Thoughts @ the End

I was just looking back over my first post on this blog and read the part where I said, each trip I learn something new. That made me think, "what have I learned this time?" As far as surfing, I didn't really learn any new tricks or anything, more of just sharpening what I already have. Progression on top turns going backside, making it like a kick-turn on a mini ramp on a skateboard, so it's a tighter, snappier turn. I also learned that I think I need a shorter board now to progress in the way I want to. I appreciated the progression I've had since April; I was able to paddle out and surf on the 12-15 foot day at Wilderness when hardly many people paddled out. I always learn more about surfing in a crowd, being patient, and reading waves better and better when I'm here.

Besides surfing stuff, I learned I am officially not a loner anymore. In years past, I used to enjoy lone adventures. I still like having time to myself to be sure, but after a day or two on my own here, I'm set. The past two times I've been in PR traveling solo, I've gained an instant appreciation for my friends back home and a realization that I am really firmly rooted with them. They are such a huge, important part of my life. The whole community of Cocoa Beach is such a big part of me now. I love and appreciate it so much, it is a special place filled with special people, and not in the short-bus kind of way (well, maybe sometimes...) :P

Having Sheena here with me made it a lot more fun and easy as compared to last April, when I was here by myself. I have some friends here, but I'm only now just starting to get closer with them. The kind of friendships I like to develop take time.

But the whole reason I sometimes like to be by myself is because for me, it's easier to simmer, collect, think, regroup, recharge, redirect. It's an essential part of my evil plot... er, I mean, grand plans in life that I like to continually make in the name of evolving, growing, learning, expanding. But I don't need huge chunks of alone time, nor do I prefer it anymore.

I also just really had a huge appreciation for the rest of my surf buddies back home--I missed surfing without them! Surfing is so much fun whether you're by yourself, with one friend, or with strangers, but it is the most fun when you're with your crew that you surf with regularly. Those are the times when I feel I surf my best--when surrounded by positive, easy-going people who love surfing and are good at it! If you guys are reading this, I really want to plan a surf trip with all of you soon!

The other thing I've had time to chew on is a personal revelation I had shortly before my trip with the help of my best friend Sharon. I can take a look at my life recently, and see that I am super-passionate about a lot of things--surfing, yoga, music, my business, art, design, friends, etc, etc--and I pursue those things. My problem is I get so wrapped up and passionate about things, it almost goes a little overboard. A little over-hyper about my passions, which creates an imbalance. I think it is good to be passionate and driven and productive, but I could benefit from dialing back a bit. That applies to my work, my hobbies, even my love life. I've always viewed myself as a laid-back person, but in some ways, I must admit being a little too exhuberant and need to chillll a little. Good for this thought to settle in while I am having a vacation for 12 days.