A quote from Rumi "Stop swimming so hard, and climb in the boat". This photo and quote caused me to stop and ponder the meaning. Everyone's going to see it and feel it differently. What I felt was struggling to stay alive, to stay afloat emotionally, physically or perhaps both.
If you read my work often, you will know that I have been through and had a number of life experiences causing me to struggle. Many times it seemed I was drowning and was only inches away from the boat. Had I relaxed, grabbed the side of that boat and climbed in, maybe I could have had a respite, a life preserver if you will.
I know what struggle is. As I write this, many emotions come to the surface recalling some of those struggling times. My intent is not to depress you I promise, but to encourage you that you can grab the side of that boat as I eventually did. The boat can be as simple as a mindset change. It can also be a friend reaching out to pull you in the boat.
Let me share one of those times I was swimming so hard or dog paddling if you will because I was too tired to swim. A few years back, a major life event occurred and I was desperate to locate a place to live for me and my sweet cat, Tobe. I had moved several times already within the year and I was simply ready to give up. As a matter of fact, I was so far down that rabbit hole that I trying to find out how I could survive in my van. That line of thinking only made it worse and my level of exhaustion could not be measured.
My struggle was known only to a few people since I am a fairly private person. I couldn't imagine a life preserver let alone a boat to climb into. One of my dear friends who resides in another state stepped up and threw me a life preserver and then grabbed my hand to help me into the boat. Of course you know that is figuratively but a lifesaver nonetheless.
I had to surrender and stop swimming so hard. If you are in a situation, please take a small note of advice from me. That simple advice is to see that there is always a boat nearby, always a way through whatever you are dealing with. If you are an overthinker as I am inclined to be, give yourself a break. Be kind to yourself.
Climb in...........
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