Craving Something Just for Me: Why Paddleboarding Became My Sacred Rebellion

“I didn’t wait until I was fearless—I just decided to stop shrinking and start paddling.”
– Anacani Walters, Founder of PHAT Mermaids™

I didn’t get on a paddleboard to prove anything.
I got on it because my soul was whispering—no, screaming—for something that was just for me.

Not for my job.
Not for my family.
Not because it was “healthy” or “productive.”

Just. For. Me.

And beautiful, if you’ve ever felt like you were disappearing into everyone else’s needs,
you know exactly what I mean.

That Quiet Craving for More

Before I ever paddled, I was a mess of fear and self-doubt.
I was over 30, a former nurse-turned-women’s wellness guide... and somehow I still felt like I had no idea what I was doing.

I had overcome a lot—PCOS, cervical cancer, adrenal fatigue, and burnout survivor—but standing on that board?

That was a whole new level of vulnerable.
But also… freedom.

Because for the first time in a long time, it wasn’t about proving.
It was about becoming.

The Water Doesn’t Care About Your Size, Age, or Past

Let me tell you what I’ve learned from the sea:
The ocean isn’t here to judge your body.
It’s not keeping score of your cellulite or your fears.

It just meets you where you are—and holds you anyway.
That’s what paddleboarding did for me.

It held space for my fear and my courage.
It invited me to rise when I wanted to hide.
It became the most sacred rebellion I’ve ever committed to.

This Isn’t Just Paddleboarding. This Is Permission.

Every woman I’ve coached—from the burnt-out nurse to the single mama to the empty nester rediscovering her magic—has said some version of:

“I just needed something that was mine again.”

And sister, that’s not selfish. That’s sacred.
We’ve been spoon-fed this lie that rest and joy are rewards for productivity.
But I’m calling BS.

You don’t need to earn joy.
You don’t need to fix yourself before you feel worthy.
You just need to say yes.

✨ Whether You’re Local or Landlocked…

If you're in Okinawa, come paddle with me.
I'll hold space for your wobble and cheer for your rise.

Not local? Grab the online version—The Fearless SUP Confidence Course—and start wherever you are.

Because this isn’t just about learning to balance on water.

It’s about remembering who the hell you are.

Let’s Go, Mermaid

✅ Book your in-person SUP lesson here
✅ Grab the Fearless SUP Confidence Course online

Or just DM me and say, “I’m craving something for me.”
I’ll know exactly what you mean.

💖
Anacani
Founder, PHAT Mermaids™
Sassy. Strong. Salty. And always cheering for you.

🐚 Feeling this?

Share this post with a fellow PHAT mermaid who's ready to reclaim her joy.
Hashtag your story on IG with #SacredRebellion and #PHATMermaids so I can celebrate you.