Inspired by Surfwise

I love being inspired by documentaries. I remember the first documentary that I watched was one on Keith Green. Justin and I watched it together after being married for two years. Watching that documentary sent us on the journey of selling our house, our cars, and eventually moving to Europe. (Of course it wasn’t the only factor in our moving to Europe, but it did play a significant role.) Isn’t there something so fulfilling about just LIVING LIFE and doing something crazy? It almost brings me to tears of excitement just thinking and writing about it!

The most recently seen documentary, just watched a few minutes ago, was Surfwise. Since reading about it a few weeks ago, I knew it would probably be a film that would somehow impact how we will live our lives. The only thing I knew about the film was that it is about a large family who leaves work and school to travel and live in a camper and surf all day. This news alone got me a bit excited.

I loved the film. So many great quotes and bits of wisdom. I loved hearing the different perspectives from the grown children about their childhood. The dad had a quote that I found to be so inspiring. He said this:

“It is easier to die when you have lived than it is to die when you haven’t, so I say to all young people, go make memories, beautiful memories.”

There is something about living an adventurous life that just makes me feel ALIVE! One of the main things that the dad kept saying is that wisdom is different than knowledge, and wisdom is something you can’t get in school. I think I’ve always been a bit self conscious about my lack of knowledge. I didn’t do so well in school and I just really don’t have a lot of book smarts. But I have lived a life. And not a boring one. I can see how my life was full even as a small child. I have so many memories of hard times, good times, scary times, but they all make me who I am. I have lived life. And I want to live more of it.

Why do we take the easy route in life so often? Why do we shut out our God given instincts when it comes to parenting or caring for a new baby? Why do we settle in to our house in the “safe” neighborhood? Why do we buy the mini van or Ford Explorer (that was what everyone was buying seven years ago, before we left for Europe, so don’t judge if it is something else these days..haha) just to drive our kids around all day and walk around shopping malls? I feel that temptation every time I go back to the states. Isn’t there adventure to be had? Why do we become complacent in our marriages or relationships or personal lives?

Why do I let my kids sit in front of the TV instead of allowing them to create, imagine, and explore? Why do I buy so many toys for my kids instead of teaching them simplicity in life and being grateful for what they have? Why do I think they NEED so much, when all they really need is a bit of clothing, shelter, and the love from their mom and dad. And honestly, there is plenty of love, plenty of clothing (too much actually), and we have shelter. Why do I waste time feeling sorry for myself for being lonely? Thankfully I no longer tinker around on Facebook, wasting my life away. Life is good. Life is really good and I need to enjoy it. I need to help my children enjoy it as well.

I think my biggest lesson from the film will be simplicity and adventure and being authentic to who I am, not who society tells me to be. Oh man, I love life and I love being inspired!

(I obviously love this film, but I must warn those sensitive to strong language and talk of sexuality… it is Rated R for a reason.)