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Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Conquering Fears



Every time I look out my window, I want to cross this strip of water! The dunes in the foreground are a canoe trip across this small cove on calm days. But most days are not calm. Most days the winds blow incessantly and would definitely topple any vessel.  My children all made this trip. My husband too. After ten years of hesitation, I intend to conquer my fears , get into a canoe and get myself to the ocean a stone throw from my house, a house we bought because of its proximity to two bodies of water! (We live in the last house on the right.)

So, what will it take for me to make this trip?
Global warming! Yes, if the lake got warmer, I wouldn't mind falling in.

Or, another vessel. A canoe feels wobbly and unsteady.
Or, lessons. Yes, if I had lessons and people around me who knew their craft, I might embark on such adventure.

The thing is everyone I know canoes or boats or kayaks in this strip of water. Children as young as ten are seen paddling across these waters. And they never had lessons, just an opportunity to borrow canoe, oars, life jackets.

I conquered bigger challenges, I tell myself. How hard can this be?

16 comments:

Brian Miller said...

its all about the vessel for me...that firm foundation makes a difference in facing those challenges...you know...smiles.

Maggie May said...

I think you'd be safer on dry land! But then I'm a non swimmer.
Have a safety vessel go with you if you do decide to do it and wear a life jacket for sure. Personally though, I think you are very brave in other ways. We can't all do the same things and we are individuals, not clones! let the others take the risk.
Maggie x

Nuts in May

ellen abbott said...

as a person who loves to canoe, I say go for it. surely there is someone who can accompany you either in the same boat or alongside you.

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

I get the feeling that conquering this particular fear is very important for you, Rosaria. Best wishes for a safe and successful first attempt! You may find you really enjoy it once you cross that threshold of fear.

Helen said...

Another vessel, yes. One with a nice flat bottom and sturdy oars. Don't forget your life jacket ... this is a once in a lifetime, bucket-list thing! I say, do it. I would join you if I could. And you know I am not a 'swimmer.' I like Ellen's suggestion .. another person in a boat next to yours. Don't forget to take photos!!

dianefaith said...

You will get no encouragement on this one from me. Already, you're braver -- you're considering it. When my father tried to teach me to swim, my mother stood on the bank and screamed. That's as far as I got.

yaya said...

I'm thinking if you can do this you will feel like your own hero! But, if not..just enjoy your view from your home and realize that not everyone has to be Columbus and find out if the world is round!

An English Shepherd said...

Looks like a lovely spot for a swim ;-)

The Odd Essay said...

I can't swim a stroke... but love to canoe... usually alone. Maybe because of my age, but whatever.... I'm just not as afraid of things as I used to be. You'll do it when you're ready.

Linda Myers said...

If you'd like company, I'll drive down from Seattle and paddle with you.

Velva said...

It just means it is time to get in the canoe and paddle to the other side :-)

Velva

Tom said...

Sounds to me like you're getting ready to do it. A kayak may make an easier ride than a canoe, but in any case if your only problem is the water temperature ... try a wetsuit!

troutbirder said...

Take and proper safety precautions and go for it. A canoe is easy if you have a basic sense of balance. If not get a row boat!

Rob-bear said...

Oh, dear, Rosaria! You sound like you're omnes ad marem (all at sea) over this.

This is just one more learning experience in life, and you've been through lots of those learning experiences. Easy as cake. Piece of pie. (See 2010: Space Odyssey)

So:
1. Put on a life jacket. (Don't get into a boat without one, ever!)
2. Get someone to come with you, in another boat (that makes you more independent). Even experienced canoeists and kayakers prefer to work in pairs, or more. (It's all about safety.)
3. Go for it! (Piece of cake.)

Blessings and Bear hugs on your new adventure, Rosaria!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Rosaria .. good for you - I'm sure you'll find some support boats around you - so why not give it a go - on a quiet summer's day ..

Enjoy the trip .. what lovely place to live .. cheers Hilary

Helga said...

It looks like a fun adventure. Go for it, Rosaria! Maybe with a small group of others that will laugh all fears away. I went on my first rollercoaster ride at Legoland after about 50 years of dread and fear and screamed the whole trip. But it was sooo much fun (specially the screaming)!