I’ve been taking trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for decades. With over a million acres of uninhabited land, 1100 lakes, and 1200 miles of canoe routes, it is one of the most beautiful and remote places on the planet. And it provides the space to disconnect from everything and reconnect with nature; reconnect with me. The Boundary Waters is also not a place for the faint of heart; it takes a lot of work to pack, portage, and paddle to reach a place of peace.
Traveling through the Boundary Waters requires one to navigate through different kinds of water, and I’m pretty sure I’ve experienced most of them, including meandering rivers blanketed with water lilies, endless lakes engulfed with whitecaps, and thunderous rainstorms that drench my gear. At times, it takes all my strength and energy to paddle to a campsite. The only thought in these moments… just paddle.
There are also times when conditions are favorable. River currents move in my direction, waves soften to a mirror-like calm, and sunshine warms the body and soul. Even a gentle breeze can provide a noticeable boost in these conditions. Yet again, to reach a destination there is one thing to do… just paddle.
I’ve learned through these Boundary Waters trips some key lessons of life. We may experience rough waters that test our resistance. We may experience smooth waters and enjoy a reprieve. Yet no matter what nature provides, there is one constant… just paddle. A single stroke, and another, and another… just paddle.
Regardless of the conditions we experience, we have the ability to navigate the waters. It will take work some days, and other days it may come with ease… just paddle. Ultimately, it is up to us to achieve our destination and reach a place of peace.
KerryOn Questions
- How do you… just paddle through various conditions in your life?
- In your observation, who exemplifies the theme of just paddle?
- How will you remember, to just paddle to reach a place of peace?
The Kerry behind KerryOn
My name is Kerry K. Fierke, Ed.D. (pron. Fear-Key) I have a unique combination of skills and experience – decades of fast-paced corporate experience in Fortune 100 companies and large health care organizations, combined with the academic rigor of a highly ranked research university. My focus is supporting others to create their own path to leadership development, lifelong learning, and a unique leadership legacy. Take a moment to focus on leadership, then KerryOn!
To see all KerryOn's and other leadership stuff, visit www.kerrykfierke.com.
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