I choose to kayak alone at the beginning of each year to self-examine, reflect on and to remind myself to always seek the things that makes life alive, meaningful and significant. How else is it to live but this; or perhaps someone can be kind enough to share with me their wisdom and insight(s) on this our journey through this life.This means exposing myself to things or situations that are or maybe risky and painful but I believe that the only way to extend one's limits is to exceed them. Otherwise we would have a limiting life with limited understanding and experiences. That would be a waste.

And there is beauty in the most mundane and dire; if only we open our eyes and hearts to them. I take decent enough pretty pictures not because I have the best camera nor am I a better photographer but rather I think, because I'm a better and more alert observer than most; and I 'see' with my heart. In otherwords I 'feel' as well as see. I know that to the uninitiated, I really sound corny but how do you explain the difference in the aesthetics of the same 'mundane' subjects of water, trees and skies? Perhaps certain things can only be understood not explained.

I think it is however a greater risk to give up - and grow old. I know as a lot of much 'younger' people or people my age, are much 'older' than me are and that; frankly, frightens me! Old in thoughts, enthusiasm, fun, joy, learning and acceptance of new ideas and concepts; shunning rather than embracing differences, life and humanity. To 'die' before one even begin to 'live'; that I frequently wonder who really is the 'uncle'. *sigh*

Have a great and meaningful year ahead and do not grow old before your time!