One Method for Canoeing, Skiing and Life

In skiing and canoeing, the leading or leaning shoulder is turned towards the direction of the objective. In life, your will to accomplish (shoulder) is turned towards the purpose of achieving or completing a goal.

On the river, rowing instructions include keeping momentum while facing downstream, canoe turned directly to the waves, with powerful strokes for slicing through the turbulent water. On the ski slope, keeping momentum with shoulders turned downhill, weight on top of skis, poles planted, and gracefully float around the moguls. In life, keeping momentum and holding firm to a direction with actions using talents and skills solely for the achievement of a goal.

 

The words above are pretty much straightforward. Take all the words, put them together and only one common lesson or message will come out. The message is all about keeping attention focused on the goal and mustering the determination and perseverance to attain the goal.

 

Sometimes though, it is easier to undertake a task if a companion or guide is present. Just the knowledge that there is someone who will help if the need arises removes that small fear and provides enough security that moving toward a goal becomes easier. Going down a whitewater course or a ski slope with someone is a lot more comforting than going at it alone.

 

When looking for a companion or role model, choose the one person who happens to be moving in the same direction. Look for a person who already managed to do what you want to do or someone slightly ahead just so that both of you can profit from each other's experiences. Discover this person's values. Do you generally hold to the same vision and moral? If you wanted advice in canoeing, you wouldn't talk to a ski expert, much less a foul-mouthed ski expert.

 

There is no better day for starting life's journey than today because only today is today and tomorrow will always be tomorrow unless you start today. Just as delaying that ski trip or canoe adventure is going to cost you more in the future, so is delaying the start of your life. For everyday you wait, you subtract a day from a life lived to its fullest. Afraid? There are people who will help. You'd be amazed at how many people will leap at the opportunity to help. Just beware of fair weather friends.