Yet, amidst the chaos, a profound sense of peace washed over me. I felt a connection with something higher, something watching over me. The symbolism of the white egret from earlier resonated within my soul, assuring me of partnership and protection. I dug my feet in between two boulders, using my chair of joy knowledge. I took a deep breath, and imagined that I was at the end of the journey, safe and sound, thinking, and feeling that powerful feeling of safety and accomplishment run through my bones. I shook myself back to the task at hand.
With courage, and a task that seemed to last for what felt like an eternity, I persisted, playing tug of war with my kayak. The current pulled and pushed, and I scooted towards the riverbank, trying to find some semblance of stability. My shoe came off in the struggle, but I chose to focus on what mattered most – my safety.
In the midst of the ordeal, I made a decision – one more push to free my kayak or abandon it for my own safety. With a surge of determination, I managed to unwedge the kayak and watched it float downstream to an uncertain destination.
Exhausted but triumphant, I stepped onto the riverbank, grateful for my newfound resolve and survival instincts. A path revealed itself, and I walked with my backpack and paddle, embracing the tranquility of the woods. As I hiked up to the kayak, now lying abandoned on the other side of the river, upside down, I knew that this was a moment of transformation – a breakthrough in rediscovering what truly brings me joy.
I hiked across a lower area of the river, dumped the water, and started again. An eagle suddenly showed up in all its glory, once again, I felt ridiculously in awe of never giving up and thankful for having a higher power watching over me.
Friday, July 28th – Embracing Release:
The morning sun painted the sky with hues of pink and orange as I woke up in my campsite after the tumultuous river adventure. A fox walked by, the birds sang their music, and the memories of yesterday raced through my mind. I still felt the thrill of the previous trials and triumphs, but there was also a sense of accomplishment and peace within me. I knew that the river had taught me valuable lessons about resilience, trust, and the beauty of surrendering to life’s flow.
As I gazed at my faithful kayak – now with visible scars from the wild ride – I realized that this vessel had been more than just a means of transportation. It had been a companion, sharing countless memories and experiences with me for decades. With a mix of emotions, I decided that it was time to part ways with this gorgeous red/yellow and gold kayak, a chair of joy. It was a symbolic release of the old, making space for new beginnings.
With a heavy heart and a sense of anticipation, I bid farewell to my kayak, leaving it in the garage area. It was time to let go, trusting that the universe had something even greater in store for me. As I sat by the campfire that evening, a sense of serenity enveloped me. The crackling flames seemed to whisper messages of hope and renewal.
Saturday Morning, July 29th – A New Chapter Begins:
The sun peeked over the horizon, heralding the start of a new day – and a new chapter in my life. I headed home, while driving, and still feeling the thrill of the previous trials and triumphs, I decided to challenge myself further. After all, breaking through my comfort zone had brought me a sense of exhilaration like no other.
Once back at my computer at home, I did quick research and found the Waupaca Area Triathlon, a commitment to push myself beyond limits. I checked the date, paid the fee, and closed my laptop. It was 8 AM. On another gorgeous summer day, I decided to take action and do a trial run for the upcoming race. With each step of the 2-mile run, each pedal of the 12-mile bike ride, and each stroke of the 1-mile water kayak, I relished in the joy of moving my body and feeling the strength within me. The anticipation of the upcoming triathlon added an exciting edge to my training period.
I can only hope that this story will have an impact on others. People can be assured that life for all of us is filled with cliffhangers, moments of anticipation, and the raw emotions woven into our lives. My tale of resilience and rediscovery is similar to much of what we all go through, and we can realize together that stepping into a vulnerable space can lead to many breakthroughs in life. I encourage resilience, perseverance, and asking for help when needed.
Friday night brought comfort and relaxation as I tended to my wounds from the river adventure. The ointments on my hands acted as a reminder of the courage it took to face the rapids and emerge stronger on the other side. Spending quality time with Mike, savoring a fish fry under the starry sky, added an element of contentment to the excitement.
The journey was far from over, but as we sat under the twinkling stars, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the breakthrough I had experienced. The river had been a catalyst for transformation, leading me to rediscover what truly brought me joy. My heart felt light, and a sense of purpose guided my every step.
With my sights set on the upcoming triathlon and a future filled with possibilities, I know that I am ready to take on whatever the world has in store. This was just the beginning of my adventure, and I eagerly await many more chapters yet to be written.
To be continued, 2 weeks to the triathlon.
