When the Tide Feels to High
Each of us has had those moments in our lives where things just keep happening and we feel like the tide is rising and we are going to be in over our heads. It is the worst feeling in the world especially when there appears to be no plug to pull to let the water resend. It is in these moments we feel alone, scared and, in some cases, desperate. So how do we survive the rising tide and keep our heads above water? Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer. All we can do is find a way to not let the water take us under. I started thinking about this about a month ago but this week it has been at the forefront of my mind because the tide has been rising all week.
I am a planner and I do not like surprises so when life throws me a curve ball, or in this case a boulder, it disrupts my organized flow and I can handle it if it is one at a time. When the tide rises is when one thing after another keeps coming at me and I feel like there is no escape and I dread to see what life will throw at me next. At these times I feel like the water is at my chin and I am struggling to stay afloat while the weight of life’s unexpected surprises keep pulling at me to drag me under the water. In these moments I fight to remain in control but there are times I just want to give up the fight and let the water overtake me. But I am strong and a surviver and I fight to stay above water.
As you are reading this you are probably saying I know what she means because I have felt that way or maybe you are in the mist of the struggle right now. In my life I have faced this rising tide many times and I can tell you that the struggle is worth it because the water eventually recedes and you are back on firm ground, standing on the shore wondering why you ever worried about that tide. As I float in the rising tide now I keep telling myself that I just need to stay strong and stick it out because the firm ground will be there soon but I just have to stay strong and fight. So how do I do this? It is not rocket science and it may be different for you but here is how I stay afloat. First, I don’t let myself get negative and I focus on the positives. As hard as the current situation is I tell myself this is not that bad and you have no reason to complain because unfortunately, there is someone out there who has it worse than you. Second, I focus on what I have: my health, my family, my friends, and all the other things in my life that I am blessed with because those are the things that will help me get through this. Third, I plan. You might be thinking, what does she mean plan. Well, I look at the situation and think what is the worst case and what would I do and then I say OK, how do I not let that happen and set multiple plans in place. If one plan fails I move on to the next. This is something my dad taught me – when plan A is shot to hell move on to Plan B. Then, I force myself to keep moving forward. I set daily goals for myself and that is the first place I start. I may not want to meet those goals because I may just want to give in to the rising water and let it take me but instead I force myself to meet those goals. Why? If I still meet those goals in the face of that rising tide I succeeded and did not let it defeat me. That shows me I can keep going and stay afloat. Lastly, I lean on those I know I can count on. Sometimes it is just having a friend listen and other times it may be asking for help.
Life poses its challenges for all of us, some face more challenges than others but we all face them. In the times like these it is so easy to feel isolated and alone but the reality is we are not alone because we have ALL been there. No one goes through life without challenges. Some can handle the high water better than others and some let it overcome them and drag them to the bottom never to resurface. For me, knowing that this is life and we all go through it helps to make the water bearable. This week has been a real test of my strength and my faith but I am still here, still standing with the water at my ankles, and I am still planning for the rising water that is to come. That is how I survive those tough challenges life throws my way because through all of the rising tides I have faced, there has always been the beautiful shore of life under my feet after the water has rescinded and and endless ocean of possibilities before me. Life is an ocean of endless possibilities and oceans all have their calm and their rough waters. If you look at the ocean in a time lapse it is truely beautiful to watch the natural ebb and flow that it takes. Life is the same thing, if you look at your life to this point you will see the beauty of what you have already lived and that is what you must always focus on is the beauty of life. Take a moment of stillness and take a deep breath because you can do this.