Life Lessons from the Sea #3: Surviving the Gales of Life

The ocean is constantly moving, shifting back and forth against the shores of the world. Currents twine themselves through that sea of movement, maintaining their integrity in the face of a greater, sometimes chaotic force. 

So it is with us. We chart a course for ourselves across the turbulent sea of life. Like sailors, steering by the north star, we navigate best when we have a goal in mind and principles to guide us. But setting our path is not a one-time occurrence. All too often, gales alter our direction. A prime example of this is seen in the lives of recent tornado victims. Loved ones lost. Homes destroyed. Health damaged. Jobs gone.

Yet these people pick themselves up, right their boat, so to speak, and continue sailing. I’ve seen it again and again in friends and acquaintances who’ve survived natural disasters. It takes time, but they regain control of their lives. How do they do it?

1.      They refuse to be defined by their troubles, no matter how severe.

2.      They express gratitude for things that are easily taken for granted, like sunshine, friends, the ability to walk.

3.      They choose to be tough.

4.      They’re proactive, working hard to take control of their lives.

5.      They help others do the same.

6.      When they need to cry, they do, and they aren’t ashamed.

7.      They choose to be positive.

8.      They deepen their faith.

9.      They reach out to others to give and receive support.

10.  Once life has stabilized, they resume their quest to reach their goals.

It’s usually not a natural disaster that blows us off course. Sickness, injury, financial hardship, discouragement—these are a few of the tempests that enter our lives. When they do, hold fast to your goals, steer by your guiding principles. You will triumph in the end. 

What difficulty upended your world and how did you work your way through it? Or are you still?