Recently, we visited Rehoboth Beach, DE. I was able to grab some action shots of my son with my camera who was swimming in the ocean. The ocean is his happy place. You can see it on his face and in the way he runs and jumps through the waves. It’s pure joy for him. He could be in the ocean all day. Upon returning from our trip and uploading my photos, a few thoughts came to mind about how swimming in the ocean is a lot like navigating your way through life’s challenges.
Tackle Something that Looks Daunting
We all have challenges in life….whether personal or professional….being brave and tackling that challenge in front of us that seems so daunting may be worth it in the end. Make the move to a new state, try a new hobby, take on a challenge at work, jump into that new relationship….whatever the challenge is….dive right in!
When You Get Knocked Down and Smacked in the Face…… Get Back Up
So you dive in and things don’t quite work out….we’ve all been smacked in the face with disappointment or knocked down by people around us. The best thing to do is learn from what went wrong and get back up. It may take getting knocked down by a few waves before you can stand proudly on your two feet.
Run Through Life Like Nothing Matters
Pure joy is being able to run through life without the cares or worries that can be put upon you. Don’t let things weigh you down….keep smiling and keep moving. Surround yourself with positive people and situations. Life is too short….find the happiness around you. Find the people that make you happy….family, friends, and co-workers that lift you up and celebrate you. There is no time to be around those that keep you down and hold you back from succeeding in life and finding happiness.
Jump the Hurdles in Life
Life comes with challenges and hurdles. Use your strength to lift yourself up and overcome those waves that can pull you under. Have a setback at work? Get into a fight with a loved one or friend? Have a financial situation to deal with or a house that won’t sell? Have a goal you have not been able to reach? We’ve all been there….and possibly through much more! Find the strength within to hurdle that wave in front of you.
Take Challenges Head On
It’s easy to try and hide in the background or not take responsibilities for things in life. The bravest thing to do is to face your challenges head on! Starring at the huge challenge in front of you can seem all-consuming, but finding a way to tackle it head on can keep you standing tall instead of turning your back to the challenge and possibly getting your feet swept out from under you.
When You’re In Over Your Head….Find Solutions
We all get in situations over our head. Take on too much at work? Find a way to delegate duties. Say something you wish you had not? Take responsibility for it and apologize. Have issues with spending your money? Sit down and make a plan to pay off debt. Agree to do things you don’t have time for? Be honest and let people know. Honesty goes a long way and having a forgiving spirit towards others can free your mind and soul. Don’t drown in situations you have the power to overcome with solutions.
Have Someone There to Guide You
We can always use guidance in life from others and have them point us in the right direction. Whether it be a parent, teacher, sibling, coach, colleague, etc….embrace what others have to offer you. Even if you don’t take the advice of others, at least listen with an open mind because you never know when they can provide the direction you need to meet and overcome challenges in life.
Ride the Wave
Grab your board and find a way to ride the wave of life. Things definitely vacillate from positive to negative situations throughout life….sometimes we are on top of the wave and other times things are crashing down around us. Knowing when to “ride the wave” and just enjoy what is going on in your life at the moment is something some people have a hard time doing. Being mindful and focusing on the here and now can help. As I watched my son in the ocean, I thought of the beauty of the moment. The pure happiness he was feeling right now and how I was blessed to be here to see his smiling face at this moment.
Celebrate Your Accomplishments
When you overcome that challenge in life, celebrate your accomplishment! It’s okay to be proud of yourself and pat yourself on the back. Challenges can be tough and when you find that solution to overcome it….smile….fist pump….share your learnings with others….but be humble. Be proud without being prideful.
Reflect on the Beauty Around You
Last but not least, sit and reflect on things in life. Reflection of challenges met and not met can lead you to a path of learning and growing. When you learn and grow, it helps to open your mind to things around you. The beauty of new experiences, the mindfulness to live in the now, the ability to forgive yourself and others for not being perfect, the strength to be yourself, the capacity to focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have, and the overall allure of the world around you. As the sun rises and the sun sets each day….go out there and find the beauty around you and within in you!
Speak Your Mind