Life Boats
In my weekly women’s group, we share our challenges and anxiety, wins and losses. Today, a member reminded us how nothing is permanent. This is especiallky helpful to remember when we’re in a really low time of life. “This too shall pass.” It’s not always easy to believe this when life is beating us up, but it’s true.
As happens often, my mind then wandered to the water and its ebbs and flows that come with the waves. And that led me to think about a lifeboat and how we could use a literal boat for this crazy ride called life.
A lifeboat can be seen as a metaphor for navigating the ups and downs of life. Just as a lifeboat is designed to keep us afloat during a crisis at sea, we too must find ways to stay afloat during the turbulent times in our lives.
And perhaps similar to a life ring in the boat, our personal support systems can also keep us afloat. These support systems can come in many forms, such as family, friends, or mental health professionals (I rely on all three!). They can provide the emotional and practical support that we need to weather the storm. Just be sure you’re choosing the right people with the right energy - the ones that would literally throw you a life ring if you were in despair.
We do have to do the work, however, to take care of a boat and in life, we must plan and take care of our support network and tools. A lifeboat is useless if it hasn't been properly maintained or if there is no plan for how to use it in an emergency. We must know how to prevent water from getting in while navigating the water beneath that will keep us moving where we want to go. Similarly, a support system is also not helpful if we don’t care for it - staying in touch, communicating with honesty, and reaching out when we need help to stay afloat during difficult times. We also need to hone our “tools” for survival - developing coping strategies, being honest with ourselves when we need support, or sometimes making lifestyle changes that promote mental and emotional well-being. Keeping out what will prevent us from moving forward, if you will.
In essence, the lifeboat represents our ability to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity. It reminds us that we have the means, strength, and resilience to stay afloat, even when the currents of life are against us.
