2017 Inspiration.

Never grow up. Never grow old. Don't fall into the trap of "normal" adulthood. Find new ways to become inspired. Learn to new tricks. Discover new places. See behind walls and run along the beaten path. Experience danger. Climb higher and dive deeper. Embrace the feeling of life in your veins and lungs. Breathe deeply. Smile. And never forget... every sunrise provides a new opportunity. It doesn't need to be a fairy tale.

Chapter Four.

It's been nearly five months since my last post... and for good reason. If you would have asked me a year ago what my life would look like in 2014 I would have told you that I would still be living, working, traveling, and competing throughout Europe and the UK. It amazes me how quickly one chapter of life can end and another begin. Let's call this chapter four.

From where I sit now I can finally see the dust settling. A four month process to move from London to San Francisco finally feels complete. I can breath. The best part is that Kaylin is with me, helping to make this new city feel like home. I have an amazing apartment in the Marina District with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. My neighborhood is filled with unique shops, cafes and bars. There is even a marina with a perfect launch point for paddling within three blocks of where live. It couldn't be better. The only thing missing is a stock pile of boards, paddles, bike and skis... but these should be here within the next month (fingers crossed).

The plan... get back into shape, enjoy the California sunshine, paddle the bay, run and cycle at Mount Tamalpais, surf, compete, travel throughout the west coast, Mexico and the Pacific. Its time to take advantage of all that this new home has to offer. "Go Because You Can." Let's make the most of it.

Bank Account.

"Imagine there is a bank account that credits your account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening the bank deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. What would you do? Draw every cent, of course? Each of us has such a bank. Its name is time. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost, whatever of this you have failed to invest to a good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no over draft. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours. There is no drawing against "tomorrow." You must live in the present on todays' deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in health, happiness and success. The clock is running. Make the most of today." - Anon.

The Rules.

It's been a little over a year and a half since I first drafted and published my rules. To date, they remain one of the most popular entries on this blog. If you've been following along these past few weeks you might have noticed that I'm at a cross roads and have some really big decisions to make. It's all happening.

On Saturday I'm boarding a plane bound for San Francisco and I can not wait for all of the good things building up on my horizon. So come what may. And let me these rules guide me. They always do...

The Rules.

Ever since my trip to the Canary Islands I've had a handful people asking me about Rule Number Five. An ever elusive rule that seems to help focus a man and push him through to a tasks completion. But to blurt out the fifth rule without the others seems inappropriate. One needs first to understand where these rules come from and why they are valued. 

The Greek philosopher Aristotle might have been one of the first to write down a set of rules, or virtues, for how a man is meant to live his best life. His ideas and concepts, called The Nicomachean Ethics, are widely regarded as one of our society's most important historical philosophical works (at least according to wikipedia). One of the primary themes throughout his writing focuses on living a life of virtue. For Aristotle, it wasn't enough to simply understand the theory behind a virtuous life. He believed in exercising a virtuous set of principles on a daily basis in order to become more, in order to become his best self.

"For the things we have to learn before we can do them, we learn by doing them. e.g. men become builders by building and lyer playersby playing the lyre; so too we become just by doing just acts, temperate by doing temperate acts, brave by doing brave acts."

In this sense, Aristotle's virtues became his daily rule book. A set of guiding principles that he worked to adhere to in order to become his best self. His rules guided his actions that in turn helped him to live his best life, one of moral and intellectual virtue. As for my rules...

I should explain that these rules are individual, my personal guidelines for the life I'm living. Five truths that I've somehow discovered throughout twenty-nine short years of life experience, travel, hardship, and fruition. These are my own thoughts and beliefs put into daily action for the kind of man I want to be. It is for this reason that I am hesitant to share them publicly. However...

The Rules:

1.) Follow the rules.

It's trite. Cliche and over used. But rule number one proves to be the most demanding of all the rules. I will be the first to admit that it is the most challenging and difficult to follow. Any mistake or poor decision that I've ever made has been a direct result of ignoring this basic rule. Rule number one helps me to learn discipline, focus and self-mastery. These rules are in place for a reason and help to guide me towards my goals and ambitions. I do my best to follow them.

2.) Be a gentleman.

