Sailing for Soldiers

Okay, so I have some pretty exciting news! A few of my comments from a thank you letter I sent to a local sailing organization offering lessons to disabled veterans was published in U.S. Veterans Magazine. The article, “For Wounded Warriors, Sailing Soothes the Soul," talks about the relief combat and non combat veterans receive by simply getting out on the ocean. I am also super stoked to learn more of these programs exist around the country.
How did I even get myself involved with yet another adventure? Well, my over prioritized and driven personality really wanted to accomplish another check on my bucket list. Sailing was on my “Before my 40th birthday bucket list” because It was something I never knew anything about, and I wanted to step out of my comfort zone. Therapeutically I really hoped it would help my PTSD and I have done everything possible to heal myself since my diagnosis a few years ago.
What happened during my sailing lesson was more than I hoped. I was able to feel at ease with the two sailing instructors, who happened to be a couple of old male veterans, which is extremely hard for me given my past traumatic experiences. Since, I have to go to the VA hospital regularly for health care, simply being among all the male veterans is definitely the biggest hurdle for me. These sailing instructors seemed centered, educated in sailing, and were easy to relate to, which I interpreted as worthy of my trust.
Looking back this experience gave me some much needed peace, and a confidence boost. I am grateful for this opportunity to add more healing to my life, because it really is all I want, and I need that so very badly. Finding comfort around a couple of other vets will eventually lead to comfort with a couple more vets, and then maybe all my days at the VA will be somewhat tolerable, aiding to my recovery. Tom, the organization’s owner and coordinator, thankfully convinced me everything would be okay during our initial phone calls and emails. It was all so essential that I felt at ease heading into this experience, and was assured I needed no prior sailing knowledge so the focus changed from being able to perform as a crew member to simply receiving a positive experience. Most importantly the emphasis was then put on just trying to have a good time, like trying to actually relax, and not pass a sailing captains test at the end of it. I of course, previously thought the goal was to learn and recall as much technical sailing information as possible.

Letting go for a few minutes means keeping my focus on something positive where I can trust my surroundings. Being surrounded by trusting individuals is essential because my PTSD keeps me on guard and constantly scanning for dangerous situations. Engulfed in a mother nature setting creates a loving and trusting environment where I am able to let my guard down. Surrounded by waves I am constantly reminded of the earth washing away all I no longer need bringing openness for new beginnings. The cleansing feeling of the salt air on my face seeps through me and I feel renewed. This is all part of my journey. The hurt and the repair, are what I need to experience to get to the spiritual place in which I belong. I look forward to someday having that, “I’m home” feeling.