Taking a Step Back to Move Forward: The Power of Switching Things Up and Recharging

After a long hiatus, I’m back on LinkedIn with a fresh perspective and renewed energy. Over the past few months, I took a break from the familiar routines, shifted my focus, and reconnected with something that’s been a driving force for me since childhood: the ocean.

Growing up in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., the beach was an elusive dream. Those twice-yearly trips to the coast were everything, sparking a passion for the ocean that would eventually shape my life. Moving to Wilmington, North Carolina, in the early 2000s to attend UNC Wilmington finally put me near the coast, and it wasn’t long before I followed that deep-seated desire to be by the ocean and began my career as an artist.

But my journey didn’t stop there. In 2011, with the impending birth of my daughter, I crossed off a bucket list goal: becoming a beach lifeguard. I joined Ocean Rescue that summer, working the beaches and forming lifelong bonds. However, as the demands of fatherhood and a growing family came into focus, I pivoted back to my other passion—art. Years later, that lifeguarding chapter felt distant but not closed.

This past spring, a spark reignited. I tried out once again for the Ocean Rescue squad at Wrightsville Beach—a team renowned nationally for their skill and dedication. This summer, I returned to the stand, making over 25 rescues and working alongside a crew that shared my passion for protecting our community’s coastline. This experience was a fulfilling challenge, blending skill and focus with the dynamic forces of the ocean. Spending each day immersed in the elements, it was a season of complete commitment and connection, with my children often by my side, sharing in the early morning sunrises, beach patrols, and evening sunsets.

I also had the privilege of supporting an incredible athlete and friend, Rob Brown, as he trained for the world-renowned Molokai 2 Oahu paddleboard race. Since February, we spent countless early mornings training in the pool and on the water, pushing physical limits, and embracing the rigors of a high-performance journey. On July 29, I joined him as a support crew in the ocean, delivering his nutrition and encouragement during the race. This journey was as much a test of commitment as it was a testament to the strength of teamwork. For me, it was also a transformative experience in physical health, showing me how resilience and training can elevate every facet of life.

Returning to my work as an artist now, I feel profoundly refreshed and inspired. I approach the ocean with a deeper understanding of its complexity—the textures, light, and interplay of water in its ever-shifting forms. My lifeguarding experience and time spent closely observing the ocean over the summer have brought new layers to my work. Now, when I capture images, I strive to convey not only the beauty but also the raw, elemental forces of the sea that I’ve come to know intimately. My goal is to bring this essence into the homes and lives of others through my work at EDA Surf.

This time away from my usual routines reminded me of the importance of stepping outside the box. Taking a break and allowing myself to focus on something different didn’t sidetrack my goals—it recharged my life. With renewed energy, I’m embarking on a new venture alongside my art: a coaching and training business inspired by my journey with Rob and the physical transformation I experienced. Our mission is to inspire others to elevate their health and well-being through the lessons we’ve learned on the water.

To anyone feeling the weight of routine, I encourage you to take a step back, switch things up, and pursue something different, even if only for a season. Sometimes, it’s in the stepping away that we find ourselves more deeply rooted in our purpose. Here’s to embracing life, challenging ourselves, and bringing the passion we cultivate outside back to the work that defines us. See you in the ocean soon!

Thank you for reading! – Sean Ruttkay, Ocean-Inspired Artist & Founder of EDA Surf ART