by Kerry Taylor
I feel everyone should get out of their comfort zone every once in a while, if not more often. I believe that is where growth happens. You truly learn a lot about yourself when you are in an uncomfortable situation. Why? Because this is mostly uncharted territory for you. I decided to practice what I preach this past weekend and went paddleboarding. I was very excited, but at the same time, slightly perplexed on how someone my size will be able to get this done. I mean, it couldn't be that hard right? A former pro athlete, I should be able to pick this up with no problem. I like challenges and trying to overcome them. Well, let's just say I learned a little bit about myself while on this adventure, and it was quite the challenge.
So as we pulled up for our lesson, we meet our instructor, and we get the particulars out of the way. We start to measure up the boards to body size. "I'm not sure if I have a big enough board for you, but this should be fine. This is a 12 footer." So in the water we go and the first set of instructions were given, "balance on your knees and paddle." That was simple enough...success!! I go cruising along, almost crashing into a boat, but the crisis was averted. Second set of instructions, "now keep paddling and get onto your feet. Do not stop paddling or you will fall in." Okay, not so simple. I got to my feet for about two seconds, then SPLASH! Face first in the water. This happened all three times I tried to get on my feet. Everyone else was having no problem at my current challenge. As I went for my fourth shot, I decided to reevaluate the situation. I was thinking, "me, big guy, wind, I'm definitely going down again if I try." I decided to skip the feet thing and focus on the technique of paddling. The next time I go on this adventure, I will try for standing.
The moral of the story is, even if you go into uncharted territory and get uncomfortable, you will learn something about yourself and grow. You will never know what you are capable of and how far you can go if you don't try. Next time you're not sure of something, take a crack at it; you never know what may come of it. You may fall face first in the water, but you at least know where you stand. You can now go back, regroup and try it again next time. Til' next time, raise your efforts in everything you do by one degree and you will amaze yourself at what may come of it. Keep being great.
