That’s how a kayaker described the path her life took over this past weekend. It was her first whitewater run and she did fantastic. She credits me for providing the path and positive reinforcement for her metamorphosis (the “endorfman effect”), as well as for others. No, it is she and the others who inspire me.
Setting the example, she came to our group and paddling a couple years ago at about the age of 60. (If you think I’m guessing age and divulging a name, think again.) She struck me as someone who was already well on the way to reinventing herself in a number of ways. I give her a lot of credit and respect for that. It isn’t easy under the best of circumstances.
That’s essentially what we asked people to do when I ran a mental health and drug & alcohol clinic. Take a realistic look at where you are, envision where you need to be, and take the positive steps to get there, avoiding the toxic influences and triggers that tend to keep you where you are now. It’s quite a challenge for the defective and the spotty results were frustrating. Not much easier for anyone else.
So, when I see someone blossom like this, it’s gratifying, even if it was largely her own efforts and quality of character. Good to amazing is more than can be expected.
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