247 Marbles -
A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships are built for.
John A. Shedd, "Salt from My Attic," 1928
Yesterday’s marble about commencement speeches reminded me of my graduation, not from university (as I’m still in the process), but from high school. For our yearbook, we were asked to choose a quote that would go below our photo and I valiantly chose the above quote.
It seems there are many who have identified with sailing a ship as a metaphor for life. Henrik Ibsen wrote, “And what if I did run my ship aground; oh, still it was splendid to sail it!” Perhaps this quote could be applied to post breakup land, and running aground akin to the disembarkment of a different type of ship - a relationship; Ibsen’s delight similar to the sentiment,”It’s better to have sailed and run aground than to never have sailed at all.” Louise May Alcott wrote, “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” Whereas I appreciate her belief in her ability to navigate whatever life throws at her, I’m certain that I no longer want to focus on surviving storms.
When I look back at my first marriage, I realize it was a safe harbor. My ex-husband taught me a great deal about love and safety (and safety in love). Whilst in port, I mended a few leaks that I had acquired in my earlier years, and I procured a crew that would later sail with me. Yet somehow I could not set sail without leaving that relationship.
I sometimes wonder if my life would be less tempestuous had a chose a lighter quote, for example Friedrich Nietzsche’s, “We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.” This latter quote may have led to a less stormy life. The good news is I’m now more prone to choose daily dance for my personal motto. My goal is more joy.
Do you have a motto, quote, or song that resonates with you? Are you happy with it? Does it represent who you are now? Is it time for a change?
A ship in harbor is safe -- but that is not what ships are built for.
John A. Shedd, "Salt from My Attic," 1928
Yesterday’s marble about commencement speeches reminded me of my graduation, not from university (as I’m still in the process), but from high school. For our yearbook, we were asked to choose a quote that would go below our photo and I valiantly chose the above quote.
It seems there are many who have identified with sailing a ship as a metaphor for life. Henrik Ibsen wrote, “And what if I did run my ship aground; oh, still it was splendid to sail it!” Perhaps this quote could be applied to post breakup land, and running aground akin to the disembarkment of a different type of ship - a relationship; Ibsen’s delight similar to the sentiment,”It’s better to have sailed and run aground than to never have sailed at all.” Louise May Alcott wrote, “I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” Whereas I appreciate her belief in her ability to navigate whatever life throws at her, I’m certain that I no longer want to focus on surviving storms.
When I look back at my first marriage, I realize it was a safe harbor. My ex-husband taught me a great deal about love and safety (and safety in love). Whilst in port, I mended a few leaks that I had acquired in my earlier years, and I procured a crew that would later sail with me. Yet somehow I could not set sail without leaving that relationship.
I sometimes wonder if my life would be less tempestuous had a chose a lighter quote, for example Friedrich Nietzsche’s, “We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.” This latter quote may have led to a less stormy life. The good news is I’m now more prone to choose daily dance for my personal motto. My goal is more joy.
Do you have a motto, quote, or song that resonates with you? Are you happy with it? Does it represent who you are now? Is it time for a change?
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