Row, Row, Row Your Boat....

Today's message is about rowing your boat.  Unfortunately, in life, it's not usually "gently down the stream".  Rather, we find ourselves furiously paddling to avoid dropping off the face of the earth or crashing into jagged rocks.  However, take heart, there is one strategy that can help us through this struggle- ROW YOUR OWN BOAT.  This means, worry about 1) your own boat, 2) your own passengers, 3) your own destination.  This what I TRY to apply to my own life, including my home, work, and extracurricular activities.

Many people are so concerned with what's going on around them.  Their boats end up like bumper cars- sometimes they gently graze your "business/life", or sometimes, they plow right into you.  They are so engrossed with what you are doing, that they forget to keep themselves on course.

Other people are always offering advice as to how you should handle your boat.  But if you look at the direction their boats are headed, you might think twice about accepting their advice.

Instead, focus on YOUR boat.  First, what is the strategy for your boat?  Is it to have a great career, a stable family, a balanced life?  Decide what's going to keep your boat steady.  If this has to change down the road, that's o.k., too. We can't always predict rough waters.

Next, who do you want to be passengers in your boat?  Your partner, your children, your BFF?  Pick people who support your strategies and beliefs and who will be able to row in harmony with you.  You don't want someone in your boat who always wants to go in a direction that's different from the one you have chosen.  And, sometimes, you have to switch passengers as you get further down your path.  That's o.k.  It's called "Life Happens."  And, we can always fondly remember those who contributed to our journeys, even if they've moved on through death or switching boats.  We don't HAVE TO or GET TO keep all of our original passengers.

Finally, where is your boat headed?  What is your destination?  Are you going to chose the most direct path to meet your goals, or are your going to make it hard for yourself by not having a clear strategy or people in your boat that can row in the same direction as needed?  Or, are you going to choose to take your boat on as many GRAND ADVENTURES as possible along the way?

Whichever direction you chose, I wish you calm waters and a great Ship Mates. :)