It’s time to go downstream

Last summer I went down the Niobrara River with my friends from Alabama. We put in at the Refuge and floated downstream, 15 miles to Brewer Bridge. As we paddled the small rapids through the valley of hills and pines and rays of sun..I had this thought—on these trips you’d never pick a route in which you’d paddle upstream…

It made me think about my life—how many times I’ve decide to paddle upstream, when the downstream route is right in front of me. In fact even with my business (Lincoln Paddle)—it could be more fun and easy as the current that passes. But-it’s become more of an upstream fight.

Last season I decided to try paddling upstream less. It was the first summer I truly enjoyed Lincoln Paddle-things started to click. I quit my 9-5 job to go all on the dream. The cubicle just wasn’t doing it for me. I’ve realized I’m meant to be outside, on the move, with people. I thought that decision would lead to a pretty easy path. In my heart I saw this thing developing, this new route downstream that I just had to chase. But how will it actually work?

I left the comfort of a good job, to…enter a wrestling match —of trying to figure out the best way to invite more people into this love of being on the water. Oh.

There have been a few capsizes along the way. In fact, I have wondered if a dream is even worth chasing at times. Money is tight. Work is part-time as I aim to float onto the next part of this dream. But I am trusting the deep down feeling. The same feeling I had as a little guy who drew a picture of wanting to help people get outdoors. The feeling I had on the water the night I decided to start Lincoln Paddle. The feeling I had on a cliff-side in Maui two years ago—when I realized this little paddle co, already reaching thousands —could actually be something much bigger.

The upstream fight, more than anything seems to be a battle with self-doubt. Then there was that day last fall when someone close to me said it was time to stop being a dreamer and live like an adult. Words can hurt. Through these hard moments—A few things have continued to warm my soul. Maybe if you’re in the upstream paddle of your dream— these’ll help you too;).

1. Real Friends. I realized that even though this meaningful pursuit I was on would be hard to paddle towards—I had some beautiful friendships along for the ride. The kind that write you a note to keep going—just when you felt like giving up. The kind who will show up and listen to your crazy ideas —even when they aren’t fully clear yet. The kind who actually call out the good inside of you. That know your rough edges—but still show up. Close friends are one of the glimpses of heaven on earth—I’m so thankful for.

2. Honest Prayer. A meaningful pursuit is already great and hard in itself. One that is bigger than you, that will cause you to realize that life isn’t all about you. It’s why I’m so thankful for times to get away and pray. Many years ago I felt this love I couldn’t explain or see—but just knew to be Jesus. I still struggle to figure it all out and have days where I wonder if I believe. But every day I pray, and every day I have enough—and every day I find peace in these verses. Psalm 23:1-3, “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.”

3. Grit and Rest. Keep going—through the failure, and the weird— its on your heart for a reason. Sure there will be a time to quit or change course. But keep showing up, through the awkward days, the overwhelming days, the good days, the days you don’t fit in, the days you can’t see past the fog. Season grit though with rest and reflection, margin. Remember the quiet waters, the downstream current between the hills and pines…

As I look ahead, I see Lincoln Paddle Co evolving into something more than just rentals. While still hoping to offer local adventures and group floats, my heart is pulling toward bigger waters—sharing adventures and stories from farm ponds to ocean breaks. Creating apparel inspired by real moments on the water, and building a community that believes great adventures can start anywhere. Whether you're casting lines with grandpa or chasing ocean waves with friends, we're all seeking that same feeling: the simple joy of being on the water with our crew.

So, this week—I’m thankful for the upstream (still figuring it out) parts of this journey. And ready for the downstream adventures ahead. How has chasing your dream gone?…;)