By Rusty Potter
Last year, my wife and I went on a cruise to Cozumel, Mexico, on the Mariner of the Seas. The water was crystal blue, and the boat glided smoothly through the waves. But what stood out most to me wasn’t just the open sea; it was the ship’s engineering. No matter how rough the water or hard the wind blew, the boat stayed smoothly afloat because it was built to keep what was outside from getting inside.
Life works the same way. Challenges, negativity, and setbacks are like the ocean surrounding us. We’re built to handle them- as long as we don’t let them seep into our minds and hearts. A ship does not sink because of the water around it; it only goes down when water gets inside.
In life, we don’t stumble because of what’s happening around us. We may stumble because of what we allow to take hold of our minds.
It’s easy to let the negativity of the world creep into our minds. People will talk, storms will rise, and doubt will knock at our door. The key to staying afloat is guarding your thoughts and your mind. When we allow outside negativity to take root in our minds, it begins to weigh us down, slowly sinking our confidence, motivation, and self-worth.
Think about a time when someone doubted you or criticized your dreams; maybe it was a coworker or a friend. If you allowed their words to linger in your mind, they likely began to influence your goals or even considered giving up altogether. But here’s the truth: other people’s opinions don’t define your potential. Their doubts are not your reality.
During the cruise, I noticed the crew members constantly monitoring the ship, checking to ensure everything stayed in working order. In the same way, we must regularly check our thoughts and emotions.
Are you letting doubt or negativity seep in? If so, patch the leaks with positivity, faith, and perseverance.
One way to do this is by surrounding yourself with people who lift you instead of dragging you down. Your supporters should encourage you to celebrate your victories and remind you of your strengths.
Another important practice is speaking life into yourself. Replace self-double with self-confidence. Focus on what’s going right instead of dwelling on what’s going wrong. Your words have power – use them to build yourself up.
Finally, be mindful of what you are allowing to go into your mind. Just like a ship can’t afford to take on water, you can’t afford to absorb toxic influences. Choose to fill your mind with inspiration, knowledge, and encouragement.
Life’s storms are inevitable, but sinking is not. As long as we protect our minds, no external force can pull us under. Stay anchored in faith, focus on your goals, and remember, you’re built to withstand a storm. You are built for this!
Protect your mind, guard your heart, and sail forward with confidence. The storms may come, and the tides may roll. As long as you don’t let them inside, you’ll remain unsinkable.
