The Watery Progression

Getting back into the routine of going to work every day after an extended leave is somewhat like the progression one might experience when exploring the deep briny blue.  At first there is some comfort and safety in only dipping your toes in to check things out.  You have to test the waters a little bit to acclimate to the temperature, peering as far as you can from the surface down through the azure ripples to see if there are any dangerous predators lurking about just waiting for you to descend into their lair.  It's only after careful examination and finding nothing harmful in the way that we can proceed to immersing ourselves, even if still remaining at the surface level.  We spend a little bit of time here as our bodies become comfortable with being completely saturated by our surroundings and accustom to the water's wholly encompassing temperature.  There's always a little bit of a surprise at this stage.  Our toes became used to the water so we naturally assume we're ready to dive in, and yet we are shocked and briefly gasp at the realization that it's colder than our toes seemed to suggest.  Damn those toes!  It is at this stage, just newly wet, that we start to splash around and enjoy the buoyancy that keeps us from sinking like a stone to the bottom.

While we are confident of the safety and exhilaration we feel, we still don't start diving far down from the surface quite yet.  For some people, this is as far as it goes, remaining quite content to never venture any further or experience the wonder and beauty of what is beyond their boundaries or comfort zone.  There's certainly nothing wrong with that, with existing in what is safe and familiar, with not having to take any risks or delve into the unknown.  But then there are some of us who simply aren't content to tread water or swim in circles.  We have to explore possibilities, try new things, learn new skills, and continue a journey of discovery in pursuit of our passions.  For us, what might be or that as yet unrealized dream drives us to grow and develop beyond our current coordinates and seek new and more challenging adventures.  The beauty of discovering our passions and not being limited by any boundaries is what motivates us to succeed.

As for me, I have dabbled my toes in the water, I'm immersing myself in reorienting to my surroundings, and I'm ready to start that exploratory process of continued learning, growth and development, both personally and professionally.  The sky is the limit, or rather the ocean is my playground, and I'm excited to discover what is yet to come.  I'm pursuing my academic goals and I have some great ideas for my projected career path.  This is what it's all about people, finding happiness and fulfillment in every aspect of our short lives on this third rock from the sun.  Don't be afraid to try new things, taste new and interesting flavors, take on challenges with gusto, and never stop learning and growing!  Two of my favorite quotes are from Auntie Mame, "Life is a banquet, and most poor suckers are starving to death" and "Live, live, live!"  The sea and all its wonder is calling, so lets grab our scuba gear and dive in!  Don't put it off and don't let life pass you by.  From now on I want to experience life as a participant rather than a spectator.  I'm sure it will be hard work and every now and then I will undoubtedly need to recharge my oxygen tanks, but now that I have a clearer vision of where I am and where I want to be, there's no time to waste!