I understand that not everyone surfs, but for all my surfers out there, I am sure surfing has taught you, at least, one of these lessons.
1. Life can be rough.
Life like the undertow can be rough sometimes. When you paddle out early in the morning excited to catch some waves the last thing you want to worry about is a strong undertow or a rip current. While nobody enjoys them, they are a part of surfing -- it's going to happen and you need to be prepared just in case you ever get stuck in one. The tides are just like life, though no one can predict what’s going to happen to them, you just have to be prepared for whatever life throws your way, whether it’s good or bad.
2. Practice makes perfect.
Surfing like life can be a challenge sometimes -- whether you’re trying to get up on your board for the first time or accomplish something new you need to practice. In every aspect of life, you need to remember that practice makes perfect. Whether you’re teaching a class, playing a sport of just trying to do a math problem, you need to remember that practice makes perfect and all will come in due time.
3. Never give up.
When you wipe out you don’t just lay there and float, you get your butt back up on that board and you try again. No one likes wiping out or having a wave crash on them, but it happens. That shouldn’t stop you from trying again, it should only motivate you go out there and try again. I don’t care if you mess up a job interview or you’re down five runs in the bottom of the seventh, if it’s important to you you’ll find a way.
4. Respect your surroundings.
I am a firm believer of respect. Surfing is all about respect. If someone is dropping in on a wave you better do everything you can to get out of their way. You never drop in on someone and you never cut them off, it’s the unspoken rules of the ocean. The same thing goes for daily life whether it’s a disliked coworker, some inconsiderate customer in a store, your ex’s new girl or even a disliked teacher, you should always give them your utmost respect. Showing respect gives people a positive impression of you, leaving little room to bad mouth you.
5. You're never alone.
Though surfing can get difficult at times you’re never alone. You are surrounded by people with the same passion as you. Wiping out sucks, but sometimes there are some really cool people around who help pick you up and sometimes if you’re lucky will give you a few pointers as well. I don’t care what type of day you’re having you just need to remember you are never alone. There is always someone who will listen; you just need to realize who your true friends are first.
6. Don't fear the storm.
With storms come five-plus foot waves. That’s a lot to handle for an average surfer like myself. While I prefer calmer waters, I have learned not to fear the storm. Though the currents are strong and the waves are huge they are also perfect. You get perfect barrels opening up just at the right moment. Just like in life you need to not fear the hardships. Struggling sucks and while no one wants to go through it you need to look at the bigger picture. With struggle comes an appreciation for life. We tend to take things for granted and it’s not until we are faced with adversity that we truly appreciate what we have.
7. Appreciate what you have.
I may sound repetitive, but you need to appreciate what you have. In today’s day and age too many young people are consumed with disposable products. Their focus is on who has the new iPhone or who has the newest Uggs as opposed to valuing time spent with friends and family.
8. Be patient.
Patience is a virtue. All things come in due time. You need to be selective in life just like with your waves. If you can wait for the perfect wave, then you need to learn to be patient with life. Good things come to those who wait.
9. Roll with the tides.
We can’t control the tides, if we could surfing would be a lot easier. Instead, we learn to deal with what we are presented with that day. This ends up translating into everyday life. We can’t control everything that happens to us, but we can adjust and just go along with everything that comes our way.
10. Namaste.
Peace and respect. There is a certain aspect of tranquility about paddling out and just sitting out there waiting for a wave. You feel at peace with yourself and at that moment nothing else in the world matters. I find that this is one of my biggest life lessons. You need to have an inner peace every day. Ignore those who don’t support you and remove those who add negativity to your life. It’s your life so you need to go out there and truly live the life you have always dreamed of.
