I had the distinct pleasure of spending some luxury time aboard a friend’s beautiful new boat recently.  As we set sail, we began discussing a metaphor for life on the ocean: the water is not placid, it continuously ebbs and flows.  Life is very much the same way.  As things inside us change, so do the circumstances outside of us, and vice versa.  In times when our boat may be rocking, with things flying off the table, and outcomes unknown, what can we rely on?

Dropping your anchor

Most of us have people and things we rely on.  For me, it’s my husband and cousins, my Goddess Community, music, fitness, and aromatherapy…I love me some clearing incense and sage.  As an assignment, my clients make a list of each member of their support group.  Everything from their physician to their dog sitter.  What or who can you rely on when things get rocky?

One of my Mastermind members told us the story of when she first started learning to sail.  She said initially she was very scared of the boat tipping over, until her instructor explained the job of the keel. The keel prevents the boat from being blown sideways by the wind, and it holds the ballast that keeps the boat right-side up.  Slowly, with practice, my client learned to trust the keel, and her fear dissipated.  As with life, we need to trust.  What is your keel?  Whom or what do you need to trust more as you sail through life?

Losing sight of the shore

In Richard Bach’s profound book Illusions, the story begins with a bevy of small sea creatures clinging to the side of the river for fear of the unknown that lies before them.  One sea creature, more afraid of boredom than anything else, finally let go.  The other creatures cry out with fear, assuming he is doomed. And to their surprise, the river lifted him free. He was considered a Messiah by the other creatures and became a legend.  We can’t possibly predict everything that will happen to us as we set out for grander seas, but in order for us to have greater experiences than we ever have before, we have to be willing to do something we’ve never done, perhaps be someone we’ve never been; in other words, we have to be willing to lose sight of the shore.

 Life is not always smooth sailing. It ebbs and flows.  It is a constant process of learning and relearning, attempting new heights, and practicing.  You’re growing and changing daily, you’re not the same person you were a year ago or even five years ago. In addition, the tides are constantly changing.  With circumstances around us shifting often, our footing can feel unsteady, and sometimes seem idle, and that’s ok.  Even a safe harbor has its own surprises; boats will come at you from all directions, paddle boarders, kayakers, and massive ships; it can feel a little unnerving.  It’s inevitable we will hit some rough seas in our life, but you’ll be better outfitted and more confident knowing what you can rely on, trusting your keel, navigating risks, and relishing the journey that lies ahead.