Learn to Sail in All Conditions

In the ordinary course of our lives, we all typically experience a lot of ordinary, smooth-sailing days. While nothing remarkable happens, nor does anything particularly difficult. We go about our day as usual, the sun keeps shining, and things go according to plan. 

On the other hand, we also tend to experience quite a few rough days, where any number of things might negatively influence our day—from a pounding headache to a flat tire to an unexpected schedule conflict to an argument with a coworker—we all have those less-than-stellar days. 

And then there are the truly excellent days—receiving great news, enjoying a perfect vacation day, landing an important client, celebrating a child’s big accomplishment, finishing a major project, or sharing a special occasion with loved ones.

Unfortunately, we also all have our share of really awful days. Disappointments, failures, Illnesses, accidents, job losses, and tragedies all slip their way into the course of our lives, leaving us shaken, defeated, grieving, and unsure. 

I recently came across this quote from an unknown author, and it really resonated:

“You can’t change the ocean or the weather no matter how hard you try, so it’s best to learn how to sail in all conditions.”

This is exactly true, and is such an excellent perspective and superb advice! We have no control over the ocean waves or the weather’s whims; all we can do is learn how to navigate whatever comes our way. 

Next week I’ll share a few ideas about how to do just that, so stay tuned! In the meantime, what are your thoughts? How have you personally learned “how to sail in all conditions?”