Bridget McNulty

The boat of your life.

// May 7th, 2009 // Inspiration, Life (and the living of it)

It struck me, as I was walking yesterday evening, that life is a lot like keeping afloat in a boat. Hear me out here…

Your life is like a boat, and you get to decide what kind of waters you sail in – rough and stormy (dramatic) or calm and still (peaceful). You get to choose which companions you want on the journey, and if those companions are going to make your trip easier, or if they’re going to rock the boat. And most importantly, I think, you get to make sure you stay balanced.

I think balance means something different for everyone, and we each have our own specific Balance Challenges. Some battle to keep the depressed-happy balance, others fight for the busy-rest balance, still others need to work out the alone-together balance. Most of us have a bit of all of them in us. For me, I have to be on the alert for the giving out-taking in balance. When I’m full of energy (as I usually am) I can give and give and give, put loads of energy into my work, have enormous amounts of time for my friends, and be overflowing with love, no problem. But I often forget, when I’m in this mode, to refuel. And then I get depleted, and the balance is thrown off, and I’m rocking dangerously in my boat. So balance is key. And a tricky key at that.

Lastly, I think there has to be a compass, something to keep you pointed in the right direction, straight and strong and true. A life’s goal, if you will… For me, it’s to be my best self – who I really am. And it’s so interesting, because it’s only when I lose sight of that compass that I lose my way and throw away my balance. Because when I’m focused on being my best self I make sure to rest and refuel and recharge… I take care of my boat.

If your life was a boat, would you be more careful in it?