Ask Mammy

Thanks for the memory!

May 21, 2007

The memory of standing on the deck of the ferry during one of the roughest crossing to Inis Bofin ever is fast becoming my metaphor for facing challenges.

I was doing something I dreaded, under really difficult conditions, being tossed about and sprayed with rain and sea water - and it was all ok!

The physical and emotional discomfort were superficial because I realised during that crossing that no wind or rain or stormy seas or crashing waves (real or metaphorical) could touch the part of me that matters most!

As long as I stay in touch with that untouchable, unshakable, still and silent me, I can tackle any adversity and come out smiling!

I've always known that - but only on an intellectual level - now the reality has been fully assimilated!

It doesn't mean that I will never be afraid again, or that I can't wait for my next opportunity to feel like I'm in a scene from The Perfect Storm, or that I'll be in any rush to make another ferry crossing like that!

What it means is that the next time I am in a challenging situation - and that could be anything from pushing myself to try something new or simply meeting the bank manager - I know that there is a strong, steadfast, unmovable, grounded, centred core that nothing can upset.

And that makes me feel downright powerful!!

This was such a valuable and life-changing (and unexpected) lesson to learn and I will always be grateful for the experience!