Monday Moment - What I Learned on a Summer Adventure

The deed is done! Today was the day that I paddled my pretty little kayak the length of Canandaigua Lake! And I did it!

As you know, I've been working up to this for the last 5 or 6 weeks, and except for a little stiffness in my hand - and the need for a shower and a nap when I got back home - I came through like a trooper! And have the callouses to prove it! Whoopie!

It was a perfect day for my adventure. Mostly cloudy, cool and comfortable with only the slightest breeze out of the southwest. I put in at Kershaw Park at the north end of the lake about 7:30 AM, and climbed out in Woodville at the south end about 5 hours later and 14-15 miles later.

For the first two hours, I was looking at scenery I'd seen on other paddles. I'd seen the rest of the lake too - but not in my own boat and on my own power - and that made a big difference in the fun quotient!

I could go on - and probably will if you ever exhibit the slightest interest in my dozens of pictures. But what I want to do now is contemplate what I've learned from the experience. Here's what's in my head so far.

1. Setting a goal - any goal - really is an act of power! I never would have accomplished this lake-length paddle if I hadn't decided to do it. Setting the goal - of what I'd do, when I'd do it, and how I'd take it on - that got me halfway there!

2. Putting a deadline on the goal was hugely important too. The deadline helped create my training schedule, kept me motivated, and pushed me to do what I said I'd do. I find that when I'm really clear on what I want, then ordinary logic can tell me what I need to do. "If I want this, then I'd better do this..."

3. Building in a reward helped motivate me too. For me the biggest reward was just a little anticipated bragging - in this venue and to friends and family I'll see in Florida next week. Another big reward was the look on Ray's face as I paddled to meet him at the south end of the lake. He's been bragging on me too, and it feels pretty sweet knowing that he's proud of me. And about 3 hours into the paddle, I started to visualize a fully justified slice of warm rhubarb pie with a generous scoop of ice cream. We drove back from the south end to our favorite diner and the pie was just as yummy as it sounds!

4. It's important to train and get ready for a big goal - but for me, it's also important not to wait until I am entirely and fully convinced that I'm ready. More than once in the last week - especially as I checked this week's weather and today seemed like the only really good day - I've thought about putting off the paddle till into August or even September. After all, that would give me more time to get ready. Except that I'd miss bragging rights with friends and family, and might give myself all kinds of ways to weasel out. And I didn't need to wait. I might not have felt 100% ready, but I was clearly ready enough. I need to remember that taking on any new challenge won't feel easy-chair comfortable - and I don't need it to. I'm tough enough to withstand a little emotional and/or physical discomfort. Ready or not.

5. On the same day I paddled Canandaigua Lake, a bunch of bicyclists pedaled through town on their way from Buffalo to Albany. They reminded me that my experience is not unique. Rising to a physical challenge is something we humans can do - and the physical growth tends to spill over into emotional, intellectual, social, environmental, and spiritual arenas too.

5. And finally, reflecting on what I'd learned adds spice and flavor to an already rich experience. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to share - and brag! But what will really excite me is to hear about the challenges you're taking on! Let me know by responding to my blog!