Oh. Yes. We. Did.

I made up my mind at the end of Spring that I was going to continue to set new goals for myself which would challenge me to try new things that were sometimes out of my comfort zone.  Since Michael's retirement coincided with that particular timing, we were excited to start filling out our bucket lists, take each other's hands, and get going. 

While we both have completely separate lists, there are some adventures as well as projects we have in common which we plan on pursuing together.  I suppose "retirement life" will be one of dancing solo as well as the waltz without totally clobbering one another's toes in the process.  New dance routines are to be learned for sure.

This past Saturday was absolutely the most gorgeous summer day thus far.  Truly.  The temp was in the low eighties and sunny with a slight breeze.  Perfect morning for kayaking.  For at least six years, I have desired to get my body into a kayak and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.  This was another instance where my spirit deeply wanted to, but my body was unable which was an all too familiar scenario. 

However----the time finally arrived where I felt "good" enough to "plop" myself in the front of the kayak while hubby took his seat in the back where he was responsible for directing and steering our boat.  Actually getting IN and OUT of the kayak were the hardest parts! LOL!   I thought we were going to tip right over the edge right then and there. Both laughter and feeling a little ridiculous were all part of the fun that made our experience richer.  Let's just say we weren't exactly graceful. 

Once we got ourselves situated, off we went paddling into the peaceful, summer morning.  Nature provided us with sights and sounds of the calm waters which filled our souls.  Seagulls and herons graced us with their presence.  We waved to other people who were also lucky to be out in their boats on that luscious morning.  I can't even describe the deep sense of gratitude I felt being fully in the present moment.  I honored the sacredness of my surroundings. 

 Michael and I paddled with ease on the calm waters, and I was surprised at my strength considering I am just now regaining some stamina ever so slowly.
Over these past years of struggling with chronic M, I feel I have largely paddled against the current which has been exhausting and overwhelming.  There were not many days of gliding on smooth water.  Saturday I reached a huge goal by stepping out of my comfort zone and physically paddled upstream, but this time it was much easier and a lot of fun.   My hero hubby was behind me all the way offering encouragement as always.   I thank God for him.

We look forward to more kayaking adventures this Fall.  My time spent doing the hard work of perseverance and holding onto hope while in the midst of some very dark moments is now paying off.  This is life.  With all of the many diverse challenges we face, the sweetness of the reward is so worth putting in the tough work to get there.  This, my friends, is the holy hard. 

Are we living the best life we have been given now by allowing our story to unfold to its fullest potential?  Everyone has a story to tell. It is what makes us who we are and how we interact with the world around us.