Just Keep Swimming
This article is about surviving tidal waves in life. Some may consider that life itself is just one big tidal wave start to finish. Some may consider that it is a series of waves, swamping your life raft at inconvenient times during the journey. Yet others may love the craziness of the waves and wonder what all the fuss is about.
I think it is clear that “sinking” in life is not an option one would choose. Life can dump a wave so large; like a diagnosis of cancer, the unexpected death of a child, the washing away of a dream long worked for in an instant of chance and change; that “sinking” is the lightest of descriptive words you would use. It overwhelms, engulfs, swamps every aspect of your world and chokes you with sea-water, or tears of sorrow, to the point breathing becomes unbearable.
Sometimes you can feel so tired, that sinking seems like the best option when you are too exhausted or overwhelmed to continue.
Just keep swimming.
The idea of floating may also seem to be a desirable option. The idea that you just stop, wait, do nothing, perhaps giving up, all seem to be a solution worth considering. After all, when in the midst of a storm, it seems a peaceful option. There are no decisions to be made when you just float, or drift along. You can just let life move you around on its whim, letting the tides decide your fate. Its sounds so freeing when you think of it that way. Its nice for a holiday, a “floating” break from the “real world”, but not practical for everyday living. Perhaps it is why holidays at the seaside appeal to just about every body?
If you don’t aim for the destination you want, the waves of life will dictate your direction and destination. You will be subject to whatever storm you run into. You will experience calm when the weather is peaceful and can wash up on any shore…. Maybe! You may never reach a shore. For those who don’t have a grand plan in their life, perhaps this is desirable. For most of us, the idea of floating aimlessly through life does not fit into the grand plan we have for ourselves and perhaps our family. At the very least, it won’t get us to the destination we desire.
When you decide to float, you don’t get to decide how to deal with obstacles in your path. You get washed up against debris, often time and time again, until the tide changes. You are powerless to change your direction if you choose to float. You can get washed up against the same debris (or problem) again and again if you let the waves of life choose your destination. Alternatively, you can chose to have purpose, seek a destination and aim for it. How to do that?
Just keep swimming.
Swimming for some is a skill. For others, it is a terrifying experience. The thought of sinking keeps some of us from even trying to swim. If you look up a definition of swimming, it mentions natural propulsion. To me that means even if you have to use your teeth, your nails, your toes, you are swimming.
You might think it needs the use of hands, feet, coordination and perhaps a snorkel! If you watch small children, they use whatever they can to propel themselves through the water – arms, legs, and generally move a large amount of water while doing so. They don’t care if its neat and tidy, if the water goes everywhere – for them, its often part of the fun, the joy of being in the water.
Perhaps your idea of swimming is a controlled coordinated approach; you choose a swimming style and aim for the other end of the pool. While an accepted method for the most part, the waves of life don’t often play nice. They can be unruly, uncoordinated, and there is not necessarily a sense of timing for each wave. The ocean just takes it as it comes.
The thought of swimming for your entire life seems to induce immediate fatigue – I know it does with me. The idea of years and years of dragging your arms through rough waters makes me instantly want to lie down and sleep – to float a while. I can’t fathom the thought all at once. Can you?
With the approach to the idea of swimming in a pool, I set myself small goals, take it one lap at a time. As with the idea of laps in a pool, I use the same approach to life. A strategic approach is one that plans the journey, instead of diving headlong into it.
Swimming through life is the toughest option out of the three options discussed. In my opinion, it is the only one to consider. I refuse to let life dictate where I go and what my journey will be. I have been hit with some massive tidal waves during my years but they have sharpened my skills, toughened my attitude and given me something to navigate through and sometimes against; given me an opponent to win against, if you will.
It is not necessarily pretty or elegant.
It is dirty and tough and I have been dumped by a more few tidal waves and ended up repeatedly with lungs full of water and salty tears.
I have often felt like just floating, or even sinking.
It takes a significant effort to get out of that mindset, and the only way is to swim through it.
I decided I would have to….
Just keep swimming.
Along your journey, there will signs and portents. Similar to clouds warning of storms and strong waves ahead, so will there be other signs as you swim along; letting you know that you are the correct path….. or not! Lighthouses might appear through the gaze of your tunnel vision, directed at your goal. It might be a place to stop and rest, refresh and re-supply. It might be a warning of “danger lies here”.
As you swim in a pool, you have guidelines, flagging, educational signs and lighting, etc to warn you of dangers, and keep you on your path. Life is not so kind. There isn’t a rule book or instruction guide handed to you at an age of graduation, transitioning into adulthood on a set day and time. No matter how you plan your day or your life, something can and frequently does happen that throws all that careful planning and scheduling out the window. A king hit like a tidal wave when you get news or are involved in an event that you never expected – good or bad, it still knocks you off course.
Just keep swimming.
Life Happens.
We need a method or a system of recognition to travel the seven seas, with a way of knowing where lies danger and which ports are safe havens to rest within; before the danger time occur.
There are others out there willing to assist. People whom you already have in your life such as relatives and friends. Some you will come across - fellow travelers in the wide expanse of ocean - along the voyage. A system of recognition might be a list of values that, once shared, is a form of declaration of a kindred spirit, a part of your family of choice. This would identify a friend, someone who would answer a flare of distress at any time.
How do you recognize danger? There are obvious signs of rocks perhaps, but what happens if you are swimming so fast you miss them? What happens after you have been buffeted from strong waves so far off your course you cannot recognize who or where you are? Do you have a recovery plan? Have you taught yourself the constellation you navigate through so you can at least find south or north. Do you remember in times of stress that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west? Do you know these things as a normal part of your journey, or do you need to skill up before setting off on your next leg?
Even if you don’t, you have plenty to think about as you just keep swimming.
You are stronger than you think. You can handle more than what life throws at you than you realize. You have reserves of untapped ability, determination and resolve.
Just keep swimming.
