Positivity Under Pressure

I was on a river rafting trip with my daughter Kait after her high school graduation. As we approached a rapid called the Widow Maker, our guide’s instructions were simple but unsettling: paddle hard and straight—or risk being thrown off course and watching others pass you by. That moment became a powerful metaphor for life. When we face obstacles and uncertainty, we can either paddle through the unknown or sit on the sidelines and hope for the best. This story explores how choosing action over fear—despite the risks—builds resilience, shifts our mindset, and often leads to greater joy than we expect.