So where has summer gone? Yesterday I stopped by Cascade Paddle Sports in Redmond,Wa. For 2 years I drove by them everyday on my way to a job I intensely disliked, but was to afraid to let go of. Especially in the summer, day after day, I would drive by going this is the summer I am going to learn to kayak. See, I have always had the intense draw to be by, live by or be on and in the water. And yet day after day, I would drive by the shop with all it's pretty kayaks glistening in the sun, calling me out by name, and I continued to live in financial fear and insecurity. A year ago, it took getting fired from that job that I intensely disliked to finally stopping by that store. And three months ago, the first day of my life took on a whole new meaning, when I stepped foot onto a paddle board. One must find what they are most passionate about in this life. For without passion, we are just drones, merely existing, in some self imposed prison, and for what? So that at the end, I can exclaim loudly, standing on my pile o' stuff- "My LIFE Sucked". No thank you, I'd rather stand on top of my paddle board, silently looking back at the reflection in the water, saying thank you, for paddling the best day today.
But back to where has summer gone and where does the beginner boarder continue to seek adventure.Living in the great Pacific North West, we certainly do not have a shortage of waterways to paddle. As I reflect on how intensely I have grown attached to this personal yet tribal passion, I can't help but think of adventures yet to come. I unloaded my board from the top of my car yesterday and sadly I could even feel my car's nakedness. But I know there is still more paddling to be had. And still a full moon to paddle.
So I sat outside this morning, drinking a cup of coffee, watching a slight drizzle coming down, thinking it would be a perfect day to paddle, yet I just sat, feeling the sun for a moment, that I had captured in my heart and soul, from a paddle earlier in the week. Paddle boarding is unlike anything I have experienced. I understand now why my sister has surfed most of her life. What I have experienced in these last 3 months has been nothing less than a miracle. What I have found being on the board, on the water and in the moment, I could never give up. If anything, I will continue to deepen my spiritual connection on the and with the water. I will continue to seek this soul connection to water, nature and the SUP tribe that I have started to connect with.
So next up is proper gear. My friend Joel who can be found paddling the waterways has turned me on to some great websites for everything not summer wear. Checkout his blog Village of Stoke, to see what he is up to.
So the thunder and lightening continues to fall and so I appreciate the change in the weather and the full beauty of Mother Nature in all her glory. And close my eyes and paddle on...
