Stories Of Our Lives

I was on a call with my partners in believing this week and mentioned that I was putting together stories for possible speaking and videos.

Judy said – tell me one of the stories.

I briefly told her about my sailboat racing story.

She responded – wow, I really needed to hear that.

So, I thought I would share it with you in case there is something in it you need to hear.

Vibrant Living Tip

I started sailing when I was about 8. My father bought a small sailboat after riding on one at an event he attended. Over the years we moved up to bigger and bigger boats. My older brother started racing which caused my father to start racing too. My father was even a founding member of the Buffalo Harbor Sailing Club. A racing club in, you guessed it, Buffalo NY. I started racing with them after I graduated from college.

During the race, my job was to take care of the jib (smaller sail up front) and make sure it was in the right position to help the boat go faster. Most of the adjustments take place during tacks (changing direction). To make sure you are ready to tack, the skipper (the person who manages, so to speak, the whole boat and crew) says: ready about. This starts a sequence of moves so you keep as much forward speed as possible.

I was in position. I was focused. I heard - ready about. Then – ready about. And again – ready about. I was keeping my head down and just doing what I was told. Not noticing what was going on around me.

At the end of the race, we came in third, my brother said: we could have been in first if I hadn’t hit the mark (a buoy that marks the racecourse) at the beginning of the race.

I was shocked. I had no idea. How could I have not known something so big had happened.

Imagine getting to the end and only then find out what happened.

How often do we just keep our head down and do what we are told without regard to what is going on around?

Is there an area of your life that would benefit by you lifting your head and looking around?

Is there an area of your life that would benefit by your awareness when taking action?

I invite you to lift your head. Look around. Is there something that you can do to keep or change your direction, so you are not surprised at the end?

Vibrant Living Take Away

Focus is important. Focus without awareness can lead to unexpected surprises.

 

Until next time...

Dream Bravely.
Act Boldly.
Live Vibrantly!

Lynn Tranchell

P.S. Does lifting your head scare you? Click here to contact me to talk about it.