From Rainstorm to Ring - She said Yes!
A story of overcoming challenges and deepening connections, Mike and Aspen's adventure led them from stormy weather to an unforgettable engagement, showcasing the power of communication and teamwork in relationships.
Relationships can range from the best part of your life to the most complicated. Many believe you need to hit rock bottom to ask for help or guidance, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. One of the best things you can do for your relationship is continually try to improve it. Never stop working on communication, openness and honesty. Sure, during the moments of “smooth sailing” it may not be your first instinct to talk about how things could be better but this is where a bronze medal relationship turns to a gold.
Meet Mike & Aspen from Idaho. After Mike attended a Men's trip with Driftwood Paddle in May, he felt inspired to bring his partner back for an adventure in September. Though they already had a strong relationship, they were eager to grow together.
Below Aspen and Mike reflects on their experience:
“The Elevated Couples Program at Driftwood Paddle was something that we didn't know we needed. We both know we are not perfect but can always grow and love finding ways to grow individually and together. We knew we weren't on the verge of separation, so wondered what is would look like for us. We had no idea how life-changing this would be for our relationship”
The First call
The program starts with a “Breakthrough Call”, where Relationship Coach and wilderness guide Chris ‘CK’, guides the couple through familiar territory with a fresh perspective, helping them align on a common goal.
Aspen reflects on the call, “We took our first call with CK two weeks before we left for our trip. This call was filled with so much help and guidance we had no idea we needed. We were able to sit down and see and feel things from each other's point of view. We learned so much in that call about each other and how the other person feels and processes things. Having CK there was so helpful, he was able to explain things and be that outside view with no ties to either one of us. This then led to us processing things a little differently. I wouldn't say we were perfect by the end of that call but it helped us in little areas with communication and learning to see things from your partner's point of view.”
Now fast forward to the trip…
The couple faced difficult weather conditions, with three days of cold and rain.
Aspen continues, “We kept everything we learned from our first call in mind during the trip, and it was groundbreaking for us. We discovered how to work as a team and not let frustrations get the best of us. It became clear that our relationship isn’t just about individual struggles; it’s about us working TOGETHER.
Then it clicked for us…” she says
“It's not just working together through the rain and paddling our hearts out to get to the next spot, this was bigger. Whatever disagreement or issue that comes to life in your relationship isn’t about you, it’s about you TWO working TOGETHER. You can’t and won’t get anywhere if only one person is paddling up current, it truly takes the both of you.
When we were paddling our hearts out, there were times when I could only give so much, so Mike would push just a little harder while being that voice in my ear that kept hyping me up and reminding me we are in this together and will get there together no matter how long it takes. We finally made it back after the best but hardest 4 nights and 5 days we have ever had together. Sitting there with CK and Ella was just magical.”
Mike reflects “I had never seen Aspen in that way before. I always knew she was a strong woman but she impressed me so much on this trip”.
The Engagement
As the two departed from Driftwood Paddle, Mike had a surprise in store…
“When Mike and I left back to our hotel to head back to the States, Mike proposed to me and it truly was the highlight of the trip! The realization that if we can make it through this trip we can truly come together in anything life throws at us. We knew we wanted to spend forever together, but had these little bumps that we had to get over and it was just us figuring out how to get through it. The Elevated Couples Program made this happen way faster than we could ever have done on our own.”
Post Trip
“We had our final call with CK and Ella a month after the trip ended. During this call we began to process the whole trip again and reflect on what we took from this whole program. The call was a good reminder to us that we are on the right path and we are not perfect, but we are a team.
It truly brings tears to my eyes every-time I get the chance to talk about this trip. We didn't think this would completely change our lives for the better, but I can confidently say we would not be where we are today if it wasn't for this trip.“
“We didn't think this would completely change our lives for the better, but I can confidently say we would not be where we are today if it wasn't for this trip.”
To learn more about our Elevated Couple’s Program and other trips Driftwood Paddle offers, click here.
