3 Life Lessons from Writing and Wingfoiling

I started writing this blog post a few mornings ago. Which is not at all unusual… until I admit that, at the time, I was also wingfoiling.

As a kid, I was told to get my homework and chores done before going out to play. I’ve carried that approach over to my adult life—if only because morning is my most creative time, and our local seabreeze doesn’t usually kick in until after noon. But the dog days of summer have been disappointingly “doggy” this year… So when we woke up to a rare August northerly, I decided to toss my usual schedule out the window.

The result? More life lessons from playing hooky.

Thanks to Liz Baylis and PaulCroninStudios for capturing one of the summer’s (afternoon) foiling sessions.

When Paul and I first got to our favorite launching spot, we weren’t sure the breeze would be either strong or steady enough. After all, one of my summer mantras is “Never trust a Northerly.” But once we were on the water, conditions were so stable that I was able to completely relax—and to start writing this post in my head. Even while skimming over wave tops and figuring out the best place to jibe, I was stringing together sentences that would convey my joy to all of you. 

Of course mentally typing over and over “What a fabulous way to start the day!” does not a blog post make, so once I was back at my desk, I reached deeper. Even if you’re not interested in wingfoiling, or willing/able to postpone the start of your own work day, perhaps these 3 bigger picture thoughts will help inspire some joy of your own.

1. Life is short; don’t hesitate

In hindsight, we left the beach at the perfect time—but the breeze definitely looked iffy. If we’d waited for ideal conditions, we would’ve missed one of the best sessions of the summer.

2. Enjoy the now

Playing hooky, it’s all too easy to waste time feeling guilty about the work that’s not getting done. But I’ve learned that my best “writing” often takes place away from my desk, even when I’m not actually composing a blog post in my head. I also knew the breeze wouldn’t last long… so I just enjoyed the now: ripping back and forth (top speed 18.8 mph, thanks for asking), jibing on the small waves, using all the skills I’d built up over the past two summers, until the breeze faded and it was time to go to work. 

3. Choose what brings you joy

Skimming over waves while most folks were commuting made me grateful for a life that can sometimes flex to fit the forecast. Sharing the experience with you also brings me joy, so writing while winging made for a truly memorable morning: my very own breakfast of champions.

What brings you joy? How can you fit more of whatever that is into your weekly schedule—maybe even before you finish your homework and chores? Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send me an email. I read every single one, with gratitude. Thanks for being here!

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