Today was a big day. After twenty years as a stroke survivor, I somehow found myself on Albert Park Lake trying rowing for the very first time. I couldn’t believe it! Me, on the water in a boat, rowing. I absolutely loved it.
Although, I’m still not entirely sure whether I was rowing or the boat was politely moving itself out of pity. My supports that I had around me were superheroes as well. They made me feel so confident and able to row around the lake. I feel so empowered by the experience.
I am exhausted tonight at home; the kind of tiredness that feels so heavy. However, it’s mixed in with feelings of elation and relief because I can’t quite believe that I’d actually managed to row a boat on Albert Park lake.
I’m mindful as well that tomorrow may be difficult due to “post-new-activity fallout” that tends to show up whenever I try something new or unfamiliar. My support (is Palma your support Em??) is already preparing for this to happen as she has a sixth sense for incoming fatigue.
I was always so active in my life prior to my stroke. I write in my book:
Holidays over, I was excited to resume my busy city lifestyle where I took up as many activities as I could manage. From early primary school I learnt classical ballet and loved the discipline, creativity and grace involved in performance. I also fell in love with long-distance running and netball. Throughout high school I became involved in everything.
Reinventing Emma, page 8
Whatever I feel tomorrow — muscle aches, wobbly bits, brain fog, or the smug glow of a newly-minted rower — it’s all part of the experience and trying something new. And I know by trying new things, I am continuing to grow.
. 
Rowing is now something that I love, and it’s somewhat of an inconvenient hobby to have newly obtained as it requires a lot of equipment and supports around me to ensure my safety. But it also fills me with so much joy and gratitude for the experience and people around me.
Since my stroke, there are so many more barriers around when others can so easily do. It means that activities sometimes feel out of reach for me. Going for this rowing adventure has reminded me of my gratitude for the support I have around me, and my own determination to continue to grow as a person and say yes to new things.
Who knows, perhaps my future is being the world’s slowest, more heavily supervised rower, but a rower nonetheless.