But, wait!

Our daughter Ally texted, “Hey, I found this awesome new place to paddleboard, let’s go next Friday.”

I was thrilled with the invitation and looking forward to Friday. Ally introduced me to this wonderful sport earlier this summer. She was new to the sport herself, so she gave her daughter, Alicia, and me a little demo, then it was my turn to try. 

I wasn’t sure at first if I’d be able to stand up on the board and took a cautious approach. I sat on the board cross-legged and paddled around a bit, then I got up on my knees and paddled a bit more, testing out my balance, and finally I stood up, pleasantly surprised that I could keep upright and paddle, even when rocked by the wake of passing motorboats.

Alicia had a different idea. One I never even thought of. As I came back to shore where she was waiting, I slipped off the board into the knee-high water and she deftly step right on, fully upright, and paddled away on her first attempt!

Even though Alicia was much quicker than I at mastering the basics, I was excited about going out again, getting a little more practice, and most of all about being together out on the water.

But, wait!

Here it comes…

Not a minute later, Ally texted again, “Oh, no, I can’t go Friday. I’ll already be back in school!”

As you may know, Ally teaches art at a local high school and teachers go back to school a week before the kids. Some early opening school districts around the US have already opened for “fall” semester.

It’s mid-August and I’d like to formally declare that I’m not ready. I think of myself as a pretty good student, willing to work hard and get my homework done, but after a hard COVID year, I still have a lot of reconnecting and rejuvenating “homework” left to do this summer.

Cal and I have taken this homework to heart this year, for ourselves as well as for our grandkids and great grandkids. As we’ve mentioned previously, spending time outdoors in nature being playful, especially in or near water is one of the most effective ways to reduce anxiety and increase a sense of well-being, something many of us need even more than usual this year.

Like all the best “homework,” the task of restoring ourselves this summer has been not only important but also fabulous fun. 

How about you? What have you and your family been doing to reconnect and rejuvenate this summer? Do you feel ready for fall and back to school?

Cal and I have been thinking a lot about kids going back to school and homework starting up again and we’ve had an idea that’s just starting to take shape. We believe many of you might be interested in joining us for a whole new way to think about homework and helping kids get it done with less stress and more success. 

But more about that coming your way in a few days…

Oh, and since I’m not that easily deterred, since Ally can’t go paddleboarding on Friday, we’re definitely going on Saturday! 

Happy Failing Forward,

Anne and Cal