What a gorgeous day – it was a bright, breezy summer day, zooming (and of course, bouncing – hard) down the Ohio River with our friends in their speedboat. The men were serving as driver and navigator, while the women (me included) were very much enjoying sunning and laughing in the back.
Suddenly, we quickly and abruptly slowed and changed course – then just as quickly and abruptly, we picked back up again and sped on our way. Then just as abruptly, we did it again. Facing backward and chit-chatting meant I didn’t see what caused the sudden changes; however, the repeated zoom/slow/pivot/zoom finally piqued my curiosity to jump up and investigate the cause.
LOGS! Why of course – it was the Ohio River, after all (if you know you know). Having an astute driver is imperative on the Ohio, which is renowned for its “extra” contents.
Besides being a devious character on The Little Mermaid, flotsam refers to the “stuff” that’s randomly found in the sea, typically but not limited to wreckage. It’s different than jetsam – which is the debris deliberately thrown in the sea, most often to lighten a ship’s load when in distress. Those logs were flotsam amid our sunny Sunday boating.
My 2023 had its share of flotsam, and a little jetsam too if I’m honest. Several close-to-the-heart deaths of loved ones, shifting sands for a few family members, a still-new role in my corporate world, a few health interruptions, a home remodel, and a home move (which included purging beloved furniture and possessions that have been with me for almost the entirety of my adult life).
From the perspective of starting a new professional venture, all of this “life” that occurred in 2023 added up to an inordinate amount of flotsam. That speedboat of a new vocational venture pivoted, slowed, turned, bounced, sped on, cruised, sputtered – sometimes seemingly all at the same time. I kept going – I coached, I learned, I gained some critical certifications that solidify both my knowledge AND my practical experience, and I learned even more. Yet in the world of Urgent vs. Important in 2023, I chose my clients and my continuing ed/certifications. Sharing my message, additional programming, speaking engagements – my “getting out there” – is what I chose to delay.
Notice that word choice – “chose to delay”. Did it feel like choice at the time? Not always. Did I feel catabolic and “victim” to the flotsam? Sometimes! Yet the peace and freedom rushed in once I declared the pause. Once I realized that the self-imposed timelines for turning all my ideas and dreams into reality in that exact moment were just that – self-imposed – and I could revise my plans anytime without forgoing them. Were all my goals challenging and exciting? Sure! Were they realistic and achievable in that moment, with that much life going on around me, in a way that would preserve my physical and mental health?
Not. A. Chance.
So I breathed.
And I let go.
And the weight lifted.
And I dove head-first into that life and all the flotsam surrounding me, and I conquered it. Not alone, of course, but with pretty amazing family, friends, and yes – coaches. And my dogs.
So here I am. The ideas are exploding in my brain and my heart is bursting with the joy of what will be. 2024 will bring its own flotsam, no doubt. And when it does, I’ll be prepared to make the choice that serves my clients and my family best in that moment – knowing the next moment may require a different choice. In the meantime, I’m here – planning and executing what will best drive my mission to partner with clients to identify, value and activate their true potential to make waves – or survive the waves.
What’s your flotsam? Want help identifying then removing or navigating around it? Reach out – I’d love to partner with you to guide you on your way to a beautiful ride!