This is the bill board that was part of a big change in my life. While traveling to work on the train one morning last year I saw this and rushed to google what it was all about with an excitement that I haven’t felt for a long time.
So what do you do when you reach a stage of your life where you realize that things haven’t worked out exactly as you had hoped. I always wanted to be part of a busy family, with a supportive husband and kids, maybe even some grandkids, a successful career that I absolutely love, in a suburban house with a comfortable car, and dogs and cats to complete the picture. This didn’t happen for me. My life took a different route.
It took many months of forcing myself through a thick cloud of depression, and a big black hole of dark emotions, to focus on what was positive and incredible in my life. I had my health, my friends, my loving parents, myself and the freedom to live any future I choose. That is more than what a lot of people have.
The Clipper Round the World Yacht Race is a unique event where anyone, even if they have never stepped on a boat before, can join the voyage and circumnavigate in an eleven month-long marathon. I don’t have much sailing experience, but the little I did have inspired a passion I wanted to explore further. The idea of an adventure that would take me into a completely different life and challenge me in every possible way, sparked a new joie de vivre, strength and belief in myself I knew I had to reignite.
Believe me, I realise that this is not going to be a walk in the park, and that I will often wonder why on earth I decided to test my will power and adventurous spirit to such extremes.
Through my odyssey I hope to inspire others to realise that one is never too old or too broken to make the best of the way life has turned out.
I wish you such an amazing trip, Ursula - love your blog already. My son was a 'worlder' on the 11/12 race - the youngest at 18/19 - and loved it all. I work in the arena of 'Being All You Are' and learned much during that year - mostly about myself as I made discoveries about my own fears and concerns, and 'memories of ocean-going'! Every 'Clipperite' has my massive respect, and I look forward to watching this next race with as much excitement (and less fear!) than the 11/12. Which 'team' are you? (Ben was Derry-Londonderry with Mark Light.) I was in Gold Coast for the stop-over in Dec 2012 - wonderful! Fair winds and magical experiences to you! Annie in Cornwall, UK.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that Annie! Please keep commenting and contributing. I hope to keep you interested as well. Ben must be a remarkable young man.
DeleteI am on one of the 'Aussie' teams - Team Chris Hollins. Not sure which boat yet, but it will be one to watch! ;-)
Tell me, what was your biggest fear and concern as a family member? How did you overcome it? Might be useful for others family and friends who read this...