This too shall pass

My 17 year old god daughter - who is a constant source of inspiration reminded me to reflect on something, which I’d love to share.

One of my favourite sayings of all time. “This too shall pass”. Its origins are somewhat unclear, although its observation is simply a reminder of the impermanence of all things.

For those that know me well, I tend to be a somewhat positive and optimistic person. For those that know me really well they’ve got to see - like every human - the ebbs and flows from peace and joy to being frozen with fear - and everything in the middle. If you are reading this post, I have no doubt that you have been and continue to be on similar ebbs and flows of your own.

When I was growing up, my Dad took us on sailing holidays. I can’t say I enjoyed them much when I was younger, but as I’ve grown I’ve come to how many important lessons there are in sailing. But none more than the constant metronome of time. In the darkest of nights, and the wildest of storms - where all you have is your breath, the feel of the boat underneath your feet and the constant companion of fear bordering on terror, the only comfort - that is hard to hold on to - is that this soon shall pass.

When the sun does come up - where the squint relaxes into a smile, the salt dries on your face and the shadows in which the fear lives are flooded with light brings such warmth and joy - even as I write this now - it brings a smile to my face.

These ebbs and flows are tough. But they also make the peace and joy so much sweeter. So to my nearest and dearest, and to the furthest away of humans - I do hope you’re OK. And if you’re not right now, this too shall pass.

Thanks G.