One day that same year, I told my dad that someday, I would sail around the world alone.

I am twelve thousand miles wiser, twelve thousand miles more resilient, and I have twelve thousand miles more faith in God.

Slowly, my brain let me in on the fact that I had just come this close to dying.

It seems like people my age are over-protected today, even to the point where a lot of parents refuse to put their kids in the position to make important decisions, to aspire to great things, because they don't want to put them in a position to fail.

I was so thankful that my parents trusted me enough and had enough faith in my abilities to let me follow my passion and try to do something great, even if I might fail.

The things that happen on the sea take you beyond yourself, beyond human capability.

When a sailor overcomes crushing adversity, there's a massive sense of accomplishment.