Surfing and communication, what could they possibly have in common? More than you know. I have been learning to surf and it has been a wonderful and humbling experience.
Here are some of the similarities I have noticed since this amazing journey began;
You never know what the conditions will be. Each day is new and different. Don’t assume but start each day grateful, with respect and full of appreciation.
Be prepared – anything is possible. The conditions in the ocean can change from moment to moment. You do not know what lies ahead or what the other person is facing, so be prepared for anything.
Make the most of the moment. After all this is really all we have. Live in the present, appreciate what is happening now, leave the past where it is and don’t step into the future, you have no control there.
Enjoy the process. Just like surfing, relationships can be challenging. They will stretch you out of your comfort zone and teach you things about yourself you may not like. Be patient it is worth it.
When you get dumped; get back up and try again. Now I don’t mean this physically but it works. Next time something bad happens just get up, dust yourself off, learn from it and move forward.
Be patient. Ahhh this one is especially for me, but I will share it with you. Mastery may never happen in surfing but also in relationships. They are ever changing, every growing, so you never “arrive,” just stay humble.
Skills like this take time. The skill of surfing is a lengthy process to develop. I foolishly thought I’d master it after a few goes. Hah! Yeah right….. Anything worthwhile takes time. Just like developing a healthy relationship or becoming a better communicator, it takes effort, patience and focus.
Be present. If you are thinking back to another time, worried about something coming up you lose the beauty of the moment you are in. As far as surfing goes, the process actually forces you to be present of you will be floating in the ocean quicker than you can say uh oh. In your relationships and communication it is critical to be present. One of your greatest needs as a Human is to be seen and noticed. So ensure you are present when with others, it is the least we can do.
Until next time, Care, Connect and be a Courageous Communicator. Let’s change the world we live in one conversation at a time.
