Everyone is fighting a battle
Not long ago I came across a quote that really hit home for me, and so I jotted it down:
Be kind, for everyone is fighting a battle that you know nothing about. – Wendy Mass
The more I considered it*, and thought about the people in my life, the more I realized that the quote couldn’t be more true!
To prove my point, there’s not a single cruiser that I’m acquainted with that isn’t dealing with some issue on his/her boat, ourselves included. Some of these problems may be small, while others are passage stoppers. Regardless, they are things that need to be dealt with, and thus cause stress. And unless the people in question are crazy bloggers like us, or even if they are, you likely have no idea about any of this stuff. All that you see are the sunsets and rainbows.
And that’s just boat stuff which, you have to admit, in the big scheme of things, unless your vessel is taking on water, is fairly insignificant!
Everyone loves rainbows!
We have a number of close friends that are dealing with some very tough times right now. Some are experiencing significant financial difficulties, others are dealing with personal and family challenges, still others are having to do battle with all of the above at the same time!
The thing to realize is, certain people are comfortable sharing their problems with friends, while others are more inclined to keep their difficulties to themselves. Unable to really know which is which, it’s best not to assume that the picture-perfect lifestyle that you see so prominently featured on Facebook and Instagram is 100% accurate, or complete.
To those who are going through tough times, I urge you to reach out for help. While it may not seem obvious, I guarantee that your real friends and family will be there to help you get through whatever it is that you’re dealing with. Whether that help involves holding a wrench for you as you complete an engine repair, or simply being there for you to talk to, there’s no reason to do battle on your own!
*You can tell that I’ve been thinking about this for some time, because I wrote this morning’s post without realizing that I had featured the same quote in a post 6 weeks ago, just after we had received some very bad news.
Great thoughts Mike. My sympathy for your bad news, whatever it was. The way I now look at it is that sadness and joy exist simultaneously in life like the crests and troughs of waves in the ocean.
I would agree.
Hi Mike,
I hope all is going well for you! While it’s always tough to drop everything, if ever you really need help with a problem, know that you have friends willing to help. I have never met you, but feel I know you far better than you will ever get the chance to know me. You seem like one of the good guys, worth helping. While I am stingy with money, I would always help with giving of my time and knowledge!
Smooth Sailing,
Steve
Thank you, Steve. That’s very nice! We’re doing just fine. Just watching some of our friends/family dealing with some tough times.
Every sailor fights a stress battle almost every day. For some its easy, for some its a little harder.
I’m a total stress puppy when it comes to passages, Dana has a easier time with it. Then again, I have the lion’s share of the responsibility for our safety as captain, Dana just has to keep watch. The thing is, that its not only the major things like financial or family issues that can be huge stressors for a cruiser. It can just be being out there. Something that most all of my friends and relatives just can’t grasp. “Aren’t you afraid to be that far from land?”. “Don’t you worry about storms?” “You are braver than I ever could be”. The truth is…. No, I’m not, really. I’m often afraid, often stressed. Sometimes its a tough battle.
The rewards are huge. We’ve done/seen things that just CAN’T be done or seen as a week long vacation on United airlines. But maaaaan…. sometimes…. just….. AAArrgh!
You’re right, of course, but my point was that it’s not just sailors, it’s everyone! And we don’t see it, which is the challenge.