Over the years, I have read and heard many fabulous quotes. Many are inspiring. Some are humorous, and others are thought-provoking.
About a month or so ago, I came up with my own. I love the challenge of looking at life from different perspectives, and I have a nasty habit of diving right in without thinking. This has its own set of pros and cons.
I don't take time to stand back and admire things from a distance first with the exception of freshly fallen snow. I do love to treasure the virginity of a beautiful blanket of freshly fallen snow before I run into it and begin playing in it.
I go against the advice: "Don't put all your eggs in one basket." or "Don't put both feet in at one time."
At a lake, I see water, and I must run right on in and get as deep as I can right away. I want to be fully submerged in the water I love so much! I can't help myself.
It's there. It's for me. It's calling me in.
Yes, that's me.
Over many years, I have found life to not be so forgiving, and sometimes diving right in can yield consequences I wasn't aware of because I didn't step back, pause, and take a moment to consider the possibilities of what may or may not happen.
That is all ok, though, because I have learned to adapt. Life throws me a stumbling block. I turn it into a stepping stone. I have been knocked down, but this isn't about falling down. This is about being resilient in the face of adversity.
It didn't take much thought to come up with my own quote. I searched it to make sure it was unique, and it is. I don't know how I came up with it, but I love it:
"Penguins fly best underwater. Given the proper environment, anyone can soar." ~Barbara Brauher
Think of it. A penguin is a bird, but it doesn't fly. Underwater, it flies. They are astonishing to watch swimming as if flying. I think it's beautiful, and they go so fast, they pop up and out of the water where they land on solid ground or ice. Amazing!
So, I believe from knowing penguins are birds, but they cannot fly, they actually are designed to fly best underwater. It's where they get their tasty fish from, and they get their exercise underwater. They are very skilled and have adapted to this way of life.
I believe anyone can be the best they can be given the proper environment. I, myself, am no runner. I can last about 20-40 seconds before it feels like ice knives driving down my throat. I once was able to do heavy lifting and strenuous work. Now, I can't. But, if I get myself in water, I can swim for a good, long while. I can hold my breath and dive down to observe the depths for a few minutes. I find peace and joy in the water I have become accustomed.
This isn't a natural thing I was born with, but skills I worked to develop because I decided that I love water. I grew up going to the ocean for summer vacations. Swim class was taught in middle school, and I was always drawn to water. I learned water safety, and if I went out to be a lifeguard, I probably wouldn't pass the running and saving test, because now that I lost most of my stamina, I'd not be able to support another person's weight. That is a very good evaluation. I know I'm a good swimmer, but I am aware of my faults, and that's ok. It's better to admit a shortcoming than to be headstrong and lose a life
because I was arrogant.
