This journal entry was inspired and written during my solo canoe trip in the Boundary Waters where I’d spent countless hours in solitude, many of which consisted of silence and self-reflection. Throughout the week, I was presented with challenge and opportunity, including moments that required a great deal of physical effort and no effort at all. As I continued to embrace both the loneliness and serenity, I was forced to look inward and ask myself, “What exactly am I doing here? And what is it that I would like to take away from this experience?” In other words, how do I want to grow as an individual?
This led me to my next question- “Am I here to prove something? If so, what?”
Perhaps there are more reasons than one...
To prove he is unafraid to be alone come nightfall.
To prove he has what it takes to man the boat.
To prove his strengths may be applied in attempt to survive.
To prove he is comfortable being uncomfortable.
To prove that he may navigate his way home.
To prove he is one with nature and her elements.
To prove he is the author of his own story.
To prove he can withstand forces of nature.
To prove the days & nights are no match for his own light & darkness.
To prove that he may embark on a journey and return an improved man.
To prove that even he is capable of greatness.
To prove that the desert makes a man strong enough for anything.
To prove, through resilience, patience, fortitude & grit, achievement is possible.
To prove that he is unlike most for he accepts challenge and takes risk.
To prove the world is as beautiful as said to be on television and in magazines.
To prove that mother nature is not out to harm us.
To prove that, though the youngest of five, he is no longer a baby.
To prove, despite fear & uncertainty, peace & serenity are possible.
To prove that he has trained himself to remain calm under pressure.
To prove the legacy and honor behind his name.
To prove, although he may not stand a chance, he sure as hell will fight.
To prove he needs little to survive.
To prove his mind matches the muscle.
To prove that he may be his own teacher through timeless wisdom & perspective.
To prove of his resourcefulness and ability to plan & execute.
To prove that he comes from a lineage of warriors and saints.
To prove of all that he’s become up to this point.
To prove that he is not a loser.
To prove the impact of experience.
To prove to anyone who should meet the man from Arizona that a strong breed still exists.
To prove there’s more to life than just ‘the grind’.
To prove to his mother that she raised him right.
To prove he is worthy.
To prove he is not the result of his failures but the outcome of his success.
To prove he does not panic when encountered with fear.
To prove to himself that he has what it takes.
To prove to the woman he loves that she too has what it takes.
And together, they prove the world wrong.
Personally, I don’t believe in having to prove anything to anyone. However, I think it is in our nature to want to prove our strength and self-worth to ourselves and others. Whether it be the case or not, I would argue against using ‘the need to prove’ as one’s primary motivator.
Do you ever feel as though you have something to prove?
Please share your thoughts!
-Son of Mark
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