The Beauty of Dunns River Falls, Jamaica - parenting and leading against the current
One of the last trips I took before the world stopped for Covid-19 was to Jamaica. It was February 2020 and we were escaping from the DC cold at the Beaches Ocho Rios. It was our first all-inclusive kid-friendly resort trip, and all of us were having a blast. As we left the US and arrived in Jamaica, we observed the warnings about traveling from east Asia and guidance to keep distance from other travelers… little did we know it would be our last vacation for a while.
Our family had a truly amazing trip, enjoying the numerous activities, kids club, beaches, staff, food, and adult beverages. And although I’m someone who can certainly plop down on a beach towel and truly relax with the waves all day, I also like to explore and take in all I can. Always relying on my well-read 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, I had the perfect family adventure: a hike up Dunns River Falls.
If you’ve traveled to Jamaica and visited Dunns River Falls, you likely remember a few key points. First, it’s a beautiful waterfall nestled in rainforest-like groves along the beach. Second, it’s a legit hike on slippery rocks and boulders. Third, barefoot guides abound offering their services to escort you against the waterfall’s current. And perhaps most importantly, you remember getting super friendly with the people standing next to you as you made a human chain.
I’m all in for adventure and pushing myself, but add a scared four year old and nervous six year old, and my mama confidence was beginning to rattle. We started up the waterfall amidst other travelers, holding hands for support and stability. Paul and I decided we would be best suited for him to lead, followed by our daughter, then me, and then our son. It was only a bit into the trek that I realized four year old legs weren’t long enough to make some of the steps. My hand didn’t just need to hold his, but I needed to lift him up. And if you haven’t ever hiked while in a line all holding hands hundreds of people long, then you have no idea how hard balancing yourself and others can be. Everyone going their own pace, but needing to heel to those stumbling in front while supporting those behind. And all while holding hands!
I remember the man - the stranger - holding my son’s other hand and encouraging him when he started to cry out of frustration and assuring us that we were fine when our kids started to slow down the line. At one point as our youngest was on the brink of a full on preschool meltdown - with no exit on this climb in sight, the man profoundly said, “You are only as good as your reach.” As we continued to press upwards and onwards, the reminder that we needed every hand in the line to push and pull us all to the finish line calmed me, which in turn allowed me to calm my kiddo.
Now in a Covid-19 era when the notion of touching a stranger is rare, I look back on our Dunns River Falls climb with an even deeper appreciation for the term ‘helping hands’ through the lens of a parent and leader.
Calming a scared child requires a calm, confident parent, much like how a leader needs to behave when needing her team to rise to an occasion. When faced with the stress of a new adventure or challenge, we need to swallow our fears and find our strength so that it may radiate to those who rely on us.
Going against the current to reach your goals requires a strong support line. Stability when the forces get too strong, a hand to pull you up or push you when you’re weary.
My Dunns Falls adventure reminded me that “With a little love and some tenderness
We'll walk upon the water
We'll rise above the mess
With a little peace and some harmony
We'll take the world together
We'll take 'em by the hand…”. Thanks, Hootie.
