"Everything I Need Is In My Boat"

I recently graphic recorded a talk by keynote speaker and ultra endurance athlete, Tez Steinberg who, with no prior rowing experience, rowed solo from California to Hawaii.

Tez had many inspirational messages in his short talk, but there's one I've continued to contemplate because it was both literal and metaphorical.

After over 30 days alone on the ocean, Tez's rowing seat broke.  The seat was an essential tool for him to complete his journey.  Just when it looked like he was out of options and it was time to quit, he decided to keep an open mind.  In doing so he realized that everything he needed was in his boat.  Literally.  He found plastic that could be melted down over his camp stove, made new ball bearings out of it, and fixed his seat.  He then went on to complete his solo journey in 71 days.

This is an amazing story about how keeping an open mind will lead to creativity and problem solving.  But the reason I've continued to contemplate it is because it's also such a powerful metaphor.  My "boat" might be my body, my mind, or my art kit that's missing a few tools I think are essential, but I can still do great work without them.

Metaphor is powerful because it's personal.  I hope this one speaks to you and will give you pause to find your own inner strength, power and creativity.