There’s something about water that calms me in a way nothing else can. Whether it’s standing ankle-deep in the ocean, drifting across a quiet lake, or just sitting on the banks of a river, I always feel a sense of peace when I’m near it. Life is busy, full of noise and responsibilities, but the water has a way of slowing things down. It reminds me to breathe, to be present, and to appreciate the simple beauty of the world around me.
Growing Up Around Water
As a kid growing up in California, I was lucky to be surrounded by rivers, lakes, and beaches within driving distance. Summer trips to the coast were a highlight, but honestly, I loved the local rivers just as much. It didn’t matter if I was swimming, fishing, or just skipping rocks—being near the water was where I felt happiest.
Those experiences stuck with me. They weren’t about fancy vacations or big events. They were about the laughter of friends, the cool relief of jumping into a river on a hot day, and the quiet moments of reflection when the water was still. That connection has followed me into adulthood, and now I find myself going back to the water whenever I need to reset.
Water as a Reset Button
Life as a general manager can be stressful. Long hours, tough decisions, and constant problem-solving come with the job. Add in being a dad, a brother, a friend, and a volunteer, and it can feel like the weight never lifts. But when I get to the water, it’s like hitting a reset button.
There’s no to-do list at the beach. The river doesn’t care about deadlines. The lake doesn’t judge you for being tired. Out there, it’s just you and the sound of waves or the flow of current. It’s grounding. It reminds me that life is bigger than my daily worries.
Sometimes, just a couple of hours by the water is all it takes to come back refreshed and ready to handle whatever’s waiting for me.
Adventure and Play
Of course, water isn’t just about quiet reflection. It’s also about fun. I’ve always loved swimming, boating, and playing water sports. There’s something freeing about jumping into a lake with friends or grabbing a kayak and exploring.
As a coach and someone who grew up loving sports, I think I naturally gravitate toward activities that get me moving. But the difference with water sports is that they combine play with peace. You’re active, but you’re also surrounded by nature. It’s the best of both worlds.
And now, as a dad, I love sharing those experiences with my son. Whether it’s a quick trip to the river or a day at the coast, watching him find joy in the water reminds me of my own childhood. It’s one of the best ways we bond.
Water as a Place of Reflection
Not every trip to the water is about play. Sometimes it’s about finding space to think. I’ve had moments of real clarity sitting on a riverbank, reflecting on my family, my career, or the next chapter of my life.
The steady movement of water has a way of putting things into perspective. It flows no matter what. It moves around obstacles, reshapes its path, and keeps going. In a way, it’s a mirror for life. We all face challenges, but like water, we find ways forward.
Some of my toughest seasons have been made easier by taking time near the water. It’s where I’ve gone to process loss, to pray, and to remind myself of what really matters.
Sharing the Experience
What I love most about rivers, lakes, and beaches is that they bring people together. Whether it’s a family picnic at the lake, a beach day with friends, or coaching kids on a team outing, water is a natural gathering place.
I’ve seen how it breaks down barriers. People laugh more. They talk more openly. They leave their stress behind, even if just for a few hours. For me, being able to share those moments with people I care about is priceless.
Why I Keep Going Back
If I had to sum it up, I’d say water is where I find balance. It gives me peace when I need rest, energy when I want to play, and clarity when I need answers. It connects me to my past, brings me joy in the present, and helps me prepare for the future.
The truth is, we all need places that recharge us—spots where we can breathe, reflect, and reset. For some people, it’s the mountains or the city. For me, it will always be the water.
Life doesn’t slow down on its own. You have to make space for it. For me, that space is found at the water’s edge. Whether I’m standing on a sandy beach, swimming in a clear lake, or walking along a riverbank, I feel grounded. I feel reconnected.
That’s why I’ll always keep going back. Because the water doesn’t just recharge me—it reminds me of who I am, what matters most, and why slowing down is sometimes the most important thing you can do.