17/09/2025
Let me share a story that inspired me.
This past weekend, we took our eight-year-old windsurfing. On the way, his little brother, who is five, insists on giving windsurfing a try. I call the instructor to tell him. He says that Oli (our five-year-old) is too young. When we arrive, Big bro heads out to surf like a pro, while the little guy watches and keeps insisting he wants to try. After the class ends, I speak frankly with the instructor: if he wants to try, let him. What’s the worst that could happen—he discovers he can’t do it, and that’s that?
As I say this, I realize the instructor is operating on old assumptions, while my five-year-old is guided only by pure desire to get on that board. Long story short, Oli—my five-year-old—eventually gets on the board, and, oh my, is he happy. He’s literally bursting with joy as he strains to hold the boom, feel the wind, and balance his feet. I expected fear, but it’s not there—the joy and perseverance pull him forward, and he keeps at it for a full hour.
When he finally steps off, I ask,
“How was it?”
“It was great, Mom. When can I go again?”
This experience made me reflect.
I almost stopped my child from windsurfing, almost letting old truths and “maybes” block him from that immense joy and growth on the board. It made me think of all the times we adults let our own rationales convince us something won’t work, and how often our doubts and fears get in the way. We can learn so much from children. In fact, that child lives inside us all, if we’re brave enough to quiet the mind.
After this experience, I decided to include windsurfing in my Return to Yourself Program for Spring 2026.
Oli inspired me to invite adults to try getting on the board. In the process of doubting and falling, the child within comes out to play—and that’s exactly the lesson I want participants to take away.
It’s okay if you can’t do it. It’s okay to fall. Not trying, though, dismisses your inner child and, ultimately, your playful, authentic self.
