I have to admit there’s been some grieving for the many journeys and lost escapades I haven’t been able to do this year, like being in Bhutan this week, but to kayak to the statue was a first time bucket list challenge for me. Adventure is what you make it- even if it’s in your own back yard. Given the pull of the winds, strong currents, and out paddling those damn intimidating ferries I was admittedly a bit nervous as I departed the Hudson River for the Atlantic Ocean that I’d possibly be carried all the way to France. Passing Ellis Island and paddling up to Lady Liberty was just an awe-inspiring sight for me.
This certainly wasn’t the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but it’s a difficult advanced trip and I worked hard this summer to become adept enough to make it. Stroke after stroke I felt that inner strength and mantra- “I can do this, I’ve got this.” It seemed an analogy for the bigger challenges we didn’t ask for this year: surviving a pandemic, pivoting work, not seeing friends and family, no travel. But we all have the power to tap into our inner strength and find those resources, not to necessarily overcome adversity but to at least adapt to it- stroke by stroke.
