Winds of Change
A few weeks ago my friend Shannon had offered to teach me how to use a kayak. By all weather accounts it was going to be a great day to learn. The forecast read sunny and mild with no chance of rain. However, Mother Nature had other plans and I would be learning under rainy and cloudy skies. Granted, we could have rescheduled but we really wanted to go.
Once my friend gave me the quick low down how to get in the kayak, I awkwardly climbed in and pushed myself away from the shore and dock. I was given instructions how to use the paddle and away we went, into the wind. Hmmm….Okay, I needed to navigate going against the current. Shannon mentioned it would be much easier on our way back and would be going with the wind and current, excellent news.
As we made our way along the shoreline, keeping our distance from a few fishing boats, we paddled on. My friend reminded me to hold the paddle blades perpendicular as it entered the water, sweeping right and left. Ahhh...yes, that’s the ticket to keep my kayak moving. She seemed to be easily gliding along into the wind and waves, as it was more challenging for me to move ahead. I either had to adjust my paddles or risk being pulled backwards by the current. I wanted to move forward, not back.
Again, getting control of the paddle, I was able to forge ahead while my friend waited for me in a shallow cove that was protected from the wind and the current. I practiced a bit in the area before heading back into the open water. Avoiding another fishing boat we had to navigate into the middle as we made our way to the other side of the lake and shoreline. At one point, I felt like I was going in circles and it was as if the waves were directing my motion, round and round. I was given a few more instructions on how to use the paddle to turn the vessel in my desired direction.
When we started heading back to shore, it didn’t seem easier but actually seemed a bit harder to maneuver the kayak, and again I was struggling in a circle. Laughing and getting tired, Shannon mentioned the wind shifted and we were again heading against the current. FOR THE LOVE OF! I was starting to tire but had no other choice but to push through, using the paddle to help keep me pointed in the right direction and successfully made it to shore.
“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us” - Joseph Campbell. I thought my whole kayaking experience was a great metaphor for changes and challenges in life. Sometimes we have small little breezes that feel easy and perfect, other times there isn’t any wind at all and we just drift along enjoying the view. Then there are other times when the wind picks up and we are taken by surprise. We can either accept the new weather and change, or stay stuck in the swirling middle of the old life and the new. Being in the middle of the lake it was necessary for me to move forward into the wind and make the necessary alterations for my new path.
The truth is, change is going to happen whether we like it or not. When the winds of change blow we have a choice. We can stay where we are and do nothing, or we combat the wind to get where we’re going next. It’s not always an easy journey but growth is worth the effort.
“Sometimes in the winds of change, we find our direction” - author unknown.
xoxox…..Sheryl
PS …. I went kayaking again this week and the conditions were perfect!