Darcy Gaechter | The First Woman To Kayak the Amazon River | Self-Discovery Through Adventure

“Really asking yourself 'what do I want?' is super important.” – Darcy Gaechter



Today’s guest on the Art of Adventure podcast
is the athlete, kayaker, author, and businesswoman, Darcy Gaechter. Darcy is
the first woman to kayak the Amazon source to sea. She shares this great
adventure in her book, Amazon
Woman.



In this episode, Darcy shares how she got into
kayaking and where her constant “yes” to whatever she is offered has brought
her. She tells us how she started- from her business, getting fired from it,
and eventually getting back, to her taking the alternative path and finding true
happiness in kayaking at the same time breaking free from the pressure of conformity.



Darcy
gets to share with us her the struggles and preparation leading to their
148-day epic adventure kayaking through Amazon with her boyfriend Don and their
client, Midge, who himself has an interesting background. Darcy also tells us
how writing the book was the hard part, and she gives us insights as to why this
was so.



What you’ll learn in this episode:



* What
is it that allowed Darcy to keep choosing what she wants to do versus what
other people are expecting.* Where
Darcy gets her drive from.* What
it was like for Darcy growing up.* Whether
Darcy’s identity changed the way she sees herself.* What
led Darcy to stick to kayaking and her relationship with this potentially lethal
sport.* What
it was like writing her book* How
Darcy’s trip to the Amazon changed her life.



Quotes:



* “Part
of this whole process for me was trying to force myself to be comfortable with
my life because I am happy about it and my only unhappiness from my life
choices stems from what I perceive to be other people's judgments of it and so
I have been making a real effort not to worry about them.” – Darcy Gaechter* “I
prioritize my own happiness.” – Darcy Gaechter* “If
you know what you want, you should consider yourself lucky.” – Darcy Gaechter* “Really
asking yourself what do I want is super important.” – Darcy Gaechter* “Just
really working hard on finding peace with what you want to do and chasing after
it, is going to be the most fulfilling way to go through life because if you do
everything you are supposed to do and at the end of the day realize that you
didn't do one thing that you wanted, it's not going to make for a happier
fulfilling life.” – Darcy Gaechter* “At
the end of the line, if I can say like I follow my true path even though I let
others down because I didn't do what they expected I would do, I think I would
be happier for it.” – Darcy Gaechter * “I
encourage you to figure out what it is that you want and chase after it at all
costs” – Darcy Gaechter



Continue the Adventure:



Darcy Gaechter



Facebook



@darcygaechter



Small World Adventures



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@smallworldadv



Kayak the Amazon



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