I recently heard the beach analogy about someone else and regarding a topic that I don't think is scary. It, however, so clearly illustrated to me what was so hard for me to understand.
That conversation got me to thinking...we all have different "oceans." We all must figure out how to manage not getting sucked into the proverbial undercurrent and not being afraid of learning. The list is so different for all of us: venturing out and getting a new job, finding new friends, having kids leave the nest, the death of a spouse or loved one, facing our own mortality, going through a divorce, starting a relationship, ending a relationship....the list is endless.
For me, sometimes I get to the edge of the water and say, "Oh wait. That looked like a little wave and now that I'm here....well, it looks like a tsunami! Just kidding!" And I run back to the safe shore where the ocean once again looks appealing--after a few minutes of sitting on the sand. You know, where my safe towel is...my safe beach toys are...and my umbrella--to protect myself from the seagulls. The truth is, I know that I want to go into the ocean, and I want to be brave, but sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it is even harder admitting to others why I don't want to go into the ocean, because I don't want to look silly (or be vulnerable.) So the stories I make-up...ugh. I could be a fiction writer. "I'm fine here. Really, someone has to protect the beach toys." It's so hard to be vulnerable.
We all have different oceans. We all have fear of different ocean creatures or undercurrents (also known as demons). The trick is finding those folks around you to help you get into the water. Sitting on the beach wondering what it is like to be in the water, well, that's for sissies! :) Happy Saturday!
That conversation got me to thinking...we all have different "oceans." We all must figure out how to manage not getting sucked into the proverbial undercurrent and not being afraid of learning. The list is so different for all of us: venturing out and getting a new job, finding new friends, having kids leave the nest, the death of a spouse or loved one, facing our own mortality, going through a divorce, starting a relationship, ending a relationship....the list is endless.
For me, sometimes I get to the edge of the water and say, "Oh wait. That looked like a little wave and now that I'm here....well, it looks like a tsunami! Just kidding!" And I run back to the safe shore where the ocean once again looks appealing--after a few minutes of sitting on the sand. You know, where my safe towel is...my safe beach toys are...and my umbrella--to protect myself from the seagulls. The truth is, I know that I want to go into the ocean, and I want to be brave, but sometimes it's hard. Sometimes it is even harder admitting to others why I don't want to go into the ocean, because I don't want to look silly (or be vulnerable.) So the stories I make-up...ugh. I could be a fiction writer. "I'm fine here. Really, someone has to protect the beach toys." It's so hard to be vulnerable.
We all have different oceans. We all have fear of different ocean creatures or undercurrents (also known as demons). The trick is finding those folks around you to help you get into the water. Sitting on the beach wondering what it is like to be in the water, well, that's for sissies! :) Happy Saturday!