Leaving the Sure Behind

by Crystal Woods

I'm realising more & more these days there is a huge gap (chasm, really) between knowing a thing and living that knowledge. You know how it is - you read heaps of self-improvement books, you go to all the seminars & listen to people saying "look, I did it, ANYBODY can do it", buy the audio courses etc etc, but all that knowledge doesn't make a lot more difference, except to make you feel frustrated that what you know you can accomplish, for some reason isn't happening for you.

Oh, yes, and eventually maybe feel like you should just accept what 'everyone' keeps telling you - that it can't be done - and get on with living like everyone else.

When I focus on a situation like that, and try to get a better understanding of it, usually my mind throws up an image, or allegory. The image that comes to mind, for me in this case is of a ship in harbour. Me. Got the maps, no problem there. Know where I'm heading, no worries. Ready to face the stormy weather when I leave the port behind, because I KNOW you get tested on your resolve with these things. Problem is actually leaving the port. Then it clicked.

All the people around me, still part of my life, who keep telling me not to follow my dreams, keep saying that it can't be done, or that I'm being 'unrealistic' - while I'm attached to them I've got a multitude of hawsers still tied to the shore. The known, the safe, the 'accepted' way of doing things rules there - so it's the 'sure' as well. While I've got those lines tied up, & am letting their thoughts take root in my life (my ship) then I wont be able to leave.

Am I saying that you need to head off alone? No. But choose your crew carefully. You want people around you who want to set sail, because they'll let the hawser's go. You need people who will help you steer the ship, keep her afloat & heading where she's planning to go, not a reluctant crew who'll mutiny & try to turn her around as soon as you manage to make some headway.

There are people in your life who will want to stay on familiar ground, and that's fine. We all know people like that. There are usually many more of them than there are the adventurers like you & I. Just dont let the lines of their convictions take root in your life, and recognise that sooner or later, once you've set sail, you will find them falling away behind you. You've got to be prepared for that, as much as for anything else on this journey of life. Equally, you may decide there's too much holding you to the sure/shore, and you're happy to forget about casting off & going your own way. Whichever way, remember that YOU are the captain of the ship, and it's your decision. Fair winds & good sailing!

About the Author

Crystal Woods is an author and entrepreneur who firmly believes that every one of us has a birthright to be able to believe in ourselves, to believe in the value we each have to offer the world, and in our right to be loved and appreciated. We deserve this not because of what we own or do, but simply because of who we are. Her site is based around this theme. Along with many resources, she offers a free monthly ezine with articles on self-esteem and life mastery, an upcoming question & answer section, and tips & tricks to stay on top of what’s trying to get you down.