“It doesn’t get any easier,” she said as tears streamed down her face and she spread the ashes in the water. “He would have loved this place.” “I acknowledge you for being here,” I said, tears welling up in my eyes as well. Wishing I could do something to ease her pain, and knowing that the best I could do was hold space. It was her first river experience ever, and 6 days in the Idaho wilderness was a big adventure to take on. Nina was my best friend in grade school. We grew up in a small, bilingual and
Grief, Connection and Joy on the River
September 15, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Inspiring Articles, Trip/Tour Reports
Why Are You So You Angry?!
September 4, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Inspiring Articles, Trip/Tour Reports
I felt so angry! I had asked him to get my favorite chocolate cake at the local market. When he came back, he said he couldn’t find it and brought me back a chocolate bar instead. The heat was rising in my face because I knew he hadn’t actually bothered to ask the clerk if they had the cakes. I had seen them there earlier that day. He admitted that he didn’t ask and exclaimed: “Why are you so angry?!” The answer had nothing to do with chocolate cake. Which, by the way, is my trusted strategy for pacifying my
How I Got Myself Unstuck
August 30, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Inspiring Articles, Mindset
Here I am sitting at my computer with a feeling of fear of being judged, and it’s paralyzing me today. “You’re so fearless!” The comments poured in on social media after I posted this photo (taken by Daniel Brasuell) I’m definitely not fearless, is what I replied. I get nervous every time I paddle this rapid! I think of myself as courageous – being afraid and taking action anyway. BUT I’ve set a new goal for myself to write a blog and send it out on Fridays. Yet I’m fearful of putting it out there. What if it’s too much
3 Things I Ask Myself to Recover from Disappointment
August 22, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Inspiring Articles, Kayaking Tips, Mindset
I’ve been wedged underneath rocks in the river, been trashed in the impact zone in the surf, and as a solopreneur, wondered how I was going to pay my bills. You know, that feeling of being crushed by doubt, fear or things not working out the way you’d hoped? Whitewater kayaking has been a phenomenal teacher for me in learning how to make big comebacks. How to not let one incident send me into a downward spiral. Like the one time I got stuck in a hydraulic, swam out of my kayak, bawled my eyes out, then got back in
Someday or Day One?
July 23, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Health and Wellness, Inspiring Articles, Mindset
When you schedule time on your calendar how often do you pencil in activities on Someday? Never heard of Someday being on the calendar? That’s because Someday doesn’t exist in reality. There’s a saying that goes: “There are 7 days in a week and Someday isn’t one of them.” Saying you’ll do something Someday is saying that what you want is just a pipe dream. As uninspiring as this is, it’s also easy and doesn’t involve risk. On the other hand, taking steps towards what you really want feels scary, risky and hard. I get it. I’ve been there over
3 Tips to Avoid Summer Burnout + Smoothie Recipe
June 20, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Health and Wellness
It’s officially the change of season, and if you don’t want to overheat and burnout, it’s critical that you make changes to your diet and lifestyle. Summer is the season of heat, long hours of sunlight and full-on activity! If your diet and lifestyle run hot during this season then you could experience physical symptoms such as skin problems and breakouts, acid reflux and bouts of urgently needing a bathroom 🙁 Emotionally you may experience increased anger, frustration and stress. This can lead to confrontations with family and co-workers, overwhelm and burnout. Here are three of my favorite, and perhaps not-so-well-known
Why YOU Matter
May 24, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Inspiring Articles, Mindset
Have you ever gotten down on yourself thinking that nothing you do or say really matters? Somehow, women especially, are good at finding evidence for how small and insignificant we are. This is especially true when we compare ourselves to others. Our minds latch on to the story we’re telling ourselves about how much better so and so is, and the downward spiral begins. Last week I went to see US Soccer champion and author, Abby Wambach, speak. She has two Olympic gold medals, 4 World Cup Titles and holds the record for highest number of international goals scored in
4 Steps to Finding Your Paddling Tribe
April 22, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Inspiring Articles, Kayaking Tips, SUP Tips
Are you struggling to find a group of fun, supportive paddling partners? Finding a paddling tribe is key to enjoying the sport for the long term. It’s fun to go out on your own (especially SUP), but that can get old after awhile. Connecting with other like-minded women who share a similar passion is uplifting and inspiring. If you’re like me, you want paddling buddies who lift you up and support you in your goals, from paddling something new and challenging, to just having fun and getting outside. Here are my top 4 steps for finding your paddling tribe. Join
5 Exercises To Relieve Your Anxiety
March 7, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Health and Wellness
Calm and patient. Two words my clients have used to describe my coaching style over the years. Anxiety and panic attacks. Things I never thought I’d experience, much less need to manage… until this year. This is new territory for me, and new experiences lead to growth. As I’ve adjusted I’ve learned about myself and how the self care I’ve implemented over the years is making a big difference for my mental and physical well being during this time. Here are my Top 5 Strategies for Managing Anxiety: Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or a counselor. My intention with this post
Want a Consistent Roll? Try These 3 Things
February 15, 2019 | Written by: | Filed Under: Anna's Blog, Kayaking Tips
Do you struggle with a consistent roll? You’re not alone. The roll can come and go, especially if you paddle rivers where you don’t flip over. The roll can be challenging to perform consistently because… a. The movements are counter intuitive. We’re use to being able to use strength to push ourselves up or brace ourselves if we fall. In the element of water that’s not possible because water is not solid! Effective technique is needed. b. Whether you want to admit it or not, flipping upside down in a medium where you can’t breathe while having your lower body
