Things go notoriously well when I make plans. Usually. But I’ve encountered a few situations lately that were beyond my control, and it’s had my gears turning. Then some terrible unexpected things happened to some friends of mine, and it all came into perspective. Let’s back it up and have a little chat:
Months of planning, tons of money, hours of prep, and everything else that goes into an epic getaway. Twelve people rallied together, everyone doing their part and investing heavily in one of those epic amazing unforgettable weekends. Bikes prepped, new parts secured, rush delivered, and installed last minute, climbing gear prepped and packed, new harness, ALL the kayaks and paddle boards, EVERYTHING. And all this after we secured the perfect cabin close to the trails, good food, on the water, and fits 6 couples comfortably. Obviously, we put a lot into this. We arrive, unload all the gear, go over our zealous plans one more time, and the bottom of the sky drops out. Flash floods, tornado watches, lightning, all she’s got. And it doesn’t let up until we’re a few hours down the road coming home.
Am I mad? Nope. Twelve buddies has a way of getting every perspective available onto the table. Especially when you’re locked in a cabin with them for four days. We recounted the perfect weather at literally every other cabin gathering we’ve ever had. And with at least two to three of those a year, we realized how lucky we’ve been. Lightning ran me in off the water, storm ran me off the rock, and mud kept me off the trails. But twelve good friends and a metric shit ton of junk food brought me a happiness I had lost familiarity with. Was it the exact weekend of adventure I had planned? Nope. Was it exactly what I needed and I didn’t even realize it till it was over? Yup. Even though it wasn’t perfect, it was perfect! I caught myself sitting there with a bear suit on with a beard full of Oreo’s griping about not getting to ride. I feel like an idiot. Not for wearing the bear suit, but for not realizing just how awesome it is to be able to fill up a giant cabin with a group of close friends.
We’re not outsiders looking in. This moment right now is what we have. How we handle it is who we are. If you’re constantly waiting for perfect conditions to live, then you’ll always be waiting.
Today at work… time to take students canoeing (hard work, right?). Temperatures drop, wind picks up to about 26 mph, and drive the canoes one after another into a cove on the other side of the lake. Problem? Nope. Adventure? Yup. By the time I come to the rescue, everyone in the boat is spent, breathing hard at the work, and laughing with what little breath they have. Memories were definitely made, and this moment is perfect.
Back to real life. She’s a bitch some times. She does more than rain out your overly ambitious October plans and beach your canoe. She delivers Spartan kicks to the gut that no human should have to endure. Any rhyme or reason? Nope. Any mercy? Nope. I can’t even begin to pretend I know what some friends of mine are dealing with right now. But the perfection in this moment isn’t coming from me. It’s inside them. I don’t know what they’re going through or what to say, but what I do know is that this is the most raw encounter they’ve ever had with themselves. The darkness will come, and we will all face it. There’s no easy path to conquer it, no outside forces that will take care of it for us. We can cower and be defeated, or we can face it head on and realize how alive we truly are. The pain is undeniably real, as is our ability to survive. In that very moment we are stronger and more capable than we’ve ever been. In that moment we are more willing than ever to fight for better days. Even when it seems to be as far from perfect as we could ever imagine, we find a profound strength within. Feel the strength, the grit, the resounding desire for happiness and peace. Feel that very moment when you will do whatever it takes to make life better, and understand that this very moment itself is, in fact, perfect.
-scratch
Tao of Scratch 