Boats, Tubing, and Surprising Friendships: A Weekend of Realizing Life is Full of Unexpected Turns
This past weekend, I had the privilege of stepping away from the whirlwind of everyday life and spending some much-needed time in New Hampshire with Kyle’s longtime friend and his wife. Funny enough, this friend and I never really had a great relationship in the past, but since he’s such a close friend of Kyle’s, we’ve managed to reconnect. And let me tell you, seeing how he interacted with my kids was nothing short of amazing. He was so kind, so patient, and so willing to go above and beyond for the kids—it was truly refreshing.
As I’ve been navigating a particularly challenging time in my life, this weekend felt like a gift. I was able to almost completely disconnect and focus on what truly matters. Sometimes we get so caught up in the busyness of work and life that we forget to focus on our own well-being and the things that really bring us joy. This weekend gave me the space to do just that.
The conversations we had—about the importance of carving out time for yourself, making memories with family, and taking the time to get away—were a much-needed balm for my soul. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking work defines us, but what I’ve been reminded of is that work is replaceable. Your job will move on without you the moment you leave, but your family—your loved ones—are irreplaceable. Time with them is something you can never get back.
We spent the weekend on a boat, fishing, sitting around a campfire, swimming in the lake—doing everything that made up the heart of my childhood. The simplicity of it all was the best part. It wasn’t extravagant or complicated, yet it was the perfect escape. And the kids? They said it was the best vacation they’d ever had. Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that create the most lasting memories.
It’s funny how life works. One of Kyle’s friends, someone I have known longer than Kyle, yet until this season of life had no real connection with. While we didn’t necessarily dislike each other, the bulk of our relationship was tied to my time as a swimmer, and I always saw him as a bit arrogant all those years ago, was good at what he did, and he knew it. Never did I imagine this is where life would lead me—watching him, the same guy I once had my reservations about, create these incredible memories with my kids. Suddenly he’s the guy teaching my kids to drive a boat, keeping them safe by the campfire, and taking them tubing for the first time, while his wife surrounds them with all the kindness, patience and attention they wanted. I guess life has a way of surprising you and turning those old tensions into moments of joy. Who knew?
I’m still processing everything, but one thing became abundantly clear: I’ve been so wrapped up in the many decisions I’m making in my life, where I go next, and where my family goes next. Who are we? Who am I? And who do I want to be? It’s not just about work anymore—it’s about what really matters, about finding balance and staying true to myself. I’m not sure where my journey will take me, or what the next chapter looks like, but I know that this weekend gave me the clarity I needed to recognize that I can’t keep putting everything ahead of my family and my well-being.
At the end of the day, what matters most is time with the people who love you. Everything else is secondary. Time with my family is irreplaceable, and I’m so fortunate for the life we’ve built together. No matter where I go or what happens next, making time for them will always be my greatest priority.
