Navigational Aids...

Several years ago while active in the real estate profession, I dreamed it would be great fun to be able to escape for an hour or two on rare occasions –  and the means of transport would be by boat.

Never having had a boat previously, it was important to take the Power Squadron Course and earn my Pleasure Craft License. Not only was the instruction interesting, I found the scope of it all enormous! Armed with all the essentials, including binoculars – it was with some trepidation that we set forth on a maiden voyage.

One of the first challenges was to be able to read the lake charts and steer at the same time – glasses on/glasses off seemed to be the exercise. Having a good sense of direction is simply not enough. A compass, a sharp-eyed spotter and knowing the ups and downs of currents were all significant.

Today, long after the boating experiment, I learned about other navigation aids previously unknown to me.

In discussion with a representative from the Falls Prevention Program, I learned that navigation aids also exist in one’s home!

We are all familiar with the terms “water walker”, “sky walker”, “moon walker”; to name a few, but my vocabulary was increased by a new expression – “furniture walker”. And it’s not dogs, cats, other pets or babies!

When moving around the home, to avoid a fall when unsteadiness may be a concern, many people choose not to use a cane or other assistive device – and cruise their route with a hand along the back of the couch or outstretched to make contact with the next chair or table… Hence, “furniture walkers”!

A sense of direction, good eyesight, awareness and destination are all navigation aids.

Feeling Settled…Oops!

Ever notice that, with the proverbial Ups and Downs of Life, that once in awhile we begin to feel almost settled? After diligent and long-time plodding toward the sought-after circumstance of contentment, we begin to feel as if we’re almost achieving what we’ve been striving for.

The word “happiness” is elusive – many people relate to this differently. What happiness is to one person may not nearly resemble what that word means to another. I feel for myself, that  “contentment” is more comprehensive. Before we start feeling to comfy cozy though, an unexpected bit of news which may be probable or not. Nonetheless, this strikes us to our very core with a sense of feeling undone – “how could this happen now?”.

Someone close recently e-mailed me with exciting news about a new job position – for which the invitation to complete an online competency test was extended.

The stuff of dreams for this woman, after a too-long/too hard slug for many years.

I was able to rationalize the pros and identify the wonderful opportunity immediately, then my personal self banged at the door of goodwill and insidiously muttered “but……what about me? What about the thoughts we’ve discussed for our future?”

The Real Me has composed myself and dried my snuffles – I truly wish the very best for this woman and am encouraging her to be the very best she can be. Reach for the stars, sister!  The possibility is fabulous and probability high.

Having one’s cage rattled now and then averts complacency. Just when we start feeling settled….oops!