“When you hit resistance, paddle faster!”
~ Gina Bradley, The Paddle Diva
This weekend I tried stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) for the first time. It had been on my list for two Summers, but I was looking for a friend who would try it with me. That opportunity came when my friend, Marisa, visited for the weekend. When I asked if she wanted to try SUP, she gave a resounding YES!! and off we went.
SUP is not complicated; it’s about balancing on specially-designed surfboards while standing and paddling around. Sounds fun, right? It is!
But I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous – not for any good reason since my only risk was falling into the bay, but just because I hadn’t tried it before. Marisa was a bit nervous too, but we’re both physically fit and a bit competitive and I knew we would make it happen.
Gina, The Paddle Diva, gave us our instructions and off we went. Along the way, she guided us in how to turn and what to do when things got rough in the marina.
“That boat is going to cause some chop and it’s going to get bumpy. Turn your board, bend your knees, find your balance and paddle through it,” She said. “And don’t forget to keep breathing!”
I had to laugh. It’s just like life right?
If you don’t, if you turn your head away, refuse to listen to all of the signals, what happens? You get hit by surprise, lose your balance and down you go.
We hit a little bit of wind on Sunday too and Gina said: “When you hit resistance, paddle faster or you won’t go anywhere.” I had to laugh to myself. At that moment I knew this would be my message to you today.
Remember our WW email about resistance? Resistance is when we know we want something – money, love, confidence, freedom – but we can’t stop getting in our own way. It’s usually fear that stops us and when it does, we stall and never get anywhere.
Well, the next time you find yourself in resistance – not doing what you need to do to take care of your body, your heart or your wallet – paddle faster! Keep your head up and focused on your end point, lean forward and put the paddle in deep.
Belief is all you need to see you through…. and watch out for the wake!
You got this!
In love,
Release Fear. Think Clear. Get Into Gear.