Looking back on it, most of my favorite memories involve the ocean in one way or another. But I guess that is pretty inevitable when you grow up in a beach town. Even though I now spend most of my time in Pennsylvania (a considerable distance from the coast), I will always call the Jersey Shore my home. Somewhere between soaking up the sand and surf on hot summer days, watching fireworks from the crowded boardwalk, late-night drives to the lighthouse, and seeing the water at both its roughest and calmest, I have learned some valuable life lessons from the ocean.
... to stay anchored
The anchor is a nautical symbol that signifies stability. Your anchor should never weigh you down, but rather keep you grounded during stormy waters. Your anchor is a constant. My family has always been my greatest anchor (even if it took going to an out of state college to make me realize it).
... to go with the flow
Similar to the sea, life can be hard to navigate -- especially when we are faced with many obstacles. A good captain will stand at the helm of their ship with a firm grip on the wheel and trust in the wind to take the sails, guiding the ship to its next destination.
... to never get tide down
Just as the ocean has high tides and low tides, you will have ups and downs. Stay humble in your highs and stay optimistic in your lows. Though it may feel otherwise, nothing lasts forever. Whether you are in a moment of bliss or a moment of sorrow find comfort in knowing that tomorrow is always a new day and an opportunity to a new adventure.
... to be "shore" of yourself
The ocean is one of the strongest and most beautiful forces of nature. It does not back down to anyone, nor does it let anything affect its beauty. It is what it is and you should be who you are. Embrace everything about yourself and never let anyone make you second guess who you are.
... to have depth
Waves may be the most recognizable characteristic of the ocean, but true beauty and wonder is found deep below the surface. More than 95 percent of the ocean is unexplored: so form your own opinions, pick up unusual hobbies or take that super interesting course that has absolutely nothing to do with your major! Allow yourself to have dimensions and enjoy yourself as you figure them out.
... to lose yourself in order to find yourself
The constant motion of waves crashing along the shore only to be swept back into the ocean serves as a reminder that you need to let go. Don’t be afraid to take the plunge on something even if it means that you will lose sight of your coast. Even if you stumble along the way and make some mistakes, you will be ok. Have faith in knowing that you’ll return to the shore stronger than you left it.
And perhaps the greatest lesson I’ve ever learned from the ocean cannot be put into words. However, it can be felt when standing on the edge of the water, toes in the sand and hair in the breeze, gazing out to the expanding horizon, letting your worries drift out to sea and breathing in life at one of its rawest forms. In that moment time stands still and even for just a moment - the ocean makes everything better. My hope is that you too learn this lesson and take it with you wherever you may find yourself.
