Today I was able to go kayaking for the first time this year. It didn’t work out quite as I’d planned as I was supposed to go with my wonderful friend Jill and a group she was leading, but I didn’t get free quite in time. Still, I went out by myself and it was fantastic, truly inspiring.

While I was out on the water ideas kept coming to mind that I wanted to write down. Among them was the following list of life lessons you can discover from kayaking. I decided to just post the list without expanding on them. They may mean something different to each person but there’s nothing wrong with that.

1. Never care so much about your car that you’re afraid to get the seats wet.
2. It’s okay to leave technology behind.  It will be there when you get back.
3. Sometimes it’s okay to drift, but if you don’t paddle enough the wind and current may move you off course.
4. Going with the flow can make things easier, but it takes courage to paddle against the current.
5. Paddling into the wind is hard.  Just sayin’
6. Look out for others, they may not be looking out for you.
7. Use leverage.
8. Sometimes slow is fast enough.
9. The further from shore you paddle the rougher the seas, but you can get to great places if you’re not afraid to leave the shore and put in the effort.
10. Sometimes it’s best to follow someone else’s trail.  They know the way because they’ve been there before.
11. Be grateful for the people and circumstances in life that allow you time out on the water, or wherever you choose to go.

Kayaking today would not have been possible without the love and support of my good friend Nancy, who is always there for me.  Today was also sponsored by a fellow parent who was willing to help me out.  I am truly grateful for all the people in my life.

Who are you grateful for?