Do what is right, simply because it's right. For me, this is a guiding principle that defines a man's actions in today's world. A gentleman does what is right. He treats others with respect no matter their place in society and believes in the goodness of the human heart. He is kind, courteous, courageous, wise, and lives his life knowing the value of honor, something that many men in today's society seem to have forgotten.

Atticus Finch, one of the hero's in the book To Kill A Mockingbird, personifies what I believe a true gentleman to be. Two quotes stick out more than any other. The first is about the power of choice to live with your own thoughts and actions. Atticus said, "Before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience." (page 105.)Atticus knew that doing wrong would sit on his shoulders and weigh him down. He valued doing right because he knew how it would impact his mind, heart and body, which in turn would impact those around him. 

His second pearl of wisdom is about the courage and dedication needed to stand up for what a man believes in. "I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyways and you see it through no matter what." (page 112.) Atticus was a very wise man. He stood up for what he believed in and was courageous enough to continue working towards his goal simply because he knew that it was the right thing to do. He faced adversity and rose above it. 

I might not be a perfect gentleman, but I know that it's about a lot more than simply holding a door for someone or offering my seat to a lady on the train. It's about the decisions we make and how we act upon them as men. I do my best to do what is right, simply because I believe it is right.

3.) Work hard to play hard.

When I was a child I had big dreams. I wanted to do everything and go everywhere. It didn't take long for me to realize that the allowance my parents gave me wasn't going to reach far enough. If I wanted to do and go where I wanted to I would need a little bit more change in my pocket.

When I got a little older I started mowing the lawns around my neighborhood for twenty dollars per lawn. I can remember mowing each lawn with a distinctive diagonal line pattern that defined my ability as a lawn mower. I wanted each line to be perfect. I took pride in my work, but I didn't let it take over me. Because the purpose wasn't to make money. The purpose was to have an ability to spend time with friends and fund weekends kayaking or skiing. I wanted to be able to invest in my passions.

Fast forward. Today my belief about work is pretty much the same. I am so blessed and lucky to have an amazing job overseas that provides a never-ending stream of opportunity and possibility. It can be all consuming at times and I strive to be successful within the corporate realm that I often find myself in. However. At the end of each day I realize that the child inside of me would have never wanted to put on a suit and tie and carry a brief case from one place to another. Instead, the child inside of me strives to wear a pair of boardshorts and flip flops. He wants to play in the sun, sand, and sea. He seeks adventure at every opportunity and values the lessons learned through travel and life experiences outside of the office. 

I work to live. I do not live to work. This does not mean, however, that I will not work hard. Because working hard is what allows me to play even harder. Play is what motivates me to work hard. They go hand in hand. There is great value this rule.

4.) Be honest and true.

Confucius said, "A gentleman would be ashamed should his deeds not match his words." We all know the truth of this statement. Deep down I feel it in the bottom of my belly as I examine my words in relation to my actions. In many ways this rule is the most important. I have learned through hardship and true experience why honesty, truth, and loyalty should be valued more any other virtue. They are sacred. In short, be a man of your word. Be honest and loyal. Tell the truth and have enough integrity to own it, especially to those closest to you. 

5.) Harden the f*** up.

This rule was introduced to me a year ago when I decided to get into road biking. It started off as a bit of a joke whenever our legs began to burn, however, since digesting the statement more fully I have come to realize that it applies to all areas of manhood and life. Harden up. It's simple. A man is designed to be strong in all areas. He should be able to lead others when things get difficult. He needs to be strong physically, mentally, and emotionally. He shouldn't moan or complain. He should be able and capable to keep calm and carry on (as the English often say) no matter what he's going through. As Bear Grylls says, "Smile when it's raining, and when you're going through hell... keep going."

Lance Armstrong is known for saying, "Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place." He is right. Our minds and bodies are built to withstand great obstacle and challenge. We all need to realize this.

During exercise our bodies often beg and plead that we stop. We know that the pain or burning that we are feeling will go away within seconds. If you don't believe me, do. Pain goes away. Our bodies heal. But we have another mental choice. We can choose to endure the pain for a little while longer, knowing very well that it's going to hurt, but not actually kill us. If we choose to push on, our bodies will open up to another gear and will allow us to push harder for longer. The tasks and challenges we are faced with will finish as intended. We will be stronger in the end for simply deciding to endure. There is great reward in this.

