"We're in the same boat."
You’ve said it. I know you have. I’ve said it, many times. Usually, we use it to try and relate to someone; to let them know we know how they feel. It’s usually about trivial things like being tired on a Monday, putting an assignment off until the last minute, or feeling a bit under the weather. It’s an arbitrary statement; one in which we don’t put a lot of stock. Maybe we should. Maybe we should start taking this statement more seriously.
Because here’s a secret. There’s only one boat, and we’re all in it.
We’re all here: existing, living, trying to make it through the day. Every person that you encounter throughout your day is just trying to do the same things as you. We’re all trying to be the best we can be. We’re all trying to be ourselves.
“We’re in the same boat.”
Acknowledge your fellow passengers. Let them know that we’re in this together, for better or worse. Whether or not you have things in common with someone doesn’t matter. What matters is that you recognize that they are on a journey not so different from yours.
When it comes down to it, we’re all working towards something. We all have hopes and dreams. We all have fears and insecurities. We all have wants. We’re all looking for acceptance.
To find acceptance, we must first accept. When you judge people before you get to know them, when you put someone down for their beliefs or values, and when you make it tough for someone to be on this boat, you’re the one that is going to end up overboard.
There is something to be said for having the ability to not only recognize, but also celebrate differences. Celebrate people for the simple fact that they are living their life in the only way they know how. It’s okay if that way is different than your way. They’re just making it through one cup of coffee at a time like the rest of us. Or tea. Or wine. Or whatever.
We’re all lucky to be here, floating along on this boat through this life. Someone else’s spot on the boat does not affect your spot on the boat. Someone else’s ability to float does not affect your ability to float. Helping people out just means twice the floatation. Moving over to make a little more room for someone just means you’re adding to the support system that we all so desperately need.
If someone falls out, toss the life raft. If someone is trying to climb aboard, offer your hand. This boat is not exclusive. So keep living and laughing. Keeping loving and believing. Keep helping and sharing. Keep being. And keep floating.
