Brave not Perfect
I had the fortune of spending a glorious week, on a boat, with a group of six 8 year-old girls. We were gathered to learn how to boat: safely, intelligently, and independently.
The group of tiny mariners trooped on board decked out in full boating regalia: rainbow swimsuits, unicorn lunch boxes, sparkly goggles, chipped nailpolish, messy braids, and colored sunscreen lipgloss.
They were rambunctious; brimming over with laughter and silliness! They could hardly contain themselves as we spotted nurse sharks, herons, and egrets in nests. They learned to cast. They tussled to get bait on hooks. They held their breath, cleared their ears and got as close as they could to the vibrant fish swimming among the corals - as if they could make new friends in that underwater world if they could just get close enough to introduce themselves!
These awesome young women were brave. They trucked through the week soaking up as much fun as they could, learning the entire time.
They relished the power beneath their little hands as they pushed the throttle forward and got that boat up and on to a roaring plane! YES!
They tried to steer a straight course, but sure didn’t mind a little help to wrestle the wheel in to submission.
Each tried out barking a few captain’s orders, happily realizing that they had the floor when they were behind the helm.
The week was about trial and error. Seeing what we could do. Trying new things. Jumping in feet first. Asking questions. Making mistakes.
These little girls were brave. And completely unencumbered by the thought they had to do anything perfectly.
I was in awe, and couldn’t help but wonder when it is that grownups forget that being brave will always, always be better than being perfect.
I hope you join me on the water to get back to a place where we can be courageous - at the helm and in our lives.
Give me a call at 305-393-0994 to talk about what you would like to learn on the water and how I can help you to improve your boat handling skills.
Captain Elizabeth Jolin
I adore this picture of me and my Mom. She is posing for this picture with a smile on her face saying, “Elizabeth, what am I doing out here with you?” She is way out of her comfort zone learning to boat - but she is living the notion of brave not perfect . . . and I love that about her!