Maree’s musings

LIFE’S a BEACH?

It probably won’t come as a surprise to you readers that the subject of water has been much on my mind of late. Hopefully this does not imply I’m wet behind the ears, or have ‘water on the brain’ thanks to an impervious skull; but it seems to have snuck its way into most other crevices.

Many things aquatic have flowed into conversations recently. First we delighted in our success in the America’s Cup; at the same time learning how to foil the opposition and the significance of the timely expression ‘On Yer Bike!’ However, more recently, our delight has been almost swamped by a deluge almost beyond belief. Maybe I have an overactive imagination, but I entertained visions of Team New Zealand doing a practice circuit round the Square; thus combining two aquatic Events.

Seriously, though, our passage through life has strong connections with water. From tentative beginnings – a toe in the water – to braver ventures, which can go swimmingly or sadly end up belly-up. Sometimes it’s difficult to keep your head above water. There’s hope though, in the knowledge that we’re all in the same boat (but NOT on the Titanic rearranging the deck chairs).

At the beginning of the maritime journey, the optimist throws caution to the winds, climbs aboard, casts off and sets sail. With the wind in your sails it’s full steam ahead. Flat tack (so long as it’s the right one) and plain sailing. What could possibly go wrong?

But be prepared: indecision can strike at any time during life’s journey. One can feel as though they are between the devil and the deep blue sea, or even worse, all at sea, and when it’s rough going, under the weather. It may not help when the wind drops. In the doldrums and dead in the water, you hit rock-bottom and succumb to despair.

But all is not lost (at sea?) Becalmed; you have time for reflection. There’s light on the horizon. No good dragging the chain, or being stuck on the rocks. Slip the anchor, get back up on deck and back on course. Come back from the brink, and when your boat comes in, you’ll be back on dry ground.

To complete this watery discourse, I hope you will excuse my addition of an old adage [somewhat related to the aquatic theme after all]:

“When you’re up to your neck in alligators, sometimes you forget that your mission is to drain the swamp.”