Paddling through rough waters -

It's almost the end of the year. And it's kinda cold out there. So, I intentionally saved this Paddle Your Own Boat video I filmed in July to share with you in chilly December: Paddle Your Own Boat - Even through rough waters - YouTube. Click on the link and come for a paddle with me. This one's an 8 minute video I took in a wee slough off the Puntledge River in the beautiful Comox Valley where I live. I'd taken a break from paddling because the waters were getting rough. So sit back, put your feet up and as you listen to the birds chirping in the background, I'll share some paddling strategies for your rough waters.

This video may remind you that summer will be here before we know it. So, let's start 2023 not just with our fingers crossed, but with some new strategies to manage our energy and be compassionate to ourselves and others.

Because folks, it's been quite the year, hasn't it. A bit confusing for the ole brain. Is the pandemic over? Is the world safe? Can we relax and get back to 'normal' or is this the new 'normal'? How do I relate to people in person again? Am I the only one feeling awkward as heck? Nope, you're not.

You see, one of the main focuses of my coaching this year was helping people navigate uncertainty, anxiety, disagreements and conflict. Many people needed to take breaks, to dial back their news consumption, to get help for anxiety or depression, and re-focus their attention and pause.

So as we head into 2023, let's hope for calmer waters and also be prepared. Pull your boat up onto shore if you have to. Take a deep breath. Because conflict happens. Change happens. Disagreements happen. Adversity happens. The waters of life are not always calm. Folks, we've got this. We can keep paddling and learn new skills. (And if you don't feel like you've got this, please please reach out for support, and know that you're not alone.)

I navigated some rough waters in 2022, too. Three weeks after knee surgery and still on crutches, I was delighted to finally be flying to Germany to run my annual EmpowHer leadership program in-person after 2 years of remote workshops. Then...I caught COVID four days after I landed. Ugh.

I was lucky that it wasn't too severe and that I could keep paddling forward, even as I had to isolate for several days, and switch to video calls instead of in-person coaching for awhile. I got pretty familiar with the door to the little balcony off my flat and was so grateful when I started to feel better, and then tested negative.

But this wasn't the tough part. The rough waters were churning inside of me. I felt embarrassed for some reason about being on crutches, being weak and then getting sick. I felt myself wanting to hide this and say "I'm fine" through gritted teeth, when people showed me kindness or asked how I was doing. We humans do at times as a way to feel safe or not express how you really feel. It's common. I recently read about FINE being an acronym for "Feelings Inside Not Expressed" or "Freaked out Insecure Nervous Emotional". I remembered that feeling authentic was better than hiding. I took a big breath and decided to accept the compassion and help of my lovely friends and clients in Germany. And it was wonderful. What are your reminders that help you when you, like me, need a little help from your friends? How can you remember to paddle when the waters get rough? This photo from my time isolating alone in my flat in Germany is a good reminder to watch for open doors, to then open myself up instead of hiding, and to accept other people's open hearts.

Happy paddling!

Cristine Saxon, MA, CLC, ACC

To view past Paddle Your Own Boat videos and to subscribe for future ones go to: Cristine Saxon Coaching and Consulting - YouTube)