Paul always wanted to sail.

When he was 43, he decided that he would.

In the span of one summer, he bought at 30’ boat, took some lessons, got some certifications and read just about every written word about sailing.

(I reupholstered the cushions and learned to tie knots.)

By Labor Day weekend we were ready for our first official sail on our own and or first big newbie moment.

Spoiler alert: If you’ve got a full keel and one prop, don’t choose a marina on a river with a wicked current. (No matter how nice the showers are.)

Within about 5 seconds of untying the bow, Paul and the Chrysalis were completely out of the slip.

I jumped.

Five seconds later we were pinned against the pilings on the across the fairway, inches away from someone else’s VERY expensive looking bow.

It was mortifying. People were pointing.

We were really pinned – no amount of muscle was going to push us off. I have no idea how we made it into the channel.

As soon as we collected our respective breaths, our eyes met in one of those moments of sheer marital mind meld. (I thought.)

Wendy and Paul: “MORE…
Wendy: “lessons!”
Paul: “sailing!”

Wait. What?

Up until that point of my life, I had spent a LOT of time getting ready to do things. Like Paul, I’d dive into my interests with everything I had, but unlike him I never did it publicly.

I needed to be ready first.

If it were up to me, Paul and I would have never left the dock.

Paul on the other hand, sailed every day.

He volunteered to help delivery captains move boats more than twice the size of ours on the open ocean in order to get more experience.

Three years later, Paul’s sailing resume (yes, it turns out that’s a thing) was so robust that when we wanted to rent a boat in the BVI he was given no restrictions. If it’s got a mast, Paul can sail it.

What’s the thing you’re getting ready to do?

Are you looking for your soul mate? Wishing for a new career or to turn a passion into a paying gig?

Maybe you’re getting ready for that next windfall before you start saving money or take off on that travel adventure that you’ve been dreaming of.

Whatever it is, I can promise you that waiting will never deliver.

Leave the dock. Now.

If you’re looking for love, you can start by pouring yours into the people, animals, and air all around you. Believe me, it’s quicker and more fun than internet dating.

Want a new job? Tell everyone you know that you’re looking. And if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, tell them that too. Just put it out there.

Put $100 (or $10) into a savings account.

Book a trip. If you can’t afford it, embark on an adventure right where you are by acting as if you’re entertaining a guest who’s never been anywhere like where you live.

Dive into your passion. Start making or selling or serving.

Because if you don’t, you just may spend the rest of your days at anchor dreaming of the ocean.