Will Allen

Where does life find you these days?

 Good question, hmm I’d say life finds me in the mountains and valleys at the moment. Some great ups and some tough lows. I’m trying my best to live well and thrive amidst the adversity.

What brings you joy?

 Joy is honestly a tough one for me at times. Seems to elude me when I search for it. Especially when trials bog me down, sorrow seems easier than happiness, and pain over peace. Yet I don’t want to be a full Debby downer, so here’s some light amidst the dark… I have found joy in helping others. I have found joy in surfing beautiful big open ocean waves. I have found joy in eating amazing meals. I have found joy through pockets of faith even in the hurt. I have found joy in getting to know other people’s stories; ie What makes them tick and what they have overcome.

What are you reaching for?

 Honestly what I desire most is stability and a strong walk with God. I feel very out of rhythm at times. Instead of being afraid I hope to become a courageous man that does not let adversity define me. I’ve been saying this statement too, I hope to be an unsung hero. Which is kinda awkward I’m talking about wanting to be a hero, but I got to motivate myself somehow right! What greater prize and goal then to be a hero of a comeback story.

When do you feel most content?

I’d say the most peace I see at times comes through conversation with the folks I love and trust. There’s nothing better for me than an opportunity to clear and share my heart with those I admire most. I’m a huge verbal/open processor so this has really helped me over the years. Special shoutout to my therapist Julie, my parents, and countless friends and mentors. 

Describe your relationship with uncertainty

 I’ve had to live in the ocean of uncertainty almost all my life. I’m not certain I’ll ever find healing. I’m not certain I’ll ever make my way and move out on my own. I’m not certain I’ll have that happy ending to my story. And this pains me because I want to see Jesus win in my life story over all the hardship that I’ve faced. Yet there’s times where I’m faced with the reality, maybe my mental health will stay the same... Maybe I won’t experience the miracle I’m longing for. Maybe I’ll never be the hero I wanted to be and I’m just going to blend in with the rest of my days. Even writing this pains me because I just want to be more whole and happy!! Yet the uncertainty keeps me in the waiting each and every day. But again, the unsung hero can come back in the 4th quarter let’s gooooo!!

When you are at your best, what does that look like?

I love helping people and getting stoked for the little things in life. That looks like connecting people where they can thrive via work, relationships, and faith. So an example would be helping a friend find a job, or helping a buddy heal in their journey, or helping a family member feel supported and cared for. Yet I’m not always like this and my goal is to get in that flow state more where I can serve others full capacity!! Lastly, another thing you might find me doing on my best days is surfing my brains out!!

 What gets in the way of being your best sometimes?

My negative thinking, insecurities, and fear. These swirl in my head and limit my full potential. I’m really trying to learn how to replace the bad narratives with truth & light. Yet I have found this is much easier said than done!

Explain your relationship to water.

 Water for me is a place of profound life but also can be a place of mental anguish. Now this may sound gnarly but please let me explain. For example a simple surf session on a good day is fun, good exercise, and helps me slow down. I’m present with my thoughts in a good way and focused on the ocean. Now on a bad day, I may hit the water and all the negative narratives on land follow me to the water. Literally making me feel trapped in a mental hurricane happening above haha. Hope I’m sounding like a whiner but I really try and be honest to my best ability. And sometimes folks might think I’m too honest, but I’d rather live in the light with my struggles than keep them in the dark with no help.

 How has the water shaped you?

 This is such a good question. Let me think on this for a little…

Being in the water has taught me to be humble. Respect my elders and others around me. We all were a “kook” at one point, so when you see a beginner figuring it out we must be gracious. The longer I have been in the ocean I’ve been pushed to NOT act entitled no matter where I am. This can be a battle though because the ego inflates itself at times. Lastly the ocean has taught me to have fun and not take myself too seriously. Like I had a solid year where I was riding foam boards a ton- getting back to the rooooots!

 What are some words you would impart on this next generation of kids who admire you?

I would like to impart this:

Be loved and love big. Find out what that means spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and how you treat others!! I’m still trying to navigate and find my true meaning in this right now!!Also I would talk to my young self and say, Show up and live your best each and every day.

 Where are you headed these next few months/year?

Working more and getting out of the same cycle is my goal. The nature of one of my mental struggles (bi polar) makes me feel trapped sometimes in the cycles from depressed lows to high highs. Also to keep trusting the process on medications and seeking to stay in the light.

That point has been huge and I’m trying my best. Also on a surfing note, I want to surf the biggest and best waves of my life this year. Yet ultimately, like I said above, I hope to become a better version of myself and try and make the world a better place. Learning how to be the salt and light!

 Is Life out on the horizon worth chasing? If so, why?

 I don’t want to be a Debby downer but at the moment I feel conflicted on chasing my dreams. There is so much I want to refine on my character and then go out and be bold. Yet maybe being bold and going to a fuller life would help refine my character in the process. I guess the only way is to find out! Let’s paddle out in that uncertainty!

  Anything else you want to talk about?  

 Jesus Christ is king. I honestly have a hard time feeling the “love” or the “peace” or the “faith”. There’s times where all I can bring is my hurt and sorrow. Yet there seems to be an immovable tether to me and jesus. I used to be pretty loud and vocal with my faith, but I’ve been so humbled lately by my mental trials I’m kinda taking a back seat to observe and faithfully wait. It’s killing me sometimes to me honest, cause my nature is very hyper and wants things to happen ASAP. But we will see where God takes my story. I wanted to open up about this because I hope my honest story can resonate with some of you. And trust me there’s so much more depth to everything I shared but I feel like it’s wise to be measured in what I talk about on a big platform. Thank you all for reading this and may the Lord bless you mightily with his presence, love, and power.