the "wo ho" factor

Brothers Skate park, Mammoth, CA

Yesterday, I had the wonderful pleasure of driving to Carson City and Silver Springs work diffrent work assignments. I embraced the opportunity to nourish myself with music and podcasts during the drive. I listened to one podcast from the radio show, How She Really Does It with Koren Motekaitis,  in this interview back in January 2011, howshereallydoesit  Koren spoke with Martha Beck. During this interview I thought a lot about my inspirational mom who thrives with some of the core beliefs Martha spoke of: confronting fear, do what brings you joy and finding your "woo ho factor."

Bev Bihler, Check Her Out!

I believe my mom modeled these core beliefs. My mom lives each day doing what gives her the most joy, I loved that Martha referred to it as the, "woo ho factor." This made me think of my mom who confronts fear at the skate park. During a skate session she experiences a sense of growth, self-expression and will often yell out "woo ho," with a big smile on her face. Mom began to become a regular at the local skate park at the same time I was 14 and also confronting fear on a skate board.
During these teenage years in my life this fact proved to be a bonding experience as well as humiliating and irritating. As I was listening to this podcast my mind was flooded with the the times I felt embarrassed to arrive at a skate park with my mom and extreme humility each time a "wo ho!" was heard. As I continued to immerse myself in these memories, I was overcome by awe and affection. I reflect back on these thoughts and embrace the wonderful lesson of living in the moment she modeled for me. As Martha says in her interview, doing something every day that scares you will build empowerment and confidence. My mom is my hero and has taught me to find what is juicy in my life and live for it, especially when it is a fear at first.