Let me tell you a story. A few years ago, I was standing on the edge of a cliff overlooking the ocean. The waves were crashing against the rocks below, and the salty breeze was tangling my hair. It was beautiful, awe-inspiring, and… terrifying. I’ve always loved the ocean. There’s something about its vastness, its power, its mystery that draws me in. But standing there, I realized something: loving the ocean doesn’t mean I have to jump into the deep end. It doesn’t mean I have to risk drowning just to prove my love for it.
And that’s when it hit me—this isn’t just about the ocean. It’s about life. It’s about passion, ambition, and the things we love. We often think that to truly love something, we have to give it everything. We have to dive in headfirst, no matter the cost. But here’s the truth: you can love something deeply without losing yourself in it. You can chase your dreams without burning out. You can embrace your passions without drowning in them.
So, let’s talk about how to love the ocean—or whatever your “ocean” is—without getting swept away.
1. Set Boundaries (Because Even the Ocean Has Shores)
Boundaries aren’t about limiting yourself—they’re about protecting yourself. They’re the shores that keep the ocean from flooding the land. And just like the ocean, your passions need boundaries too.
How to Set Boundaries:
- Know your limits. How much time, energy, and resources can you realistically give?
- Learn to say no. It’s okay to step back when you need to.
Example: Let’s say you’re passionate about your job. You love what you do, but you’ve been working late every night and skipping meals. Setting a boundary might mean leaving the office by 6 PM, no matter what. It’s not about loving your job less—it’s about loving yourself more.
Why It Matters: Boundaries keep you from drowning. They give you the space to breathe and enjoy what you love without losing yourself.
2. Take Breaks (Because Even the Tide Goes Out)
The ocean isn’t constant. It ebbs and flows, and so should you. Taking breaks isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of wisdom.
How to Take Breaks:
- Schedule downtime. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or just an hour to read a book, make time to recharge.
- Listen to your body. If you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed, it’s okay to rest.
Example: You’re training for a marathon because you love running. But instead of pushing yourself to run every single day, you take rest days to let your body recover. The result? You come back stronger and more motivated.
Why It Matters: Breaks keep you from burning out. They give you the energy to keep going, even when the waves get rough.
3. Ask for Help (Because Even Sailors Need a Crew)
No one navigates the ocean alone. Even the most experienced sailors have a crew to help them. And the same goes for you. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.
How to Ask for Help:
- Be honest about what you need. Whether it’s advice, support, or just someone to listen, don’t be afraid to speak up.
- Surround yourself with people who have your back. Build a network of friends, mentors, and allies.
Example: You’re starting a new business, and you’re feeling overwhelmed. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, you reach out to a mentor for guidance and hire a virtual assistant to help with the workload.
Why It Matters: Asking for help doesn’t make you weak—it makes you smart. It’s about recognizing that you don’t have to do it all alone.
4. Celebrate the Small Wins (Because Every Wave Counts)
The ocean isn’t just about the big, crashing waves. It’s also about the gentle ripples, the sparkle of sunlight on the water, the seashells on the shore. And in life, it’s not just about the big milestones—it’s about the small wins too.
How to Celebrate Small Wins:
- Take a moment to acknowledge your progress. Did you finish a project? Learn a new skill? Take a step toward your goal? Celebrate it.
- Keep a gratitude journal. Write down the little things that bring you joy.
Example: You’ve been working on a novel for months, and today, you finally finished the first chapter. Instead of focusing on how much you still have to do, you take a moment to celebrate this small victory.
Why It Matters: Celebrating small wins keeps you motivated. It reminds you that every step forward, no matter how small, is worth celebrating.
5. Remember Why You Love It (Because Love Shouldn’t Feel Like Drowning)
Sometimes, in the midst of chasing our passions, we forget why we started in the first place. We get so caught up in the hustle that we lose sight of the joy. But love shouldn’t feel like drowning. It should feel like floating, like freedom, like coming home.
How to Remember Why You Love It:
- Reconnect with your “why.” What drew you to this passion in the first place?
- Take a step back. Sometimes, stepping away for a moment can help you see things more clearly.
Example: You’ve been working tirelessly on a passion project, and it’s starting to feel like a chore. Instead of pushing through, you take a day off to do something you love—like painting, hiking, or spending time with friends. When you come back, you feel reconnected to your passion.
Why It Matters: Reconnecting with your “why” brings back the joy. It reminds you that love isn’t about drowning—it’s about floating.
Final Thoughts: Love the Ocean, But Don’t Drown in It
Loving something—whether it’s your job, your passion, or even a person—doesn’t mean you have to lose yourself in it. You can love the ocean without jumping into the deep end. You can chase your dreams without burning out. You can embrace your passions without drowning in them.
So, the next time you feel like you’re in over your head, take a step back. Set boundaries, take breaks, ask for help, celebrate the small wins, and remember why you love it. Because life is too short to drown in the things you love.
Now go out there and love your ocean—just don’t forget to come up for air. 🌊