This is master level “I GOTCHU!”
This story (and these pics) so perfectly illustrates the importance of waiting for the partner that has GOTCHU this hardcore.
Last summer, we went for an epic day of family white water rafting (highly recommend, 10/10).
One of the most anticipated moments was this Class IV falls. We were duly prepared for this, including all the emergency protocols in the event that one should fall out of the boat. The guides treated this seriously… falling out on this fall is a big deal, and could lead to serious injury. They headed to their emergency rescue positions, getting their rescue ropes out and ready.
Believe it or not, I didn’t have a single fear. I actually love this shit. I only had visions of our little family going over these rapids in exquisite style, and celebrating the rush of adrenaline on the other side.
Off we went, paddling like a well practiced team. The water became more fierce, we dug in our paddles as powerfully as we could. Cut to the moment our raft made it to the gush of the falls...
Right then, at the most dangerous part.... I felt my entire body begin to tip over, over, over… out of the boat and toward the massive and head trauma inducing rock, just to my right. I felt that sense of timelessness that folks report when moving through a life-threatening event. I also felt oddly peaceful… surrendered, I suppose. “Here I go, I guess?!”
It was then I felt a hard 💥 SMACK 💥 of stability brace my left thigh.
My body was powerfully (and quickly!) hauled back into the safety of our raft. I landed back onto the floor of our raft just as we plunged down the falls and into the river pool below.
My partner (Marco) had, literally, saved me!
I was floored. (And elated! 😆🤪👏🥰)
But here’s the thing I was most struck by… it was automatic on his part. It was his NATURAL INSTINCT. His presence, able to keep a steady eye on the kids in front, his own body, and mine… while heading over a Class IV falls!! So much so, that the moment he sensed me going over, he was RIGHT THERE!
🔥 THIS IS THE LEVEL OF I GOTCHU THAT YOU NEED IN SACRED PARTNERSHIP! 🔥
You will go over Class IV rapids in your partnership. You will arrive at emotional rapids that threaten to drown you, annihilate you, or at least frighten you with uncertainty. There will be kids, or work, or health, or finances swirling around and wanting all the attention.
Does your partner have your back? Do you have your partner’s back?
Not, "I got you… but only when it’s easy."
Not, "I got you… but only when I’m not distracted."
Not, "I got you… but only if it fits into my schedule."
I GOTCHU, PERIOD. Totally, fully, completely… ESPECIALLY when we hit the rapids.
If you have this kind of partner, you have a treasure of a being by your side!! Text/call them right now and tell them so!
If you don’t already have this kind of partnership… wait for it, hold out for it, don’t compromise. Only this level of I GOTCHU can take you to the oasis when the falls are over. What you can do right now, is work on being that level of support to YOURSELF. Stay with your feelings, your fears… have your own back! You got this!
💛 **If you are struggling in your current partnership, and could use support, I can help you navigate these waters. Set up a consultation here, or read more about the work I do here.