Lessons from the Lake

I am an avid leisure kayaker. (Read that as I do not do rapids or rough waters. I prefer calm water and critters to talk to as I get a workout and peaceful time.)

I have been able to hit the lake many times this summer, and I find that I think on my kayak in the same magical way I think in the shower or while driving. Random thoughts, wild connections, and sometimes brilliant ideas float into my mind.

This week, I was enjoying my paddle when I started thinking about how kayaking is like life. Be prepared for those magical, random, and possibly brilliant thoughts...

First, getting out on the lake takes some work. My kayak is foldable and origami-like. It takes some work to fold it into the right shape and latch all of the bolts. I watched a video multiple times and check and re-check my work. Sometimes I pinch my fingers or scrape my arm if the plastic is still stiff. Setting out to achieve life goals takes work. It’s not always easy, and there can be bumps and bruises along the way. These things can deter us from our goals if we let them. To make progress, we can use our resources and keep practicing.

Sometimes we take a risk, and it pays off, and sometimes it doesn’t. For instance, I recently “upgraded” to a new comfy seat, but I soon found out that it caused my vessel to be off balance, and I quickly landed in the water. I was fully clothed, and I was soaked at the very start of my time at the lake. I could have packed up and gone home a little stinky and wet, but instead I ended up emptying my boat, tossing the seat on the bank, and setting out on my paddle. My only regret was there was no one near to witness my topple. I giggled for much of the time on the water as I dried in the sunshine. I still laugh at what I looked like flipping over. In life, we often have things “figured out,” or so we think, and then things topple. We get to decide how we handle the adversity and what our next steps are going to be.

Once I finally push off, there are always adjustments to make to my seat or footrest or my water bottle. If we want to achieve goals, we have to take into account situations in real time. Adjustments, sometimes minor ones, can be made that make the journey more enjoyable.

At this point, I can finally soak in my surroundings and remember just why I put myself through the trials and challenges of getting onto the lake. (Okay, that may be dramatic, but it does take effort.) My favorite lake usually has a few others floating around, ducks and herons flying nearby, fish jumping, and the sun shining. I sometimes use my paddle as an arm and upper-body workout, but I also look for critters to talk to as I circle the lake. I sometimes will bring a friend and find that there’s a connection from kayaking together. Sometimes it’s being able to laugh about a nearly sinking kayak or the joy in seeing the herons take flight. In life, there are big events that can be memorable marks in our lives, but I think it’s the little moments that make our lives sweeter. Taking time to appreciate the little things can make life more enjoyable if we take notice. Finding ways to connect with others and nature are also ways to increase the enjoyment.

When my time on the lake is over, I exit my kayak with very little grace. (Read that as I roll into the water or wobble ridiculously as I climb out.) This is another time I just laugh and don’t take myself too seriously. If I worried about how I looked getting in or out of my kayak, I would not go out nearly as often as I do. In life, we need to find time to laugh, especially at ourselves.

As a coach, I want you to take risks, find joy, laugh out loud, and spread your wings...

Karen Cunningham