Slow Down

Recently I was home in Boston visiting family and friends for a week. Having some time off and away gave me space to step back and reflect on where I’m at right now. I was having a chat with a friend over some beers and I told her a bit about this blog that I’m starting. She told me that it was a great idea because I have “the perspective from 50 yards off shore” which gives me a slightly different outlook on life. 

That got me reflecting about how much boats have taught me and how they continue to teach me. I thought back to day last summer, and wanted to share this anecdote here as a reminder to contemplate the ways in which we rush. 

Rolling out of bed, I hit the propane switch and start heating up water on my stovetop. I measure out two scoops of grounds into my pour over coffee filter which takes about 10 minutes to make one cup of coffee. Once the water is heated up, I flood the grounds and wait for coffee to slowly seep into the mug below.

I tap my fingers on the countertop.

My impatience is rising.

I pick up the filter to check the level in the mug. 

Three quarters full, fuck it that’s enough I’m bored of waiting. 

I go up to the deck to sit and enjoy my coffee. The sun is already scalding, this is the hottest summer on Vermont record. In my head I start flipping through all of the tasks I need to accomplish that day.

*Can’t forget to transfer money for car insurance*

*Have to get spark plugs for my dinghies outboard engine that still isn’t working*

*I wonder what the wind is going to do today…I should check*

I go back below to grab my phone. I finish off my coffee while already commencing my daily errands on the screen.

Before I know it it’s time to get ready for work. I put my phone down on the deck next to me before getting up and going below to make a quick breakfast and get dressed. I toss my backpack down into the inflatable Avon and get the oars ready to row into the dock. I untie and break my first sweat of the day. I tie up at the dock and walk up to my car.

 Wait – where’s my phone?

It’s on the dock exactly where I put it down earlier after finishing my coffee. It will overheat in the sun if I don’t go back for it. I guess I won’t be stopping for those spark plugs today…

After a sweaty workout (my third lap) I’m in my car driving to the charter boat I captain. I arrive at the docks in Burlington on time, and the deckhand already has most of the boat ready to go. I help her finish setting up before running to hit the land head before our guests arrive. For the next five hours I put on my customer service face and yap away about Lake Champlain history, geology, biology etc. 

Finally the sunset cruise helps to snap me back into my life. The last sail of the day is usually my favorite. As the sun goes down a hush tends to fall over the boat. The wind dips down a little. Everyone simply sits and enjoys all of the beauty around them. 

“You get to do this every day?” a guest asks.

“It’s pretty great” I reply with a smile. 

It’s then that I am reminded that life isn’t something to be rushed through. It’s something to take our time with. It’s madness that so much of our time is so busy that we cant even slow down to lift up our heads and say “holy shit, the world is beautiful.” As I’m writing this I try to take my own advice. I look up and see the snow twirling around in the wind outside the window. It’s magical. 

I highly encourage you to take this moment right now to look around and find beauty in something around you.

Later that night after the guests went home and we buttoned up the boats I drive home. I get back into the inflatable and slowly had my fourth lap of the day out to Phoenix under the moonlight. I listen to the sound of the oars on the water. I pay attention to how many stars I can see. I thank the lake for reminding me that every day should be taken a bit more slowly. And I promise her that I will appreciate the time it takes to make my coffee tomorrow.  

No matter how busy life can get – find time to slow down.

Thanks for reading 

As always, reach out if you have anything at all to add

hannahgob@gmail.com