Everyone close to me knows how much I have enjoyed paddle boarding this year and they have noticed how it has boosted my mental health. Now everyone is concerned about what I will do for a replacement activity and how I will do mentally with the paddle boarding season coming to an end. Well, I suppose denial is a good place to start.
There are ways to keep going in colder weather and on colder water. People manage to kayak through most of the year. If there is open water they find a way to ride it. I’m looking into this, particularly the safety aspects as I will likely be solo if I stay the course. I’m not going to have a lot of takers for a float in December if I can pull one off.
Here’s what I do know: I know that I have made some solid fitness gains over this spring and summer that I do not want to give up. I know that, as my best friend withered away this spring, being stuck inside and unable to go out and walk his dog in a local park or past a local hockey rink was killing him just as much as his cancer did. I know that it is a blessing to be healthy enough to walk outside into weather you hate. Finally, I know that one should never waste a blessing.
Some way, somehow, I am getting out every day this winter. I will enjoy myself. I will make art. And, with luck, maybe make some waves on a local body of water late in the season.
Macro image of the leaf made in my backyard using my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.
