Leaving the shore...
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” - John A. Shedd
Change isn’t easy. It’s not easy for the person going through it. And, most of the time, it’s not easy for others around them. Change is uncomfortable and it quite often makes others uncomfortable too.
It starts with a desire for something to be different, maybe even better. We stand on the shore looking out into the ocean hoping that different or better exists. We wonder if our wildest dreams are out there, beyond the break.
What finally causes us to pick up our oars, hop in the boat and start paddling? Hope…and a knowing that if we don’t at least try, we’ll always wonder what if…
When we finally decide to leave the shore and paddle out into the unknown in the pursuit of our wildest dreams and greatest purpose, we’re undoubtedly going to cause a few ripples.
Some people around us will feel the ripple and be ignited by the hope they see. They willingly pick up their paddles and join in, following our light.
Others reach for their fog horn, ready to call out criticisms and all of the dangers we may encounter along the way. “Where are you going?” “Why are you doing that?” “Don’t you know it’s not safe out there?” “If I were you, I wouldn’t leave the safety of the shore.”
Any of those sound familiar?
When we hear that fog horn, some stop paddling, turn their boat around and head straight back to shore for the safety of the familiar. Some pause, pick up their oars and become content to float with the current. And the remaining few forge ahead, paddling in the direction of their dreams.
So, where are you? Are you on the shore? Are you floating with current? Or, are you paddling with everything you’ve got to make it past the break?
If you’ve left the shore in pursuit of your dream, keep paddling. It’s only when you make it through the break that those around you will see you on the other side. Your commitment to yourself will be the light that lights the way for others.
Set your expectations before you leave the shore. Some people will never see the value of leaving the shore. Some won’t ever join you on the other side. They’ll pitch their tent right there in the sand and be happy as a clam to keep using their fog horn to try to call you back to them.
Don’t give up. Keep paddling. Let your light shine.
Make today a beautiful day,
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