I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting and Wow. What a year.
Like one of those years that takes on a life of its own and unfolds in ways more beautiful and perfect than you could have imagined them unfolding yourself.
“Under grace and in perfect ways”
A quote I’ve taken from Yasmin Boland and use nearly everyday in my journaling and prayers.
I am finishing this year feeling so very blessed, abundant, and grateful.
It’s impossible to encapsulate an entire year into a post or even a series of posts, however please join me as try.
A look back on 2023…
In January
I’ve been going over my journal prompts from this time last year. At the turn of the year I was really struggling with my direction in life. “Do I want to keep paddling?” “Why do I want or need to keep paddling?”
In 2022 I tried going back to racing. I also tried letting it go completely.
I wanted to do Womens work.
I also needed to make money.
I felt conflicted and uncertain.
I let it up to Life
Guide me, I asked
Show me the highest path.
I can’t say the exact turning point but I remember finding clarity in knowing that making money coaching SUP came much easier to me than anything else.
In March
I created and launched the SUP STROKE SCHOOL.
The group online stroke technique program that is now the core offer of my coaching program.
I was also hitting the peak of my self-written training program for 2 ultra distance events that I had signed up for in June.
I was struggling with this as well.
I wasn’t training or paddling as much as I “should” have been and I was considering backing out.
I joined a program called Ingonyama with @amberhawkin which I thought was going to (and did) help me become a better space holder. But what it really did was to help me become a better wife, mother, friend, coach, and athlete. It infused the way I was showing up for everyone and everything in my life with integrity.
Honestly if I had to choose one word for 2023 it would be INTEGRITY.
How can I DO all of the things I say I am going to DO…
(•paddle hundreds of miles and for hours at a time,
•build my coaching business to be profitable and passive enough to travel,
•DIY refinish the entire interior of our home
•the list goes on)
And BE the person I want to be?
(•present with my child
•intimate with my husband
•deeply self nourished)
Some of my inner dilemmas:
“I can’t be an Athlete and honor, value, and maintain my femininity.”
Wrong. I can. I did. I am.
By replacing discipline with devotion – to my sport, training, self care, purpose.
“People keep saying I’m making a ‘comeback.’ I’m terrified of their expectations.”
I expected nothing.
I showed up.
I did my best.
I completely awed and humbled myself over and over again.
In May
Hosted my 1st ever SUP & SAIL retreat. What an amazing (learning) experience
In June
1st overall SUP in the @seventy48 and first woman to ever win the 70mile nonstop event.
1st overall solo SUP in the @crossingforcycticfibrosis and new course record for the 80 mile race.
In July
I started training for the Worlds.
I hadn’t felt this stoked to paddle in years.
I launched the Seychelle SUP app which now hosts all of my Free videos series, Drill Video Series, and SUP STROKE SCHOOL content.
In September
I stopped smoking weed
I stopped breast feeding
Parts of me that lay dormant for a long time woke up.
I never felt so powerful
My husband took a mental health leave from work. As challenging as it is to witness his struggles without being able to help, his time off from work has been a blessing for our family and allowed me to focus even more on my goals and self.
In October
*ICF SUP World Cup sprint and distance champion
In November
*USA SUP National sprint champion
***ICF Sprint World Champion***
I didn’t set out to win any titles this year.
This is just what happened when I devoted myself to doing everything I do out of service,
to ask for divine guidance every day,
and to stay connected enough to my body and my heart to hear it.
I find life so inspiring.
I feel so very blessed, abundant, and above all grateful.
I think I’ll cap it there.
And post more about the ways in which I show differently now that I used to in a separate share.
If you’ve read this whole thing. Wow! Thank you.
Put a comment below so I know who you are and can honor and celebrate this epic year reflection with you!
With so much love, gratitude, and stoke,
Seychelle