Inspiration is always out there

As the weather warms up it is getting easier to hit the water. The floating ice has melted leaving glassy surfaces until the wind blows. The birds are back in the trees singing a natural soundtrack to paddle to.

When asking about what I am doing the general reaction is "Wow that is great!" So it is pretty easy to stay motivated to accomplish my goal. There are things out of the ordinary that always seem to catch me by surprise. Inspiration comes in many forms and when caught off guard by it the payout is huge.

One huge surprise came in the form of a friend cutting her hair. I have known Katie for only a couple years and always make sure to connect when we are out traveling as we work in the same industry.

I was sitting at my computer and came across the photos below. What!? Katie who had beautiful long hair cut it all off? She did, 20 inches, gone... And she donated it all to Locks for Love! Yeah! She helped out someone whose life will be more comfortable with her help. Yes she rocks the short hair. Was caught off guard and my inspiration level has risen to 15... Turned it up!

Katie before and after donating 20 inches for Locks for Love! Amazing!

As if that wasn't enough I had a crazy idea one Thursday morning to email paddleboard world champion Jordan Mercer. Jordan is an IronWoman, Australian Life Saver and world paddleboard racing champion. I came across her recently in a Surfer Magazine article. Seeing her accomplishments motivated me to up my game. She has won the Molokai race a couple of times, current reigning champ of the ISA, etc.

Why would a 30 year old super- rookie paddler take her as a motivating person? I mean I am over 10 years older than here. The reason is because she is the best and she is a real person. The other reason is because she actually responded to my email with encouraging words. It is not every day you write to a big name and get a response. I'll take it.

And with the sun shining I will use it on the water this weekend and turn it into miles.

And for even more inspiration watch the video from the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

Surf Camp for Young Adult Cancer Survivors (A) from John Wayne Cancer Foundation on Vimeo.