Stay Dry

Monday's Pleasure Peek was the perfect metaphor for what I observe and experience on a daily basis:

"Ships don't sink because of the water around them;

ships sink because of the water that gets in them.

Don't let what's happening around you get inside

and weigh you down."

My comment on that bit of advice from an unknown source was:

"Just 'cause it's there, you don't have to take on water."

It's simple. A boat floats on the ocean or lake or river. Each of those bodies of water have their own set of challenges and things to look out for just like you do as you live you everyday life. There might be objects to avoid, storms to weather, and other vessels. You might wave as you pass by and you may have to "hunker down" in a squall. Whatever you do, you must not let that water or some of the hazardous

items get into your boat or damage it. If a ship springs a leak or giant waves flood it, it will lose its balance and buoyancy and sink.

Think of the "water" as all the people and situations around you and you are the ship trying to navigate and make your way safely though them. You may feel like you are in the flow, floating along merrily until someone comes along and bumps your hull. If it's a light blow, it just gets your attention. They might be trying to ask you for more than you are ready to give or they might be unfriendly. The best thing is to move past them. Likewise, if a boat sees a large vessel ahead, one that poses a threat, it will rechart the course to avoid a dangerous collision. It's in our best interests to also notice if something unhealthy or menacing is trying to come toward us and to get out of its way. Bullies fall into that category as well as bad, destructive habits.

Once we allow people or jobs or situations to overwhelm us they can drag us under and then, we can no longer function or serve our divine purpose. We'll end up like ship-wrecks. Even though we may find ourselves in unfriendly waters, we don't have to take it on. We can fill up our sails with positive energy, surround ourselves with supportive, loving friends, and soar off into the sunset leaving a wake of kindness and good deeds.