I guess I am fortunate to have four decades (yikes) of work-life experience. And I have to admit, there were many times throughout this period when I wanted to give up. As I sit here and reflect on this time in my life, I can’t help but notice the patterns- the challenges, the crossroads, and the difficult people that just kept cycling through. However, regardless of the obstacles that presented themselves, I persisted towards my goals. 

My advice– the advice I also have to continue to remind myself of– is to just. keep. swimming. 

No matter what the ‘event’ is– personal, professional, financial– none live in a vacuum. They are all deeply interconnected. A ‘challenge’ (notice I did not say ‘problem’ – ok, I said it here but that’s our little secret) in one area can spill over into other areas, compounding the effect on our lives. Facing the challenges that life throws our way is not easy, but we must face them to prevent them from compounding, and derailing us further from our goals. And you can do this by implementing my ‘Just Keep Swimming’ approach. 

Here’s the concept:

If you were on a boat that was sinking and you could see the shore ahead, what would you do? Swim! Despite the waves, the current, the inevitable exhaustion, the uncertainty and fear. 

Your desire to live would compel you through the water. What’s that, a piece of wood? Shove it out of the way. Keep swimming. What’s that, a fin? Kick it in the teeth. Keep swimming. Getting tired? Tread water for a bit, then keep swimming. 

When things happen that are out of our control, we get to control how we respond. We can decide to keep going. And I really believe if you keep going, you will get there. It is the only way to get there– wherever there is for you.

I don’t want to appear too esoteric about this. Keeping on, keeping on is not easy. It requires 3 things. 

1. Belief in yourself. Ouch, this is a hard one. No room for imposter syndrome here. Remember that you are here now and WOW, look how far you’ve come already! If you must compare, only compare you to you, not others. We’re all on our own journey here, so “Eyes on your own paper”, as Sister Mary-Peter would say! 

2. Belief in your strength. Yes, it would be nice to get a hug, some chocolate, or 5 million dollars (or euros, or pounds…look at me, international!) to make these situations easier on us– or disappear altogether! But it’s unlikely. You must have faith in yourself, in your ability to learn, adapt, and act. You have the mental, physical, and foundational strength to move your life forward as you see fit. You can and you WILL do it. 

3. Belief in the universe, higher power, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster. Whatever energy source you believe in can spur in you tremendous purpose, power, and love. Lean into it and let this fill your tank when you are feeling full of overwhelm and self doubt. 

While it might feel like you are alone in this ocean of stress, remember you have a community around you. Community can help to bolster your mood, help you feel understood, provide support and guidance, and cheer you on along the way. Reach out! After four decades of work-life experience, I’m owning my “wise sage woman” role here within The Daily Drip community. And I can tell you, it just keeps coming– and you MUST keep swimming. 

Throughout my life, I have been through corporate closings, downsizing, divorces (yes plural), miscarriage, mobility health issues, heart health issues (scary), international relocations, the loss of friends and family members, and a LOT of ups and downs. But you know what? 

I. Just. Keep. Swimming. (And I am available for swimming lessons, if you need it! 😉)