Dry Dock Fun

Here’s this week’s reflection. I hope it resonates with you and ask that, if you enjoyed, please comment and share on your social media. Heartfelt thanks for all your support!

Keeping the light on for you,

Carol

My husband and I celebrated our fully vaccinated status in grand style with another vaccinated couple: one of the first dinners outside the confines of our home since the start of the pandemic. To begin the festivities, our hosts proposed a toast to this milestone that would be best enjoyed “on the boat.” 

“Oh my gosh – this is ADORABLE!” I exclaimed, climbing onto the pontoon platform. Careful to not spill our champagne – or worse, drop a crystal flute – we boarded the watercraft and took in the thrill, and factory fresh perfume, of our friends’ recent acquisition. Except the vessel was not on water, but on its trailer in their driveway. Soon headed for her rural, lakeside abode, tonight she offered a stable beginning to the lovely evening leisurely rippling before us. 

In our signature, skewed sense of fun, it briefly occurred to us that this ride would appear a bit unconventional to the neighbors. But “embracing the unusual” is what we do best, and quickly dismissing normalcy, we waved and raised a glass to the few neighbors who happened by, garnering our highest compliment: a thumbs up along with chuckling, shaking heads. Spending at least an hour chatting and sipping, sans navigating, we reconnected and relaxed in person. The unseasonably warm end of the day added to the ambiance as we effervesced back to pre-pandemic life. 

“Dry dock” of any sort can be a good time and our stationary cruise was a reminder that there are many definitions of fun, and that looking for it is often the key to sanity. Over the past year, we have come to realize that physical connection (and a reacquaintance with simple pleasures) is essential to our wellbeing and that the frenzied pace of life may not always allow for the depth of contentment and relaxation our souls truly need. For humans and ships, a period of downtime is necessary for repair, strengthening, and even renewal.

During this tumultuous, yet slower, pandemic version of life, many of us have been able to explore, clarify and reprioritize. It is my hope that, in the calm of this storm, we have also centered ourselves in the tranquil waters of empathy toward others, and are now better able to pull anchor and sail with more gratitude. 

Our driveway cruise on that small party barge also provided a metaphorical gift. Its diminutive capacity was a reminder that we can choose to sail with those most dear to us, through friendship and kinship, those who challenge us to be our best selves, as we chart our course upon unpredictable seas. Our view from six feet up offered a bit of transcendence as we hovered above the daily diatribe. We took turns assessing the view from each seat, trading perspectives, and watching a florid sunset reveal itself, each glorious ray rising and then piercing the heavens. We offered thanks for a perfect day and hopes for a passable channel ahead for all. At least in that moment, the future appeared as bright as Mother Nature’s spectacle before us. 

The evening passed too quickly, as good times always do. Reflecting on the merriment en route home, Hubby and I experienced the deep contentment that comes from time well spent with those most dear. The kind of intimate gathering that speaks directly to the heart, regardless of venue. When a stationary vessel of any type offers a chance to explore new ports of contentment, give a hearty “bon voyage!” to convention. A destination within is sometimes better than anywhere external, and a respite in dry dock may be the life preserver you most need.