Training for the 11 Cities race is teaching more about these rules than I ever previously imagined. I'm realizing that my behavior is beginning to change on a day-to-day basis to fall more in line with the virtues that I value. My eyes are opening wider and I feel as though I am beginning to see more than I ever have. My body is hardening and growing stronger. The skin on my hands is turning to leather. The muscles in my legs, back, and arms are turning into metal. My mind is becoming more and more capable of enduring. I believe in what Aristotle said in relation to acting in accordance to virtue. Act first, then become. It works.

Sub-rules:

Happiness is a choice. Think before you act. Sweat at least once per day. Know the value of a firm handshake. Always use the second to last urinal or stall in a public restroom. Write handwritten notes and letters. Travel. Seek out new experiences. Do not wait to enjoy something, tomorrow is not guaranteed. Enjoy good wine and good food. Hold her hand. Love your friends and family. Be the person you wanted to become when you were a child. Watch where you're walking and be mindful of others. Take pictures. 

I know that am not a perfect man. I also know that these rules do not encompass every aspect of life, but they seem to be a good place to start. These rules are not easy to follow. However. I try. 

Monday Through Friday.

Paddling, surfing, running, skiing, exploring --- these are the things that I like to associate with most. "Go because you can." Never one to sit back and let it pass me by, I will always aspire to get the most out of life. If there is one message to share, this is it.

But there is another part of my life that takes up most of my time monday to friday each week. My profession. My every day. Maybe it's because I've just returned from a three day conference, but I've been thinking about it a lot these past few weeks. Am I really doing what I want to be doing? Does it sustain me? Does it inspire me? These are questions I constantly ask.

Without going into too much detail, I am fortunate to help patients suffering from different cardiac conditions by supporting doctors and medical teams with the different technical aspects of pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. It is an amazing technology to support clinically. Most importantly, it is amazing to see how this type of technology can impact a patient's life. For example, meet Jim...

There are definitely some changes sitting on my horizon and it is stories like Jim's that help me to realise that I am on the right path. Inspiration comes easily and I know that I am ready for whatever comes next. It makes the decisions in front of me seem simple. All I have to do is say yes... and go.

When You Want Something.

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

It was years ago that I first read these words from a book called The Alchemist. If you haven't read it, you need to. Its influence and perspective has shaped me, my outlook on life, and what is actually possible to achieve within this world. We can do whatever we aspire to as long as we pay attention, understand, grow, and work hard towards accomplishing our goals. Life will provide signs along the way to tell each of us if we are on the right path. "The universe conspires..."

This past summer I traveled home to the United States for the first time in over eighteen months. In total, it has been five years since I moved abroad and I can see how much I've grown whilst living in and amongst another culture different from my own. That being said, I was really looking forward to the time that I would be able to spend with family and friends. Little did I know the butterfly effect that would soon take place.

I was home for two weeks and it couldn't have been better... the sights, the sounds, and the flavors of home were exactly what I needed as I had forgotten how much I missed the little things that helped to shape me when I was younger. Towards the end of my second week my mother helped to influence my decision to take a last minute trip to San Francisco to see some good friends from high school and college. I'm still thankful for her nudge.

It was over a few drinks with my friend Heather at the America's Cup venue in San Francisco that I got my first glimpse of her. And even though the glimpse was only from a photo on Instagram, I was in awe. Despite my travels, I had completely forgotten that a girl like her could even exist within this world. A beautiful blonde from San Francisco, Kaylin was everything I could have ever dreamed of. It wasn't until Heather posted a photo of me at the sailing venue and responded to a comment by saying  that I was ''Kaylin's future boyfriend'' that my jaw dropped altogether. But that was just the beginning... 

I realize that there are very few people that cross your path with such an impact as to change your life forever. Without any question, Kaylin is that significant person for me. She has and continues to become a huge part of my life, my best friend. She makes laugh and smile and says, "You're an American, you belong in America." Words that hit so deeply that I realize what I've been missing for so long whilst living and traveling on my own. 

And so... for the first time in nearly five years I am exploring a new path back towards American soil. One towards family, friends, and that one person that inspires me more than any other. Everything about the decision feels right, as though it's been guided into place naturally. I continue to watch for and listen to the signs as they are presented and know that in the end I will finally feel at home... and home is where I want to be more than anything else.

