I’ve never been a particularly athletic person. I was the kid picked last for the teams in gym class and the one most likely not to hit the volleyball in a friendly back-yard game. The closest I came to having any athletic skill was with a hula hoop or jump rope. So when my book group decided that a kayaking outing was in order, I was a little skeptical.
Last year, my fellow book group friend, Lois (who also just happens to be a kayaking instructor), took me with her in her two man kayak. I was calm, followed all her instructions, and had a wonderful time. I was expecting the same thing this year, so you can imagine my surprise on Friday when I saw six single kayaks waiting for us. This year I would have to go it alone!
What if it tips?
What if I can’t paddle straight and I get caught in the reeds like I did on the river and had to be towed in?
What if…what if…what if…
Maybe I’ll just wait here for everyone.
Those same negative voices in my head that appear sometimes when I write were back. They were filling my head with unnecessary concern and doubt. But I’ve learned to silence them, and with gentle encouragement from the group, I persevered. I think the hardest part was getting in!
It was a beautiful, relaxing night on the lake. We were rewarded with glimpses of herons and hawks as well as an exquisite sunset. This was our second kayaking outing as a group and we’ve decided to make it a yearly event. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Title: The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng
