SURFING SOAPBOX: Begin 2008 with a smile

With every New Year comes a new theme. For me personally, 2007 was all about moving on and rediscovering how to better use my surfboard as my soapbox.

Looking back at 2007 was the greatest of all. In the midst of it, however, I was again reminded of just how precious life can be when I lost my dear friend Wendy.

There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of her. I can still see her smile and it’s with the enthusiasm of a smile like hers that I try to live my life.

Because when you think about it, every day should begin with a smile.

This is especially true when times are tough, and they were plenty tough on me in the beginning of 2007.

I kept my head up and never gave up, traveling nonstop, 130-plus days in all, giving me a new enthusiasm to go out into the big world and make a difference.

I believe anyone can make a difference. Dreams are made, not wished upon. Every child has the ability to live his or her dream.

Make your plan and stick to it and never ever give up.

I’m anxious to get back on the road and begin traveling again.

Seeing new frontiers and adding new experiences. Last year, I was a newly single man, who has always enjoyed capturing the essence of the moment. 2008 will be different, a quieter year. I’ll have my moments.

But the process has begun. I look forward to meeting someone special again. I look forward to the new horizon, and embracing more quiet time.

Reading and writing. Less TV and more music. I suppose you could say that I’m waiting for my real life to begin in 2008.

Peace.

JAMES PRIBRAM is a Laguna Beach native, professional surfer and founder of the Aloha School of Surfing. He can be reached at [email protected].