Aidan Sheahan. Insight.

As always. Seeking inspiration from other sports that might help to contribute to a richer life experience. Aidan Sheahan helps to explain why... And it's not only applicable to skiing. His explanation of visualisation and meditation continually help me to push harder and commit more of myself to the task at hand. Go. Ride. Live. Enjoy.

New Years Eve.

My New Years Eve plans never meant to include a twenty-four hour layover in Chicago; however, a minus thirty degree wind chill caused enough problems to make a standard eight hour transatlantic flight into a thirty-six hour ordeal. I had originally planned to ring in the new year in a big way in London, instead I was in a groggy induced coma at thirty-six thousand feet, run down and completely exhausted.

Despite the epic failure on New Years Eve I am still able to look back at 2013 with amazement. I am incredibly blessed to live this life and be surrounded by so many great people. As always, the lessons learned along the way continue to shape and mold me. My only hope is that someday I will be able to pay it all forward and help those trying to find their own footing.

To summarise 2013 in a little more detail looks a little something like this:

A trip to Brugge with my mother. Skiing powder in the trees at Serre Chevalier in the French Alps with Carl and Jules. Early morning runs followed by an epic yurt party in Olso, Norway courtesy of Boston Scientific. A boys trip to Amsterdam for my 30th birthday followed by two weeks of man flu. Strong results at the Head of the Dart and Battle of the Thames SUP races in the UK. Open ocean racing off of Port Adriano in Mallorca, Spain. The SUP Race CUP in Sainte-Maxime and Sainte-Tropez, France. Amazing food and early morning runs in Genoa, Italy. Racing with the worlds best at the Lost Mills SUP Race in Bavaria, Germany. Top finishes at The Bray Lake SUP Festival. A 68 mile non-stop individual challenge between Reading and Richmond via SUP on the River Thames. Physically broken at the Paddle Round the Pier Festival in Brighton. A two week trip to the United States that encompassed plenty of sun, sand and sea between North Carolina, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Surf trips and music festivals in Cornwall, the southwest corner of England. A trip to Costa Brava, Spain with Team Starboard UK and a message to a girl after an America's Cup win. Pints of amazing Belgian beer in Brussels, Belgium. Wake boarding, clubbing, and The Formula One Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi with great friends. Paddling on the Seine past Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower at The Nautique SUP Crossing in Paris. And finally, a trip home to Minnesota to spend a perfect Christmas holiday with family and close friends in the snow.

It has been a huge year and I'm not sure if I have ever accomplished more. A thousand different lessons and experiences to grow and learn from. I am so thankful... Looking forward to going bigger, getting stronger, and enjoying more success and happiness in 2014. Big plans are already in place. 

Watch this space for more posts and videos that help to motivate and inspire me each day. With any luck, they might help to inspire you too. 

''Go because you can.'' - Monster and Sea

B.

Sonder. And home.

I feel like I've been traveling forever... well... at least for fifteen of the last twenty-four hours between London and Minneapolis. Simply exhausted. At least I am at home with my family in Minnesota with a fresh blanket of white snow to make the Christmas holiday just a little bit more ideal.

Traveling for so many hours, especially at the holidays, always makes me so much more conscious and aware of other people in this world. Airports are amazing places really, a study in contrast at best. In some cases we are able to witness amazing celebrations of friends and loved ones reunited, while in others, we see how separation can cause the greatest form of heartache.

I stumbled upon this little video a few weeks ago and was reminded of it whilst trying to make a connection in Chicago. I think it helps to say what I am thinking.

SONDER, noun: “the realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.”

From The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows (dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com), a compendium of made-up words written by John Koenig. Each original definition aims to fill a hole in the language, to give a name to an emotion we all feel but don’t have a word for.

PS. Happy Holidays. And enjoy this time within your own story. 

The Rider and The Storm.

The Rider and The Storm. A perfect example of how paddling, surf, and the ocean can do more than simply help to keep us grounded. It often heals and renews, helping us to come back to our true selves when faced with adversity.

Be good to the people around you. Do what is right, because it is right. Pay it forward. Go because you can...

Nautique Paris SUP Crossing.

