Drown or Swim

I don't know how to swim.

I had a lot of ear surgeries growing up that prevented me from learning.

I was not fond of the Ear, Nose, and Throat office.

They probe my ear with steel prongs.

They were spelunking their way through the deep caverns of my ear.

So, I was handicapped from swimming because if water hit my ear, I would get an infection.

At the prospect of getting infections and drowning, I fearlessly bought a kayak.

It was the beginning of the summer of 2018.

I had finished reading a book called Blue Mind by Wallace J. Nichols.

The book's premise was that water changes your chemistry, and as a result, you'll be happier.

I was a sucker for the found knowledge that I said to myself, “What the hell, let's buy a kayak.”

It was a considerable risk, but worth it for the experience.

The first time I was out on the water, it was unforgettable.

The boat rocked, the sea air bellowed, and I was at peace.

I had paddled all around, engulfing myself in the world of aquatics.

Of course, I wore my life jacket.

I can’t forget that.

I feel like this whole experience is an analogy to life and God.

I have my paddle, my boat, and my life jacket.

I float along where the water leads me.

If I fall into the ocean, the life jacket keeps me afloat.

That's what God does: keep you from drowning.

It was either brave or stupid, but I'm glad I had the experience of being out on the water.

We have to make risky decisions in life.

You may not know how to swim like me, but that shouldn't stop you from buying a kayak.

Look for the solution and not the problem.

The solution was wearing a life jacket.

I don't let fear cripple me.

Instead, I learn to paddle my way into a new horizon.

I may not know how to swim, but I have a kayak that I sit in to navigate the water.

“Money can’t buy you happiness, but it can buy you a kayak, and that’s kind of the same thing.”

– Author unknown