Woosh!!! And the wave lands on the shore, spreading out its glory in all whites. In some way, it defies gravity to make this powerful move. It rose above the force of nature while maintaining its form.

I like to think that we humans live in a semi-liquid space, undulating in and out of moments until we reach our destination. There are moments of joy, sadness, fear, worry, disappointments, and absolute perfection. When we slide into any positive moment, we get caught up. We want more of it. We want to remain there, revel in the source of joy, relish all its fruits, become sated and repeat this cycle all over again. Surprisingly, when we slide into negative moments, we get caught up as well. We certainly do not want more of it, but we have the tendency of wanting to drown in it. We don’t want to remain there, but hopelessness forces us to stay put. We do not want to revel in the source of problems, but we become the vessel that houses the source, and we keep producing all these negative fruits until we slip into depression. How do we navigate this semi-liquid space? I say be like the wave.

When you have risen through the ladders of success, when you have decked the entire shelf with awards and honors, when you attain all that you have ever dreamed of, it is important to remain grounded to avoid getting caught up. The wave generates its force from the bottom, if it loses touch, it will fall. This force comes from the rest of the water body. This water body can be likened to our family, friends, faith and support system in general. It is only the force of many that lift an individual. So, it is important to stay connected to those at the bottom, as that connection will only propel you forward and help you when you slide into a contrasting moment.

Similarly, sometimes we find ourselves in a puddle of disappointments, faced with rejections, scared of uncertainty, or even worse, lose hope in ourselves and our endeavors. There’s a cliched statement that says the only way from rock bottom is up. This could not be truer. When the wave touches the shore, it does not stop. Another force is generated. Then another. Then another. Each time, it spreads out a little further. Each time it makes a different landing. Like the wave, you have to be flexible and spontaneous. Yes, the only way from rock bottom is up. But there are so many ways to get up. You might have your eyes fixated on one path to your destination that you eschew other paths as irrelevant or not walkable. Remember that to soar, you have to spread your wings. Generate thousands of positive thoughts within your mind, reach out to those who can help you, bury your fears in the sand and be brave enough to do it again and again, quit holding on to the negativities that are behind or beneath you, stay in touch with yourself and believe in your abilities, and you will see yourself rise as a force to be reckoned with.

It is not going to be all butterflies and sunny. There are going to be up and down moments. There are going to be uncertainties, fears, and skepticisms. We are all aware of that. So, it is important to remind ourselves that our attitude towards these moments determines its impacts and outcomes. Undulate freely through this space with a mind of your own, with an entrenched vision, with an unrelenting determination, and with a flexible strategy. Don’t wait to reach the light at the end of the tunnel to be happy, capture the light and move forward in your path, just like the wave!

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