Some races should simply be enjoyed. Taken in and savoured. And even though we are there to compete, it is ok to sit back, relax and appreciate the opportunity given to you in that specific moment in time.

I never like talking about my races. I find that it can be dull to rehash every little detail that happened throughout every meter gained or lost throughout the course. All that I can say about the Nautique Paris SUP Crossing is that it was brilliant. Despite nearly missing the start of the race due to a few logistical issues, I loved my time on the water.

The course started at the National Library of France in eastern Paris, led us around the 'lle sainte-louis' and Notre Dame, past the Eiffel Tower and finished at the Quai de Javel in the west. About twelve kilometers in total. A really technical course given the amount of current flowing through the Seine. One of the main challenges was just to remain on top of your board whilst battling chop and eddy lines. Some how I managed to stay dry through the duration of the event; however, I was one of the few.

Beyond that, it is what it is. We can choose to put your head down, paddle hard and leave everything on the water or we can choose to look up, take it all in, and enjoy the experience. If you know me at all you know that I am a romantic at heart. Paddling on the Seine is illegal for three hundred and sixty-four days of the year. This race was my lucky ticket. Add in the fact that I was one of three hundred and it starts to become a really special event to be a part of.

Thanks to everyone who has helped to make my year on the water happen. Sponsors, friends and family. It has been a fantastic season filled with a lot highs and only a few lows due to injury. I am amazed that I somehow manage to continue learning and growing from this life experience. As I've said before, it is going to be a good book.

iphone-20131212094636-0.jpg
iphone-20131212094636-0.jpg
iphone-20131212094636-1.jpg

If you forget me.

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

- Pablo Neruda

Monster & Sea.

Life is funny. Inspiration and motivation come in the most unique and unexpected ways. It could be a song, a sunrise, a quote, or something written in an email. No matter what, the timing couldn't be any better. 

''Go because you can.'' A phrase packed with so much meaning that it is hard to ignore. You just go...

Monster & Sea. A new paddle oriented lifestyle brand based in the Pacific North West of the United States is filled with purpose. I have been fortunate enough to be in contact with Troy Nebeker, the man behind Monster & Sea and have been incredibly moved by what he had to say. It is not just another clothing brand. I asked Troy if I could share some of his words as I'm not sure if I could do it justice any other way...

"Cancer is a crazy thing. When you hear the word it is sort of like talking underwater. I didn't know what to do and as a husband - when you are supposed to stand in the gap and take the punch for your wife - it is a helpless feeling. My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer and then right on the heals of that she was diagnosed with lymphoma. 

There was a week of time where words like terminal and poor prognosis became part of our conversations. Needless to say, life comes into focus very quickly. Our world ground to a halt but nothing else stops. Work, commitments, bills. It all just keeps rolling along. 

I am a graphic designer by trade and sitting in meetings listening to people have heated discussions about the size of their logo or the difference between plain water and spritzer. Made my head numb.

Paddling has been my safe place through all of this. One morning I was in the middle of the lake. Just floating. Too wore out to do much else. Looking around listening to sound the water makes --- How can I use the skills that I have to do something for good --- was the question I couldn't get out of my head.

Monster & Sea came to life. A brand that offers hope and inspiration. A brand that gives back and a brand that people are proud to be associated with.

''Go because you can'' is the hope and inspiration. A portion of every sale is the the give back. 

If we can write one check that helps one family deal with the chaos that cancer brings --- then Monster & Sea is successful. 

If we can inspire others to want to participate, give back and live by example --- then we are all successful.

My wife is the strongest person I know. She went through terror and facing her own mortality with faith, grace and composure.  She is out the other side for now and doing well. Humbling to say the least and she embodies everything that Monster and Sea is.

- Troy"

I am honoured to somehow be a small part in spreading the message that Monster & Sea has to bring. Cancer touches all of our lives in the form of family and friends struggling to overcome their prognosis. I have seen it within my own family as well as in the lives of some of my closest friends. This is an opportunity to love, support, and give back.

Be sure to check out monsterandsea.com. You can also follow along on twitter and instagram with @monsterandsea. Support and share.

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States. Be thankful for the health you have and our opportunity to live life to the fullest. Get up and go for a walk, a run, or a paddle. Breath fresh air. Enjoy the day. "Go because you can."

logo.png