Paddling Through Life: Lessons from My First Kayaking Adventure
As the Darius Rucker song goes, “When was the last time you did something for the first time?” And my personal answer to this would be—this past week! While on vacation at the lake with my family, I finally took the plunge and went kayaking for the first time. It was an experience filled with unexpected life lessons that I couldn’t wait to share.
Embracing the New
Trying something new is always a bit daunting for me. Yes, even me, who shares about taking steps and building momentum, sometimes needs to take my own advice! I thrive on predictability and the comfort of routines, just like so many others. As an educator who coaches and specializes in the importance of mindset, I teach and preach that growth lies just beyond the boundaries of our comfort zones. Knowing this, it’s also important to celebrate the comfort zones we've worked hard to establish. We’ve reached our current comfort zone because we’ve grown in some capacity, even if we aren’t conscious of the growth we’ve been making. While celebrating where we are is an essential piece of the process, we also want to push beyond those boundaries when the time is right. This week, that push came in the form of kayaking. And while I expected to enjoy the time with my daughter (yes, Kelcie came too), the lessons that popped up while I was on the water stole the show for sure!
When the Water is Smooth, Enjoy the Ride
There were moments on my ride when I was captivated by how smooth the lake was. These moments of tranquility and ease often came after some waves had passed through, and they were moments to truly enjoy the smooth ride that followed. During these times, whether in the kayak or in life, it’s important to pause and appreciate the smooth sailing. These moments remind us why we work so hard and give us a chance to recharge. In the classroom, this might be those days when everything flows perfectly and we see our students thriving. Instead of waiting for the next wave to hit (or the next thing to go wrong), practice savoring these moments and the feelings that come with them!
When Waves Hit, Go Into Them
Inevitably, waves will come. Some are bigger than others! Instead of trying to avoid them, facing them head-on can be incredibly empowering. Before I went into the lake, my husband had reminded me that if a wave did come, to put the front of the kayak into the wave to help the boat stabilize. This was a reminder I was so grateful for! As I paddled into the waves, I realized how much stronger and more confident I felt, heading into the wave rather than trying to go in the other direction. Similarly, in our professional lives, challenges are unavoidable at times. By confronting them directly and working through the challenge, we grow and build resilience that helps prepare us for future challenges that may arise.
Don’t Forget to Check Out the View
While my focus was mostly on paddling or making sure that Kelcie was seated correctly, I made sure to stop and look around once in a while. In the busy nature of our days, it can be easy to forget to look up and enjoy the beauty around us. To truly stop and see the little signs of success or growth that are happening within and all around us. Whether it’s the stunning landscape or the joyful expressions of our students, taking a moment to appreciate our surroundings can bring a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, often when we need it the most!
Trust Your Instincts
Out on the water, I had to trust my instincts. I didn’t have a book to reference or anyone to ask. I had to make the decision of when to turn around, when to take a break from paddling, when to stop for the day, and all those decisions came from within me. Whether it is deciding the best path to take or sensing when to rest, my intuition played a crucial role throughout the kayaking experience. In education, our instincts can and will guide us in making the best decisions for our students and ourselves, when we learn to listen to and trust in those instincts and decisions that we are making every single day.
Use the Tools You Have
Kayaking reminded me to make the most of the tools I have with me. Of course, the paddle was essential in navigating through both calm and rough waters. But I also had my life jacket, and my own body was a tool in helping me stay balanced in the boat. The words of encouragement I told myself throughout my trip were also a tool that I was able to use each time I went out on the water. Remember - tools aren’t just physical objects. Tools can be anything that helps to support the path you are on as you work to achieve an outcome you desire! In our careers, we have so many tools to choose from on any given day—strategies, resources, and our own experiences—that can help us navigate challenges. Sometimes, it’s remembering to use the tools that is often the hardest part!
Waves from Someone Else Don’t Have to Ruin Your Journey
On the lake, waves were created by other boaters or jet skiers, and inevitably these waves rocked my kayak. Outside of my control, these waves were coming, whether I wanted them to or not. During this experience, I realized that while I couldn't control their actions, I could control how I responded. And I think this was the most powerful lesson I was reminded of during my experience. The waves from another boat didn't ruin my kayaking experience—although they could have if I let them! In our professional lives, external factors and the actions of others can and will impact us. However, when we maintain our focus on our own thoughts, our values, and our desires, we can stay in control of our journey, regardless of the actions of others.
Powerful Lessons
Stepping out of my comfort zone and into a kayak helped remind me of several invaluable lessons about life and growth. As educators, embracing new experiences not only enriches our own lives but also sets a powerful example for our students. So knowing this, the question to ask yourself then is, when was the last time you did something for the first time? I encourage you to take that leap—you never know what lessons await you on the other side!
“Taking a moment to appreciate our surroundings can bring a renewed sense of purpose and motivation, often when we need it the most!”