I have found that life consistently provides us all with endless opportunities to say ‘yes’, even in the absence of proof. Some opportunities are easy to say yes to, and others are not.
Such was the case this past week.
I was in Mexico with my husband, and decided to learn how to boogie board.
Back story: I’m 55 and a half years old, and not a great swimmer. I didn’t know how to swim until I was 40. I have a healthy respect for water over my head (oh, and I’m five feet tall).
But for some reason, last week on that hot sunny day, the ocean was calling my name. Inviting me to jump in and frolic in the surf. So without any angst or trepidation – I went.
As I stood in the water, waves coming in a steady flow with my board, all of a sudden the fear washed over me and the little voice in my head was screaming – WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Maybe you know the one. I bet you do – we all do. I call this a Frock of Fear moment.
And for just a moment I thought about coming to my senses. After all, I had nothing to prove and I certainly didn’t have to do this. I stood there weighing it out. I had two choices – to do, or not to do. And then it hit me – I had control to make that choice. So really what I was determining was which choice would I regret?
1. Would I regret boogie boarding? What if a wave pummeled me and I was hurt?
2. Would I regret not boogie boarding… because of fear?
In less than a minute I decided I would regret not doing it. So deeper into the water I went.
That frock of fear is sneaky, and can be so debilitating at times; it can stop you dead in your tracks! I know this because I have donned it so many times. Writing a book called Frock Off requires that I not be frocked up. It also requires me to evaluate, make decisions and stand, or in this case, surf on them.
So I decided to say yes in the absence of proof!
I would love to tell you I was fearless, or that it was easy, and in no time I was riding each wave like a pro, but that would be BS! In fact, I was dumped in the drink so many times that I lost count, but I didn’t give up. And then it happened! I caught my first wave, and to my utter astonishment and glee, I rode that wave right to the shore. It was glorious!
Over the next few days, I learned a few things about the waves. They are not all the same. I even named them (well two of them anyway).
1. Pretty Paper – This one looks promising and powerful, yet crashes and leaves you standing in the same place searching for another. Like the training that promises a solution, but lacks the how to.
2. Comme ci, comme ça – The literal translation from French to English means “like this, like that”. This one has momentum and will carry you, but then stops short of the destination. And just like that, it’s gone – like last season’s fashion trends.
3. The Big Kahuna – The name says it all. This wave carries you in with speed. There is a connection with the wave. After I rode this wave, I did a little dance! Like that moment in your life, love or business when it all comes together, and all feels right – That’s the BIG KAHUNA!
Here is the video of me riding a wave and although I won’t be winning any awards, I can now cross another thing off my bucket list!
So today I wish you BIG Kahuna’s all day long! Hang Ten!
I touched a nerve!
