Welcome Aboard: A Journey of Intention, Courage, and Discovery
Hello, fellow adventurers!
I’m thrilled to welcome you to this space—a haven for dreamers, doers, and wanderers. Whether you're here because of a love for the sea, a yearning for adventure, or simply the hope of living life with more intention, you're in the right place.
Let me introduce myself. I’m someone who grew up in a world that couldn’t have felt further from the life I lead now. In the 1970s, nestled in the deep South of the United States, I was the kid who didn’t quite fit in. My parents were teenagers when they had me, and my early years were a carousel of change—moving from place to place, school to school, never quite settling, never sure where I belonged. In some ways, that sense of being untethered has stayed with me. But now, I’ve learned to embrace it, to turn it into a superpower.
Back then, I never imagined having a passport, let alone filling multiple passports with stamps from around the globe. The idea of traveling the world by sea? Unthinkable. Yet here I am—living proof that near impossibilities can become your reality. Today, I’m not just a traveler. I’m a sailor, a captain, and the steward of a little ship named Simplicity.
From Fear to Freedom
I’ve always been drawn to water, though it hasn’t always been an easy relationship. When I was in the fourth grade, a summer camp bully held me under the water until a lifeguard pulled me out and rushed me to the hospital. That moment cemented a fear of drowning in me so deep that even today, it shapes how I approach life at sea. It also ignited a fierce resolve: I will always do my part to prevent bullying, and I will always prioritize safety—on land and on water.
Sailing, ironically, became my way of confronting that fear. It’s not just about navigating waves and winds; it’s about navigating life with courage and resilience. Sailing teaches you to adapt, to stay calm in chaos, and to trust yourself even in the most uncertain of conditions.
The Lessons of the Sea
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a sailor is the mantra: "Stay on the boat." It’s a simple rule with profound implications. Whether you’re navigating rough seas or the stormy seasons of life, it’s about staying grounded, holding on, and never letting go of what keeps you steady.
Life at sea also reminds you to take precautions and lead with intention. On Simplicity, safety comes first. We clip in with harnesses. Life vests are non-negotiable. And while some might call it strict, there’s no room for alcohol or drugs on board. It’s not about being a killjoy—it’s about creating a space where everyone can thrive, learn, and, most importantly, stay alive.
The Call to Adventure
If you’ve ever thought about stepping out of your comfort zone—whether it’s traveling to a new country, learning to sail, or simply saying yes to an opportunity that scares you—I hope this space gives you the encouragement you need. Trust me, I know what it’s like to feel the weight of fear and doubt. I’ve faced my own impossible-seeming hurdles. But here’s the thing: The life you dream of is often just on the other side of those doubts.
My journey from a small-town kid with no sense of belonging to a world traveler with a "big book" passport wasn’t linear or easy, but it’s been worth every moment. Along the way, I’ve learned that courage doesn’t mean the absence of fear. It means doing the thing anyway.
Let’s Chart a Course Together
This site is for you—the dreamer who wants to grow, the mother or grandmother who’s ready for her next adventure, the sailor at heart who hasn’t yet stepped aboard. It’s for anyone who wants to live a life of intention and connection, and who believes that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.
So, welcome aboard! Together, let’s navigate the seas of adventure, growth, and community. Let’s step into the unknown with open hearts, steady hands, and a deep sense of purpose.
Fair winds and following seas,
Love,
Leigh
