What kayaking has taught me about life

For those of you who have read my other blog posts, you know that my loves in life are: Peeps, kayaking, exercise, Mr. Ken and chipmunks. Although, not necessarily in that order. This kayaking season has been awesome; we’ve have perfect weather. We’ve only been kayaking on the local Charles River, but once you’re out on the river, it’s as though you are in the country.

All my trouble seem to disappear when I’m out on the water. Kayaking gives the time to think. On my last paddle, I got to thinking about life. Kayaking is the perfect metaphor for life.

What kayaking has taught me about life:

1. Just do it!

This is the motto that I try to live my life by. There are days when I’m tired, or my back is sore, or my hip hurts and I just don’t feel like kayaking. But I push on and I am always glad that I went out kayaking. My tiredness completely disappears when I’m out on the water. I return refreshed and renewed.

2. Go with the flow.

Sometimes trees have been uprooted and have fallen into the river. You can’t get around them, well not without a big chain saw, which I don’t happen to carry around with me in my kayak. So, I have to make a choice, turn around or get out and carry the kayak past the block. There is no point in getting upset over the tree in the river, since there isn’t anything I can do about it.

3. It’s the little things that make the difference.

Even though our kayaks are several years old, they look new. We are very careful when taking them out of the water and putting them on top of the car. We also spend some time cleaning them after kayaking. It’s especially hard after we’ve finished kayaking since we’re tired. But the end result is so worth it, since our kayaks look as good as the day we bought them.

4. It’s important to escape every day life now and then.

We all need a break, even if we love what we do for a living. Everytime, I am out kayaking, I feel energized and ready to tackle whatever life throws at me.

Beautiful heron picture is thanks to Mr. Ken, photographer extraordinaire. This is a typical sight when we’re out on the Charles River. Very peaceful, isn’t it?