Being me.

Last night I had no plans, no date, no obligations but I wanted to be out.

Yesterday, while walking around town, I said hello to many of the small business owners. I just say hi or stick around and have a little conversation. This is something I love to do.

As a previous small business owner myself, I found the most fun occurred when hanging with like-minded people. I wanted to learn, watch, and simply make friends. It worked. My persistence, my curiosity and my willingness to learn their names helped me to slowly and surely develop long lasting relationships.

I needed to surround myself with people who love to live and who are willing to take chances. I made myself known, stepped out of my comfort zone, and took a chance. This habit has changed my entire world.

Previously, I bought a boat, parked by the waterfront downtown, and lived there three to four days a week. Over that time I also found myself surrounded by a completely different, yet wonderful community. Boaters are a breed of their own, same as small business owners. (Although, there are those that do both; in fact many.)

Yesterday, while walking around I also took a stroll along the waterfront.

Joyfully, several of my favorite boaters were doing what they do; helping another boater. After spending a good while chatting with them, I continued on my walk.

It was a beautiful blustery day!

Once home I decided to wash my car. Barefoot, blue jeans rolled up over my ankles, t-shirt, a bucket full of soapy water and a hose. It’s February and almost 70 degrees! I love North Carolina.

Finishing my day, yet still energized, I decided to go out for a glass of wine. I had no plans, no one to meet, no date, no obligations. I went out anyway. I took a chance, decided to be myself, honor who I am and just go.

Setting myself up for fun; believing in myself and that there is no need for another to go somewhere. I left my home and went back downtown. By being open to who I truly am, I had the most amazing time!

A couple of the boaters met up with me, we had a drink, chatted a bunch, updated on old friends, and laughed out loud. I was free to let the sailor in me shine. I let my mouth curse, let the laughter roll, and quit worrying about what others think. There is no prejudice amongst boaters. Freedom again. What a wonderful feeling.

They say the best days of boat owners are the day they buy their boat and the day they sell their boat. I disagree. If that is how you felt, then you missed the entire point of boating. It is the community, the camaraderie, the peace, the sleep, the feel of the wind on your face, the blazing heat, the icy rain, the ability to pull the lines and disappear. Boating is more than just owning a boat. It is a way of life and I miss it.

Days like this make life worth living. Be you, let it all out, and shine like the beautiful person you truly are!

Thank you for reading,

Dr. Wendi