by Jay Bialecki – You are awesome!
Have you ever thought about what it’s like to go into the ocean when the waves are really big? I started learning how to surf a little over a year ago, and I noticed something interesting. There are similarities between surfing and life itself. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned.
Imagine this: One day, we went to a beach in the northern part of the island to go surfing. The waves were supposed to be smaller there, which would make them easier to surf. Plus, it was a beautiful sunny day.
When we got there, the waves looked big but nice. And guess what? There was only one person in the water, a surfer. What more could we ask for?
So, my friend who is a surf instructor and I got into the water and started paddling out towards the waves. But here’s the thing – the waves were breaking and it was tough to get through them to the part where you can surf. After a certain amount of time, I realized I couldn’t make it. The waves were strong, my way of diving under them wasn’t good enough, and the current was pushing me aside. There were also rocks sticking out from the water in some places.
I decided to get out of the water and sit on the shore for a while. I watched the ocean, observed other surfers getting into the water (to see what they were doing), and thought about trying again with a different strategy.
I saw a safer path through the waves, and a few more surfers managed to get into the water and paddle out. It looked tough, but they were doing it.
Meanwhile, the waves behind them were big, and my friend was already out there catching some of them.
After thinking for a bit, I made up my mind – I wasn’t going to try again. If I couldn’t paddle out, it meant I wasn’t skilled enough for that environment (at least not yet!). It was the best decision because as I watched from the shore, the waves got even bigger and stronger. There’s no way I could have enjoyed surfing in those conditions; they were beyond my level.
While I watched and thought about this, I realized something important about life:
Facing Life’s Challenges
We often have goals we want to achieve. When we see others succeeding (like those skilled surfers riding the big waves), we don’t always realize the struggles they faced to get there. We don’t see the times they got knocked down by the waves, the times they fell off their boards, or the moments when things didn’t go as planned. Those surfers who are amazing at what they do have experienced all of that. But in our society, we tend to focus on the results and not the hard work or the times when things went “wrong.”
Sometimes, we find ourselves in situations that are too tough for us. It’s like going into the ocean when the waves are too big. We try really hard, we push ourselves, and we fight against the odds. But what we might not realize is that maybe we need to change something – like finding a more suitable place or situation – to help us improve in areas where we’re struggling.
And guess what? It’s okay to step back and change things up. It doesn’t mean we’re giving up. It means we’re being smart and making a choice that will help us get better.
Lessons for Life
Changing your surroundings when things are tough is not a bad thing. It’s actually a good idea. Find a place or situation where you can learn and grow. Practice, get better, and then come back when you’re ready. Taking a break and making a change isn’t quitting; it’s a way to become stronger and smarter.
Life, like the ocean, is always changing. Conditions today might be different tomorrow or next week. You can always try again later. The important thing is to keep trying.
Life’s Lesson for Today
Remember, it’s okay to change your environment when things are too hard right now. Step away, find a better place to learn and improve. Taking a break today isn’t giving up; it might be the best thing you can do.
So, just like in the ocean, you can navigate life’s challenges, adapt, and grow. Every wave you face is a chance to learn and become stronger.
Jay Bialecki – You are awesome!