The most profound life lessons don’t always come from books or boardrooms. Sometimes, they come from a conversation with your child.
Recently, my 12-year-old daughter went on a school excursion to the Lekki Conservation Centre. When she returned, she shared her experience on the canopy walk, and it’s a story I can’t stop thinking about.
The canopy walk is a suspended bridge, 73 feet above the ground, where you walk across narrow wooden planks while gripping two thin ropes for balance. It’s beautiful… and terrifying.
When I asked her how she felt, her response was simple but powerful:
“Yes, I was scared… but I had to face my fear.”
Then she told me something even more incredible, she led her entire class across the bridge. She was the first to step on.
There were seven bridges in total. After the first, called the Decision Bridge, the instructor said anyone could go back. But once you took the second, there was no turning back, you had to finish the rest.
And my daughter did.
That moment revealed so much more than just a school trip. It was a blueprint for life, leadership, and personal growth.
“What’s Your Bridge?”
The truth is, we’re all on our own version of the canopy walk.
For some, it’s launching a new business.
For others, it’s healing in marriage, saying yes to leadership, or starting life in a new city.
That moment when you must step onto the bridge, shaky, uncertain, afraid but move forward anyway?
That’s the walk of faith. That’s the canopy walk of life.
Here Are 5 Life Lessons the Canopy Walk Taught Me
1. Courage Is Not the Absence of Fear
Fear is real. But courage means moving forward anyway. What matters isn’t whether you’re afraid, but whether you’ll keep walking in spite of it.
2. You’re More Ready Than You Think
Leadership isn’t always planned. My daughter didn’t set out to lead the class but she did. Sometimes leadership chooses you the moment you decide to go first.
3. Decisions Define Direction
The Decision Bridge is a metaphor for life. One step forward can close the door to excuses and open the gate to progress. What are you standing on today that’s asking you to decide?
4. Commitment Changes Everything
Once you go past the second step, you commit. In business, marriage, dreams, or new beginnings; commitment gives birth to clarity.
5. Children Can Be Our Greatest Teachers
If we slow down enough to listen, children remind us of what truly matters, faith, courage, decision-making, and joy in the journey.
Sometimes, your next level is just one “yes” away… one shaky step forward, even when you’re scared.
My daughter’s bravery reminded me and maybe it’s a reminder for you too that fear doesn’t need to be eliminated; it needs to be faced.
So here’s my question to you:
What bridge are you refusing to cross because of fear?
Bunmi Obanise
Coach | Trainer | Author
