Three hours in a kayak.
Before that night, I'd spent maybe 15 minutes in a kayak over the whole of my 47 years on this earth.
I'd canoed a number of times in my life, so I figured it couldn't be that hard, right?
Fortunately, it wasn't just me in that kayak alone. And my kayaking partner had done it before a few times.
The night was clear and warm, there wasn't a cloud in the sky.
We suited up on the dock, and I got in without falling out. Feeling good...
We took off slowly, enjoying the fantastic views in Roche Harbor on San Juan Island off the coast of Washington State.
I was getting used to how the kayak felt, the best position for my legs and feet, and most importantly when and how fast to paddle.
But I kept trying to steer and manage our speed.
Paddling fast when I felt like we needed to catch up to our friends in the kayak in front of us. Or slowing down when our guide slowed down.
Not thinking at all about how I was throwing off my partner in the back. Who, by the way, was controlling the rudder to steer us!
Suddenly, I heard a voice from behind me - "Hey Michelle, you know I love you...but, you need to find your damn rhythm!"
I laughed and smiled at the kind, yet direct way Amy asked for what she needed.
And then she started to count. Slow, rhythmic counting. "One, two, three, four."
I looked around me at this breathtaking island, the amazing women who were traveling with us, and the water on all sides of me.
And I put my paddle back in the water.
I focused on being consistent and intentional.
I tried to forget about steering or catching up to people.
Just focused on counting and maintaining a slow, but steady pace.
I still wasn't perfect, but I was better. (Amy was so gracious with me)
And that night, we enjoyed a sunset on the water like none I've ever seen before.
It can be hard to find a consistent rhythm in life.
Some days, we have to paddle fast just to survive and make it to the shore.
And other days, we can slow it down, rest the paddles on the sides of our kayaks and relax.
But the majority of our days, when life is moving fast, when all of the things need to get done, and all of the people in our lives need us, we have to find a way to pace ourselves.
It helps to have friends behind you who are brave enough to tell you when your rhythm is off.
Because sometimes we can't see it for ourselves when we're in the middle of the water with the paddles in our hands.
One
Two
Three
Four
Find your rhythm.
It's there.
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