I can do hard things

I firmly believe that every day we learn something.

Especially if we open our eyes, ears and hearts to receive.

Today, I learned, not for the first time, that I can do hard things.

Kayaking is one of my favorite things to do.
I journey through the inlet and cross the ocean intersection to an island where practically no one is ever in sight.

It’s my favorite place to be.

I love connecting to the earth, to God - and taking some time to be on a beach - alone. It’s a magical experience.

But today, the tide was high and the only way to get to the island was to hit the ocean waves.

I was terrified.

Sure, I’ve kayaked in Costa Rica - I’ve hit some waves here in South Carolina - but, this was different.

Matt, my kayaking buddy, went on and I watched as he turned the corner.
I sat alone in my normal docking spot for what seemed like an eternity.

But, I said to myself out loud, “You only have one option, get in and get to it.”

So I did the only thing I could do - I started paddling and made it from the coast to the island.

However, once I got to the island, I had to confront my fear again trying to get back to the inlet.

Matt gave me some strategy and instruction.
Terrified, - I knew there was only one option. “Get in and get to it.”

So. into the waves I went.

I spun out of control into a whirlpool that had the potential to pull me into the ocean. The same whirlpool we strategized me NOT going in!

I yelled to Matt, “I don’t want to be here!”

He said back, “You don’t want to be there!”

I was terrified, but I managed to get myself out.
And no sooner, the tide pulled me back into the whirlpool.

Terrified even more, I knew the third time was it.

My heart was pounding and adrenaline flooded my veins as I finally hit the wave break.

Ah, hallelujah.

The whole way back to solid land we paddled against the current. Matt and I laughed and joked about how we don’t ever do easy things.

When we got back to the dock I was exhausted but, my heart so proud and so full.

I can do hard things. And, everyday I open my life up to teach me what I am capable of doing.