I was listening to the news last week and learned about a young man named Zac Sunderland who is attempting to be the youngest person to circumnavigate the world solo, and I thought, now THAT is cool.

I’m intrigued by his story because where many people are asking themselves ‘why are his parents letting him do it?’ I was, instead, asking, ‘what did they do to raise such a confident, capable young man?’ The news shows interviewed psychologists who discussed whether a teenager has the right skills to make the necessary life or death decisions, and people weighed in from both sides. Again, I was asking a different question: Does everyone has those decision-making skills even at the age they are supposed to have them?

When you read his bio you realize that he may only be 16 years old but he already has extensive experience sailing. As you continue to read about him, it makes complete sense to me that he would want to embark on this adventure and attempt to achieve this goal.

If you want to hear a firsthand account of his journey, read his blog. Even better, share his story with your kids and use his blog like a daily chapter in a book that is sure to enthrall them.

Zac: May you reach your goal and have safe passage throughout your journey.