Life is Like the Ocean: How to Move with Change, Not Against It
Have you ever stood at the edge of the ocean and felt both calm and small all at once? That endless push and pull of the waves has a way of reminding us that life is always moving… whether we’re ready or not.
One of my favorite things to do is kick off my shoes and stand right where the water meets the sand. The waves roll in over my feet, cool and gentle, and as they pull back out, I can feel the sand shifting underneath me. The longer I stand there, the deeper my feet sink. It tickles, it unsettles me, and it throws me off balance, but it also amazes me. Each wave carries a mix of gentleness and power. And as I look out at the horizon, I’m reminded how massive the ocean really is… stretching far beyond what I can see.
That’s when it hits me: life is the same. Ever-changing, bigger than me, steady and unsteady all at once.
The Ocean as Teacher
The ocean is always teaching us:
- The tides ebb and flow – just like our energy, our moods, and our seasons of life.
- Storms roll in, then pass – the hard days don’t last forever.
- The horizon never disappears – there’s always more ahead, even when we can’t see it clearly.
When we stop demanding the ocean to stay still, we find peace in its movement. The same is true in our lives.
Resistance vs. Flow
When life changes – whether it’s aging, loss, career shifts, or healing from trauma – our first
instinct is often to dig in our heels and resist. But resisting the tide only exhausts us.
The ocean doesn’t fight its currents. It flows. And maybe that’s the reminder we all need: the more we fight change, the more we stay stuck. When we allow ourselves to move with it, even just one small step at a time, we discover strength we didn’t know we had.
Forward Momentum: 3 Ways to Ride the Tide
Here are a few ways you can practice moving with life instead of against it:
- Pause and Breathe: Like standing at the shore, let yourself feel the wave without judgment. Change is happening, but you’re still standing.
- Release What You Can’t Control: You can’t stop the tide. But you can choose how you show up today, even in small ways.
- Find Your Anchor: Whether it’s a daily walk, journaling, prayer, or calling a friend, anchor yourself in routines that keep you steady through the waves.
Note To Remember
Life is going to shift, ups and downs will be ever changing, just like the waves. Some days it’ll feel like a storm. Others, like a calm tide rolling in. But just like the ocean, you are meant to keep moving. Even when life surprises you or catches you off guard. You are capable of change, of healing, and of finding your calm even in the middle of chaos.
You don’t have to fight every wave. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is float and trust the tide to carry you forward.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When you’re ready to take that next step, I’d love to hear what change is stirring in your heart. Email me a note, a message, or just say hi.
We’re all in this together, and I’ll be here… cheering you on with sand in my flipflops, a cup of tea, and a whole lot of belief in you.
You Got This!
Love & Gratitude,
Kat B ~ barefoot beachgirl at heart
There’s more to come… more layers, more real life stories, and more encouragement.
Reach out to me at: [email protected]
Read more about my journey on my About Me Page.
Also, check out My Links page while you’re here.