I didn’t go looking for a life-changing moment. I wasn’t on some Eat, Pray, Love-style journey. Honestly, I was just trying to survive another hot Florida morning without melting.
It was a hot Florida morning in July. The kind of morning where the sun hits you early and the air feels thick with possibility (and sweat). I was still adjusting to life after my move, still grieving, still searching for something that felt like me again.
When a friend invited me to try paddle boarding at a nearby spring, I almost said no. I wasn’t in the mood to fail at something new. My body felt tired, my mind even more so. But something in me said, just go. So I did.
Standing On Water (And Not Falling Off)
I expected to wobble, to fall, to feel like a fool. And yes, I wobbled a little. But something surprising happened: I stood up. On my first try. And I didn’t fall off!
And then there I was, standing on a board, floating on calm water, surrounded by silence and sunlight. For the first time in what felt like forever, my brain shut up. No to-do list, no grief spiral. Just me, the board, the water, and the sound of my own breath.
The rhythm of paddling was almost meditative. The gentle swish of water as I paddled back and forth, the sound of my breath, the stillness of the spring. It all created a peace I hadn’t felt in months.
I didn’t expect it to be spiritual. But it was.
Why It Mattered So Much
Grief had made everything feel hard. Even joy felt heavy. But on that paddle board, things felt light again, even if only for a little while.
Paddle boarding gave me:
- Presence: it’s hard to overthink when you’re balancing on water
- Confidence: learning something new reminded me I could still grow
- Peace: nature always gives, and that day, it gave me calm
- Freedom: it was just me, the board, and the water
I didn’t realize how much I needed a space where I didn’t have to be strong, productive, or even okay. I just needed to float.
From One Paddle to a Practice
After that first time, I was hooked. I bought my own paddle board just a few days after that first trip. That local spring was calm and full of the clearest water I had ever seen. I started going as often as I could.
Some days I paddled in silence. Other days, I blasted country music or a podcast. I’ve shared the water with manatees, dolphins, stingrays, and (on less magical days) a few very bold ducks.
Every time, I felt better when I came back to shore. It became my therapy, not the kind with a couch and questions, but the kind where healing happens without words.
💬 If You’ve Been Thinking About Trying It…
Here’s what I want you to know:
You don’t have to be athletic. You don’t need perfect balance. You don’t even have to feel ready. I am definitely not athletic and my balance is not very good at all.
All you need is an open heart and a willingness to try something new.
If you’re feeling stuck, heavy, or burned out, sometimes the way back to yourself isn’t through more doing. Sometimes it’s through stillness. Or movement. Or water.
Or all three, standing on a paddle board.
Tips for First-Time Paddle Boarders (From Someone Who Was Nervous Too)
- Start on calm water: springs, lakes, bays, or quiet canals are best
- Don’t overthink your balance: your body figures it out faster than your brain
- Try kneeling first, then stand when you feel steady. Use the paddle to help you balance.
- Wear a life vest or leash for safety (yes, even if you’re a good swimmer)
- Bring water, sunscreen, and give yourself permission to take it slow
- Remember that falling off is just part of learning. Practice getting back on your board. Getting back on was harder for me than standing up!
Bonus tip: Go alone at least once. There’s something deeply healing about floating in silence. I go alone most of the time and it is so peaceful.
Final Thoughts
Paddle boarding didn’t fix everything. It didn’t erase the grief or the hard days or bring my mom back. But it gave me something I didn’t know I needed: space to breathe, move, and just be.
It reminded me that healing doesn’t always come in big moments. Sometimes it arrives gently, with the sound of water, the sway of your board, and the sun on your shoulders.
If you’re feeling disconnected or weighed down, maybe your healing isn’t on a yoga mat or a therapy couch. Maybe it’s waiting out there on the water, with a paddle in your hand and peace just ahead.
💌 Your Turn
Have you ever tried paddle boarding or found healing in an unexpected activity? I’d love to hear your story in the comments.
Here’s to new beginnings, unexpected joys, and the beauty of just floating.
If you’re ready to take your own gentle first step, I’d love to invite you to subscribe to my newsletter. You will receive a free download of my 5-Day Self-Care Reset Plan. It’s a simple way to start making space for yourself again, in just five minutes a day.
Feel free to visit my Etsy shop for resources to help you on your journey. I also have a free private self-care interactive Facebook group for women that you can join here.
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