Elevators or Elevate Her? Lessons from a Squirrely Brain

Ah, Sunday mornings. A time for quiet reflection, warm cups of tea, and my brain doing its best impersonation of a squirrel hopped up on espresso. Let’s not kid ourselves though—this is how my brain works every day of the week. And honestly? That’s okay, because squirrels are adorable (until they’re digging in my plants or taunting my dog, but I digress). Speaking of my dog, he’s got a love-hate relationship with squirrels. They’re his daily nemesis—a goal he chases with relentless enthusiasm despite the overwhelming evidence he will never catch one. A future blog on perseverance or the definition of insanity? Perhaps. But today, dear reader, we’re talking about elevators.

Yes, elevators.

This word popped into my head this morning in that magical space where all brilliant (and ridiculous) ideas seem to originate: the shower. Apparently, there’s an actual phenomenon behind this—it’s called the “Shower Effect.” When our brains aren’t bogged down by “demanding tasks,” creativity flows. Problems are solved, ideas spark, and, in my case, the word “elevator” takes up residence alongside questions like, “Should I start a cookie-based diet?” (Answer: Always yes.)

But back to elevators. Or rather, “Elevate Her,” because my brain decided to toss in a playful word twist while it was at it. Why settle for one concept when you can have both? Much like cookies, two is better than one.

So, let’s explore the world of elevators. Big ones, small ones, cargo elevators, and the fancy, marble-and-mirror kind. Some go up; some go down. Some take you to breathtaking heights, while others creakily service a handful of floors. Occasionally, you have to switch elevators to reach your destination. Life, much like an elevator, is full of choices and directions.

Elevators: The Metaphor We Didn’t Know We Needed

Life often feels like riding an elevator. Sometimes, we’re carrying heavy baggage. Sometimes, we’re stuck between floors, unsure whether to panic or patiently wait for help. Maybe we’re on an express ride to the top, or perhaps we’ve accidentally pressed the wrong button and ended up on the wrong floor.

The question is, how do you handle your elevator moments?

Are you playing it small or stepping out in grand style? Are you cramming yourself into a tiny, overcrowded elevator, or are you owning the space in a glass-walled masterpiece?
Are you going up or down? Are you ascending toward your goals, or are you descending into habits and patterns that don’t serve you?
Are you stuck? And if so, how are you managing it? Are you calm, or are you frantically pressing buttons and yelling, “HELLO?!” into the emergency phone?

Elevator Encounters

Elevators aren’t just transportation devices; they’re tiny stages for human interaction. For instance, I once decided to turn elevator rides into an impromptu game show. Upon an unsuspecting passenger entering the elevator, while I was at the control panel, I’d turn and ask them, “Ladies’ handbags on the third floor or men’s ties on the second floor?” The responses were pure gold. Some people played along, laughing and enjoying the absurdity. Others stared at me like I’d just asked if they wanted fries with their existential crisis. (In their defense, this was a three-story building with lawyers on the second floor and medical offices on the third floor.) A third group desperately wished the elevator would reach their floor faster so they could flee the crazy lady.

The lesson? Humor breaks barriers. It’s a reminder not to take life (or ourselves) too seriously.

How Does This Apply to Life Coaching?

Great question! Elevators provide a brilliant metaphor for personal and professional growth. Here are a few lessons we can draw:

Know Your Destination: As you step into an elevator, you press a button. In life, clarity about where you’re headed is equally important. Are you aiming for the penthouse of success or a comfortable middle floor? Define your goals.
Travel Light: Baggage is heavy, whether it’s physical luggage or emotional weight. Leave behind what you don’t need to make the ride smoother.
Be Ready for Detours: Sometimes, the elevator gets stuck, or we end up on the wrong floor. It’s okay to recalibrate and try again.
Elevate Others: Elevators don’t just carry you; they carry everyone else onboard. Use your journey to lift others. Smile at a stranger, hold the door, or offer encouragement.
Enjoy the Ride: Whether it’s a short trip or a skyscraper climb, don’t forget to savor the view. Every floor offers a unique perspective.

The Funny Side of Elevators

Let’s not overlook the sheer comedy elevators can bring. Remember the scene in Tommy Boy where Tommy and Richard pitch their business on an elevator? Classic. Or think about those awkward moments when you realize you’ve been humming along to elevator music a little too enthusiastically. And let’s not forget the unspoken rule of elevator etiquette: pretend you’re invisible. Heaven forbid you make prolonged eye contact.

The next time you’re in an elevator, why not shake things up? Compliment someone’s shoes. Say something goofy like, “I hear the second floor has the best snacks.” Life’s too short to ride the elevator in silence.

A Challenge for Your Next Elevator Ride

The next time you find yourself in an elevator, consider these questions:

What funny encounters have you had in an elevator?
Have you ever met someone who became a friend or partner in one?
What type of elevator rider are you? (The jokester? The quiet observer? The button-masher?)
How will you engage with the people sharing your ride?

And if elevators aren’t part of your daily life, think of it metaphorically. What’s your next “elevator moment” in life? Are you ready to step in, press the button, and elevate yourself?

Final Thoughts

Life is full of ups and downs, unexpected stops, and quirky moments. Whether you’re riding in a sleek glass elevator or one that smells faintly of someone’s questionable lunch choice, remember this: You’re in control of the journey. Make it fun. Make it meaningful. And for goodness’ sake, always hold the door for others—unless they’re squirrels. Then all bets are off.

Ready to press the button and elevate your life? Whether you're stuck between floors or soaring toward new heights, life coaching can help you find your direction, lighten your baggage, and savor the ride. Let’s embrace the humor, tackle the unexpected stops, and transform your "elevator moments" into powerful steps forward. Reach out today, and together, we’ll take your journey to the next level—squirrels optional!