Glancing at the incoming text on my phone, the image transported me back in time to a happy place. Late afternoon swims as my dad burned off stress from the workday is a childhood memory I hadn’t recalled in years. As I played in the sand while he did laps parallel to the shore, I listened to the song in the breeze and the conversation of the birds. My reward for waiting on the beach while he exercised was splashing in the water with one of my favorite people in the whole world. No wonder that to this day, the shore is a place of restoration and rest for me.
Rushing headlong into the future, we often stay so wired and tense that we miss the beauty of moments. If we don’t search for serenity like we search for success, we are likely to come up empty-handed. We’re not designed to be “on” all the time. Do you have a plan for recharging?
Well, it’s not far down to paradise, At least it’s not for me
And if the wind is right, You can sail away and find tranquility
Oh, the canvas can do miracles, Just you wait and see, Believe me
It’s not far to never-never land, No reason to pretend
And if the wind is right, You can find the joy of innocence again
Oh, the canvas can do miracles, Just you wait and see. Believe me.
Christopher Cross, Sailing
We risk life and limb and peace of mind in treating our quest for success as if it’s a race. It’s tempting to compare our progress with our competitors who race along in speed boats with powerful, loud, attention-getting engines. But a wind-powered sailboat is just as remarkable – perhaps more so to some.
I created a video series, “Fresh Wind for the Soul”, that I’ll be sharing over the course of the next few weeks. It contains principles for mastery in life and business. As I join with two extraordinary coaches in planning the January 2015 event, Find Yourself by the Sea, it seems fitting to openly share this content that has been available only as a subscription. (If you wish to have the series delivered to your inbox, click here.)
The salt air of the Gulf of Mexico has always been my “go-to” for stress relief – it blows the cobwebs out of my mind and restores clarity and perspective. You’re invited to rejuvenate, refocus and get ready to make 2015 the best year yet on Jan. 23 and 24 on Florida’s sparkling Emerald Coast. The treasure hunt for the best YOU is on – and it’s not a race.
A word to the wise: Direction is more important than speed.
I want to hear about your happy place! Take a moment to tell me in the comment section where you like to go. I might want to try it too. 🙂