Susi Dokken | Our Stories Matter
By: Susi Dokken
I’ve been traveling to Morocco for 15 years in my role as the president of a nonprofit. So when Sheryl reached out for a chat before her Dare to Detour Morocco trip, it felt somewhat natural. We decided to meet for what I thought would be a regular first-date coffee, but within an hour, something profound happened.
It might sound a bit dramatic, but as Sheryl shared her journey of facing breast cancer, a double mastectomy, dealing with betrayal and divorce, and eventually a move to Bozeman, I couldn't help but be in awe of her bravery and resilience. Her story lingered in my thoughts for days, making me wonder if I could have endured all that she had.
Despite happily being married for 39 years, no one can never predict the future. What struck me was Sheryl's decision not to return to her previous corporate life but instead stay true to her new dream of travel, adventure, and deep meaningful encounters with other women. So our first meeting was thought-provoking, but then came her “Never Have I Ever” challenge, and that was something else entirely!
Reading Sheryl's blog made me realize that I had grown complacent. My days were passing happily but predictably—a stark contrast to my earlier life, which was filled with adventure and adrenaline. I had flown in high school, taught stunt flying, chased tornadoes, and worked as a weather modification pilot before becoming one of the first female pilots hired by United Airlines in the mid-'80s at the age of 23. I flew some of the biggest and fastest passenger jets, traveled the world for decades, and even jumped out of planes. As I had my three sons and moved to Montana, adrenaline gradually slipped away as my focus shifted to their priorities. Although I continued to travel the globe extensively, nothing seemed new or challenging. It wasn't until I read Sheryl's blog that I realized the drastic change in my life.
So, I sat down and created a list—a "Never Have I Ever" list. Not just any list, but one I shared with my boys, since I would need their help with some of the more remote backcountry adventures. They were so excited that within a week, they were cutting holes in the ice, building a bonfire, and lining up shots of Fireball for my first Polar Plunge.
This past year has been almost entirely devoted to my list, and I can’t imagine what it would’ve looked like without it. So far, I’ve gone backcountry skiing, ice climbing, completed a triathlon, mountain climbed a Via Ferrata in Northern Africa, and even attended a CIA course where I learned to escape duct tape, handcuffs, and zip ties, as well as pick locks and disarm bad guys.
I have big goals for next year, starting with the 29029 Everesting challenge, where you have 36 hours to climb the height of Mt. Everest here in America. Meeting Sheryl made me realize that it's never too late to reinvent or rediscover your dreams, no matter what they are.
Sheryl, thank you for being a spark of light for women who are facing big challenges or who have become a tad complacent like me. Carpe Diem…you are teaching us by your example!
