Secrets of Smooth Sailing

We roamed like we didn’t have a care in the world. Drinks were poured into expectant glasses. Bowls of colorful fruit, fresh baked pastries, rooms miraculously cleaned the moment you stepped out for a stroll, a ship that came into port exactly as planned, a warm drink when you returned, and more entertainment if you chose. 

I admit I had to focus a little harder to observe the “inner workings” of this ship. Ever present yet nearly invisible. A crew of 600 working morning and night, 7 days a week, to execute a flawless journey for strangers. Despite pleasant exchanges and smiling faces, upon closer inspection there is evidence of strain of performance; weariness of labor; and tangible class differentiation. If you didn’t look too intently or think too deeply, it was a joyous city afloat on the sea with its citizens content and safe. There were no cares. It was smooth sailing. 

My ears tune in to the explanation of the control room. I am surprised to hear how many alarms are necessary. I love the quote concerning the alarms, ‘Not all of them need action but every one of them needs attention.” 

How true of each and every one of us! The analogy is not a difficult one. We are the cruise ship. If everything is in working order we appear calm, serene. But think about what it takes to get to and maintain “working order”! We are not talking about the few seconds a photo captures at just the right angle at just the right time. We are talking about all the heavy duty inner workings that never get a break - the stuff few get to see. I think that is the way it is supposed to be as long as a privileged few get to share in what it takes for you to stay afloat. Think about it: if everyone shared “My ship is sinking! My ship is sinking!” all the time, we’d lose hope and collectively abandon ship! So carefully pick your inner circle (your trusted life preservers)  to encourage and be vulnerable with.

Are there secrets to smooth sailing? How do you keep your inner workings working? How can you tell the difference between an alarm that needs action and one that merely needs a bit of attention? Remember the cruise crew? Yup, the answer is pretty much hard work and vigilance. 

But there are trade secrets you already have in your stowage. Giving some credit to the power of these items may help you have an even steadier trip. It boils down to how you care for yourself. They can be a host of things but here are a few of my favorites: 

• yoga
• a good night's sleep
• get into nature
• read to expand my mind
• eat beautiful food
• try something new
• hang with friends
• laugh
• listen to music
• be quiet.     
• create

You get the gist, right? These are the things that take life from frantic to manageable and by George! even fun with a touch of special. 

One friend recently passed along a new care idea. She bought herself a magazine and dedicated a day to sit and read the whole thing. I love that!! 

I guess what I want you to know today is whether you are able to present yourself in a manner that says, “all is under control here” or with wild eyes and equally wild hair you scream, “my ship is sinking!!” I recognize the fact you are working day and night to keep your ship aright. Whether you are going through a storm or calm waters, you are doing a good job! Utilize your chosen grounding techniques and keep going. Be grateful for both peaceful days and the tumultuous. Respectively, they both serve their purpose of rest and growth.

Feel free to share some of your best care ideas. Throw someone a lifeline! We are in this together!