I Was Face to Face...

...with one of my biggest fears today, because today Daniel and I took a kayaking lesson! We live on the water here in Savannah and it is Daniel's big wish to kayak more often in our estuaries. We've kayaked before, but never really learned all there is to know in order to be safe on our own.

And as you all know, I am generally pretty cautious, but that's nothing compared to my fear of falling into and being under water. Now, mind you, I am not a bad swimmer, but there's something about finding myself suddenly under water, maybe losing my bearings that has me quite scared. So, reluctantly I agreed to kayaking lessons with Nigel at Savannah Canoe and Kayak, who was just wonderful!
One of the first things we had to do, after learning about the kayaks and how to paddle, was capsize and get out of the kayak - my biggest fear! I mean BIG! I was assured that nothing could happen and finally, with my agreement, Nigel helped me capsize in three feet of water. It was disorienting, I got some saltwater up my nose, it suddenly reminded me of a childhood memory of being overpowered by a huge wave and my dad hanging on to me for dear life, but I bopped up immediately, thanks to the life vest, and - after some coughing and sputtering - all was well!
After that, everything else seemed comparatively easy - well, except maybe the rescue operations, standing up in the kayak and turning around in it so we were sitting backwards. All of those things were designed to help us get used to the feeling of being in the boat and also to make sure we can get back in should we fall out. And we did all of them!

Aside from the exercises, we paddled across the Bull River from Tybee Island to Little Tybee Island into the marsh there - it was stunningly beautiful and the feeling of sitting right on the water was amazing! At one point Daniel said: "Dolphins!" and when I turned around there were four dolphins right by my kayak. It doesn't get much better than that!

Needless to say, aside from being under water, I loved it! We didn't take a camera because we knew we'd get very wet, so all the pictures you see above were taken three years ago when we did a fantastic kayaking trip to Little Tybee Island with my cousin, her friend, and Nigel (he's in the sleek black kayak).
Now a couple of other photos I wanted to share. Remember the day my egret print sold? On my walk with Winslow that morning, we saw this beautiful egret posing for us at the neighborhood pond!
And a couple of flowers still blooming in our yard. Fall is not quite here yet, but we are hopeful!
And finally tonight, when I let Winslow out, we had two little opossums visiting our flower box! Winslow was very intrigued, but left them alone after a while.
Today was a momentous day for me. I've been thinking a lot about deep seated fears that are out of proportion with what is actually happening. And this is my big one! Every day, I strive to live a more fearless life and approach everything from a feeling of love and curiosity, but sometimes it's harder than others!

I know I'll probably never throw myself into the water with total abandon like Daniel does (he actually likes it), but I am hoping that I will gradually learn that there's nothing to be afraid of.

I guess my hope is that I will learn to be comfortable with the thought of capsizing, knowing that I know everything I need to in order to be safe and get back into the boat, and that I'll be free to completely enjoy the gorgeous scenery we have here, sharing those moments with Daniel, and observing the birds, fish, and dolphins to my heart's content.

Have you had to overcome any big fears? And if so, how did you do it? I'd be interested in hearing about it!

P.S. Just because I haven't said it lately, I love all the comments you leave on my posts! They make me smile and warm my heart! Thank you!!

P.P.S. I am working on a new painting and hope to have something to show you really soon!