Living Outside of the Mediocre

Mediocrity is the enemy of greatness. It’s the voice in your head that tells you to play it safe, to blend in, not to rock the boat.

This was an accidental photo taken while balancing on my paddleboard, holding my phone, and waiting for the mountain to come into view. After my trail runs, I often took last-minute paddle board trips to the lake. At the end of my run, I would stop at the lake on the way back and realize I should be on the water instead. So I would run home, pack up my board on top of my car, and head to the lake.
I took a lot of risks on that paddleboard, holding my phone and waiting for the perfect picture of the mountain, eagles, ducks, or anything else I thought was amusing. This photo shows a slightly awkward pose but captures the feeling of the still-warm sunshine as it begins to set.

I have been in a constant battle to try to avoid the trap of mediocrity. It’s easy to fall into. We get comfortable with what we know, and we don’t want to take risks.
Anything but mediocre is a mindset. It’s the attitude and determination to keep pushing, striving, and working until you achieve your goals.
I’m not content with the average. I write this as a reminder to myself so I keep moving forward. I know and have experience taking risks. My only proof is at the bottom of the Wenatchee River between Plain and Leavenworth, Washington.