Perspectives from a canoe: a strong foundation to support growth

Edition #9

Blue Mountain Lake, New York

Welcome to another edition of my new series - Perspectives from a canoe. I hope my adventures navigating the water inspire you.

Reflections on a tree growing from a rock

On a recent paddling adventure on Blue Mountain Lake in the Adirondack mountains of New York, I discovered a big rock with a solitary tree growing on it - actually on the side of the rock. The tree seemed rather healthy and growing relatively straight - despite being out in the middle of a lake in the mountains.

How does a tree grow and survive in such a harsh environment?

As I paddled closer to it, I kept thinking - how is this tree surviving and growing from a rock in the middle of a large lake in the harsh Adirondack mountains of upstate New York? The tree was not much taller than the rock but it appeared to be healthy. Somehow it is surviving despite its position on the rock and its exposure to the elements. As I paddled, the tree appeared anchored and strong - with help from the rock.

The tree and the rock on Blue Mountain Lake.

Building a rock-solid foundation for sustained growth

With the Olympics currently underway in Paris, I’ve been thinking about all the preparation and training required to become an Olympic athlete. I cannot imagine the work involved in becoming an Olympic competitor today. Most athletes who desire to become Olympians spend years building strong foundations of physical fitness so they can be ready to compete at high levels. Building a strong foundation affords them the best opportunity to be successful and to achieve their goals.

Building a strong foundation to cultivate growth and creativity

For me, I have learned over the years to start small when I set goals. Focus on small achievements over time and learn from my successes (and failures). This is especially true with learning new skills - I try to take it one step at a time and not to bite off too much at once. My aim is to build my confidence before setting bigger goals. I strive to embrace the journey of the learning process and take advantage of new opportunities. I try to push myself to step outside my comfort zone to grow as a person.

Getting closer to the tree on the rock.

Building a strong community to cultivate well-being

Finally, I strive to be like the tree and the rock - focus on spending time forging relationships with those around me. I try to use some of the energy I may spend on “work” and divert more time and energy to building relationships with others. I have come to realize that my interactions with others - my communities - provides more satisfaction than my professional productivity.

Striving for a sense of belonging.

---

Looking ahead - Blue Mountain peak in the distance.

---

Although we are in different boats, you in your boat and we in our canoe, we share the same river of life. - Oren Lyons

I hope you enjoyed my inspirational paddling adventure today. I look forward to sharing more with you.

Did you know that the simple and meaningful act of hitting the heart icon ❤️ above, or sharing this piece, means more people see my work. I do appreciate your comments.

Outdoors with Jenn is entirely reader-supported. If you enjoy the content I provide, please subscribe. I welcome both free and paid subscribers to Outdoors with Jenn. You can also support me by simply making a one-time donation below at Buy Me A Coffee. I appreciate each one of you who follows or subscribes to Outdoors with Jenn.

Coffee keeps me going everyday and helps me work on Outdoors with Jenn. You can help a lot by making a one-time contribution at any time by “buying me a coffee” (or two). Certainly a good amount of real coffee has been consumed by me to create Outdoors with Jenn.