Balls to the Walls

Photo by Nicholas DeSarno

"Alright boys, here's the deal," said the sun kissed 20-something to a group of high schoolers.

"We are going to hit a couple class 3, class 4 and then it's balls to the walls for the final class 5 rapid at the end."

Did she just say, "balls to the walls"?

I was standing there with my marshmallow-puffy blue lifejacket on in awe and I think I had a small crush on her, just like all the boys she was instructing.

To be honest, I don't remember her name.

We shall call her Carien.

Carien in the Urban Dictionary is defined as a girl that has an incredible physique, a heart breaker although she never had intentions to do so, and will always find a way to have fun.

That's fitting for Carien.

We were guides on this river adventure. I was inside of a beefy raft with 6 other students and she was ridin' the rapids solo in her kayak.

She was a competitive kayaker and sponsored by several companies. That night, around a fire, she asked me what I enjoy doing.

Me being the wayyyy amateur said, "I like rock climbing and running. Running is my main thing, I really want to see what exists past the marathon."

"That's so cool, what gear to you use?"

"I run in Merrells and I'm pretty committed to them because they're just an all around solid company," I said.

"They support great causes and military personnel and they're actual product has changed the way I run for the better."

We talked more about life experiences, challenges and injuries.

"You've got a really great story and I think you should write to Merrell. Companies love hearing about how their product is changing their client's lives."

She got me really excited to share my story.

To encourage others that may have been set back due to an injury to not give up.

So, that was the first thing I did when I got home. I didn't even unpack my bags.

A few hours later I had my first draft to Merrell.

It seemed so far above me.

I'm just a typical girl that gets out on the trails every once in a while and likes to push the limits. Pretty sure they get letters like this all the time.

I sent the letter off to my siblings to proof-read.

My sister, Anna, called and said, "What do you really want by writing this letter?"

"You've got an inspiring story, but what do you want to come from it?"

"I want to be sponsored by Merrell and to encourage more people like me," I said.

Anna, the believe it and receive it one, said, "Exactly, then you need to specifically ask for that."

So, I wrote draft numbers II and III after getting advice from family.

Then, I send it off!

And heard nothing for three months.

Well at least I tried.

I sent a couple follow-up emails and called the customer service number asking if they would send my letter to the right person.

Another two months later, I got a response for the Sponsorships Director.

"Hey Emilee, thanks for sharing your story and we are interested in setting up an interview with you to be one of our Ambassadors. You've got a passion we're all about. Please fill out the application attached."

WHAT?

I danced around the house, called my mom, called my sister, called my brother.

About six months later, a Merrell crew flew out to Hailey, Idaho to visit my area and capture my story on film.

I felt so undeserving, like, they could pick any young adventurous girl. I even said that when they talked about flying out here. And their response was, "Nope, we want you."

Becoming aware of my own negativity, I challenged myself to agree. I do have a pretty rad life story and it is meant to be shared and inspire others. It would be selfish of me to keep my story quiet, to myself, and in fear of how other's might take it.

So, I encourage you.

You have a rad life story that's deserving to be heard. And if you don't think you're worth it, you're wrong honey. SO WRONG.

I'm still in the process of working on UnMaskd: A Social Psychology Experiment.

It asks one question, What is one thing you wish others knew about you?

It's my passion project and you can view it here: https://www.livelifeunmaskd.com/

With this project I hope to bring light, inspiration and freedom by connecting individuals with stories. Everyone has a story of some shit and some shine. Good moments, bad moments, unbelievable moments.

And working in mental health and drug/alcohol abuse and addiction I know that it helps to just know that you're not alone.

In any situation, you're not alone. If you feel like you're alone, it's a lie.

Stepping down off my soapbox now. Thanks for reading my Merrell story. I hope it encourages you to go after whatever it is you've thought about forever... just afraid to go for it.

"God placed the best things in life on the other side of fear." - Will Smith.