―Eleanor Roosevelt
As a woman, I read this quote and seek to follow Mrs. Roosevelt's advice. As a boater, I seek to live it. From day to day, life seems to escape from us as we work or attend school. And to what end? Yes, we do these things to secure a future for ourselves, but we tend to also use that as excuse not to pursue what we desire. For myself, my true happiness lies on the water.
I can tell you the exact moment I got hooked on paddling. It was on the Nantahala River and I, a novice still, made my way down to the Falls. At the time, the rapid looked huge. I remember watching the water surge and give me a great big push as I went through the Falls terrified. Of course the boat was quickly flipped over and I leaned forward to pull my skirt. Only my skirt wouldn't come off. Eventually, with some brute leg force I wiggled my way out, but not before the water worked me like I was nothing. It was a bonding experience. In that moment, I understood my insignifance and how my pride could so easily be shaken. The river is always the winner. It is the most powerful force.
It may have been a small swim in retrospect, but I found pure joy in that instant. It wasn't in the actual swim itself that I found this bliss, but in understanding what I was capable of then. It was a challenge. The river asked me if I was willing to let it all go and never come back, or to become its' partner and seek to harness it's power. My choice was easy.
Now as work seems to consume me, I feel anxious and stressed as nothing can compare to how I feel on the water. I find so little time for myself and my pursuits. In the end though, there truly is time for everything. I'm tired of making the excuse that work gets in my way. I can make time for the river when the water calls. When it challenges me yet again.
So this weekend you won't find me at home watching Netflix or reading a book. You won't find me dreaming for more time.
You will find me on the river.
Gnar-Lee
