The Optimist's Creed

It's go time over here. We head back to our boat in two weeks and, as such, the already frenetic pace of life has been kicked up a notch. While the overriding emotions surrounding our impeding move back to the boat and the islands are excitement and anticipation ("I wanna go back to my boat now, mama!" is Isla's latest and most persistent demand), I am not without reservation either. I have asked Scott, "Are we crazy??" at least once a day and as our departure date looms closer and closer, (thus becoming more and more real) the magnitude of it all is coming sharply into view.

Pre-departure nightmares have begun -- as they so often do on the cusp of big events -- when worries seep into our sleeping subconscious. The other night I awoke in a total panic after dreaming that we left for the boat forgetting all of our luggage and missing our plane right after sending Isla, alone, up into first class (I think this makes it clear who gets top billing in this family!) Every night I lay awake in bed with a million thoughts racing through my head, my mind ping-ponging between adding items to the packing list and general concerns about the uncertainty ahead: "Will we have enough room for five of us?" "Can't forget the scone mix..." "Will the babies sleep okay?" "Get more teething tablets..." "Will it be too hot for the twins?" "Must order new heat exchanger..." "Will we have the boat ready in time?" "Email the boat yard in the morning...." "Will the kids enjoy boat life?" "Stock up on sunscreen..." "Will *we* enjoy boat life with three under three?!"

So, yeah. There's a lot going on, and a lot of emotion going with it.

The other day I read a quote that helped ease my naturally busy (and slightly overwhelmed) mind:

"When you believe something is hard, the Universe demonstrates the difficulty. When you believe something is easy, the Universe demonstrates the ease." (Thank you Margret for sharing!)

I'm not delusional. There are going to be some big challenges ahead for us and there will inevitably be hiccups along the way, but *maybe just maybe* if our overriding belief is "success" then that is what we will find? Could it be that easy? (insert emoticon with squinty eyes and teeth)

I'm willing to give it a shot.

The other night my dad shared with me a quote he came across. It's called "The Optimist's Creed" and it preaches...well...optimism. If it wasn't so damn long I'd have it printed on a canvas and hang it on our boat so we can read it daily with the hopes of living more like it by osmosis. Unfortunately our wall space won't allow it so I'll just have to post it here on the blog and call it good.

"Promise yourself:

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble."

- Christian Larson, 1912 Your Forces And How To Use Them