a nationally respected forum for addressing vital public policy issues of our time. In 2015 the White Cloud area was designated as a wilderness area within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area and renamed in honor of Cecil for his efforts to protect it for future generations, in 2018. The combination of sub alpine lakes, abundant creeks, hiking trails and the limestone and metamorphic silicates which give the mountain peaks their striking white appearance. Like Castle Peak, Cecil was a mountain of a human being and his civility and strong leadership are being carried on in the work of the Center he created.
In late September the Andrus Center will present the 9th Annual Women and Leadership Conference. Last year in a totally virtual setting the center hosted over 1100 attendees. “The center is committed to gender equity in our boardrooms, our corporate suites, our professions, our elected offices, and other leadership positions throughout our country. Our Women and Leadership conference is designed to empower the leaders of tomorrow by sharing the knowledge, insights, and motivating forces driving today’s most successful women.” Cecil Andrus understood the power of a diversity and gender equity in our society. My view is that Cec would not be living vicariously as this battle to save our democracy goes forward.
Stay safe, push for vaccinations and mandating mask wearing. Enjoy the week end. Mike