Call Me, Ishmael

In days gone by, I was a salty sea dog. During my Marine Corps service, I spent some 15+ months at sea. That faithful taxi service known as the US Navy carted me throughout the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and the Red Sea. That was a long time ago, however. My last 14 years have been spent almost exclusively as a land-lubber.

This week, I found myself prowling the high seas once again. Our point of launch was Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and we were on a quest for sailfish, swordfish, and great whites. Ok, that’s not entirely true. It was more like bluefish. Or really pretty much any fish. The important thing was that we were on a boat and we had snacks.

As we made our way out of the bay, I soaked up the scene. On the starboard side, I saw a brightly colored buoy. On the port side, I saw a modest lighthouse. Dead ahead, I saw our intrepid captain piloting the seaworthy vessel. It was good to be back on the open water.

Perhaps it was the gentle rolling of the waves or maybe it was the salty air, but whatever the reason, I began to think about how those nautical things around me related to our pursuit of success and happiness in our lives.

• The buoy. A buoy floats in place, tossed about by the whims of the tides and the waves. It doesn’t sink, but it doesn’t really go anywhere either. Its focus seems to be survival in the moment and a pursuit of equilibrium.
• The lighthouse. Like the buoy, the lighthouse isn’t headed anywhere fast. On the other hand, the lighthouse has found firm ground. It stands resolute and steadfast, having made peace with its present station and purpose.
• The captain. The captain has someplace to be. The captain has a destination – a goal – in mind, a plan to get there, and a power source (fuel, wind, etc.) to ensure steady progress. The captain may choose to change course along the way, but at any given time, the captain always has a bias for action.

While all three are subject to the same elements – the same winds, the same rains, the same sun, the same poop-laden seagulls – each manages the present reality in a very different way.

In my experience, too many people are like buoys in their lives. They lack both direction and the determination to get somewhere. They have no solid footing, so they’re tossed about by the circumstances of their lives. Unfortunately, this may last for years at a time, and they often find themselves both frustrated by what they lack and by not having a clear idea about how to live any differently.

A small number of people I know are like lighthouses. They are sufficiently happy with (or accepting of) their present position. They don’t have future goals, but they also don’t have a sense that something is missing in their lives. They’ve made peace with who they are and where they are, so they stand pat.

There’s a special place in my heart for life’s captains. These are individuals who have a sense of possibility, of some better place to be (or a better person to become). They are moving, and there is hope in their determination and grit. Even if their destination lacks pinpoint GPS-like precision, they move directionally and adjust as needed.

Which of these best describes you? Buoy? Lighthouse? Captain? (Yarrgh.) At times, I’ve certainly felt like a buoy. I used to lack clear direction, and I was discontent to find myself floating along. Today, I’m pleased to be more of a captain. I don’t know exactly how my seafaring journey will develop, of course, but there’s wind at my back and blue skies ahead.

Even if you’re not a captain right now, it’s never too late to grab the wheel. You can set a goal (even a very small one to start) and chart a course to achieve it. You can do it today, but nobody can do it for you.

For my part, I’m happy to serve as your first mate. I’ll be the Tennille to your Captain. (Wait…what?) Drop me a line and tell me about your goals – I’d love to hear about them. Considering that I didn’t catch any fish, I’ve got plenty of time on my hands on my hands.

Comments

[Jim Hill]

Captain's Log: Stardate 64062.2

We've plotted a course for success, A five year mission that will take a lifetime to achieve with milestones and celebrations along the way.

#KAED

Kirk out.

[Samantha McGarry]

Another awesome post. Guess I'm a lighthouse and that's cool with me.

[Test Participant]

@Jim - James T. Kirk had a goal: "Make it with as many intergalactic babes as I can, and expend as many expendable crew members as possible in the process." If that's not inspiration, I don't know what is!

@Sam - Don't sell yourself short - you're my favorite lighthouse! You're a steady beacon of PR and Social Media light, guiding clueless sailors like me to safe harbor, all while serving as an A-1 mum. A total package!