Hi there readers,
I have found myself in the position of balancing two contrasting lifestyles, as someone who navigates in a business world during the weekdays and transform into a raft guide on weekends. I would like to share a piece of my life, and forgive me, this has ALOT of words.
I often question if I am the same person with fluidity. As time has gone on, I have learned that I am both, just with different personas of structure. Allow me to explain, with a glimpse into my double life, and how I manage to harmonize these distinct roles.
The Weekday: A Business Warrior
The alarm blares at 7 o’clock. I roll over and slam my finger on the screen. Ugh.
Sometimes I am traveling, most recently I have been out of the States, based out of a hotel, and sometimes my home is the temporary base.
From Monday to Friday, my life revolves around structure. If I am in the office, I respond to emails, run errands, and finish marketing promotions. If I’m traveling, I am visiting customers. Both integrate professionalism and a polished appearance. My days begin early, often with a strong cup of coffee. Meetings, client calls, presentations, report. A sharp mind and an impeccable appearance.
The Outfit
In the state of business, I normally dress completely different. I have my hair tame, either curled or straightened. Makeup is simple, but elegant. Crisp outfits. All of it, I have come to learn that this has caused me to present confidence and competence.
Communication Skills
I have learned that within the business world, in my position, it is all about communication. The traveling isn’t the hard part, it is the amount of communication, the building relationships, the constant state of being present. It’s being a people person and understanding the clients needs. The hard part for me is understanding that it is okay for me to not have all of the answers.
The Weekend: Embracing Adventure and Nature
Come Friday evening, my backpack is packed and I am on the road. I swap my business attire for a t-shirt and shorts. The weekends have been reserved for a more bliss and calming sort of peace.
The alarm blares at 7 a.m.
The Outfit
Instead of suits and heels, my weekend wardrobe consists of wetsuits, helmets, PFDs, and Tevas. Safety gear replaces my business attire, my hair becomes untamed – knotted and in waves. The river becomes my office, the rapids my conference room, and the roar of the water my personal phone calls.
Guiding
Guiding requires a mixture of skills – leadership, quick thinking, endurance, and people skills. As a guide, I’m responsible for the safety and enjoyment of my group. I read the river, I navigate the rapids, and make split decisions. My communication is loud.
Finding Balance in Both
Balancing these two worlds require careful planning. And a strong sense of purpose. I manage my time. I get what I can done during the work week and then in the time that I am away, I handle both.
Both reflect passion and purpose.
These two completely different rolls fulfill different aspects of who I am. I love to travel. I love to meet new people. I love to experience new cultures, learn different parts and see different walks of life. But guiding fulfills my adventurous spirit and love for nature and the river. Embracing both allows me to fulfill who I am. The gratification for doing things that make me happy, gives me a chance to explore these different types of life.
Balancing professionalism and adventure has given me the opportunity to grow and thrive in ways I never imagined. It’s given me a lesson that we don’t have to choose between our passions and our careers; we can do both – and don’t just take my word for it.
Till next time,
Rapid & Reflections 
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