“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”
– William Shedd
A ship—snug and secured within the harbor—feels no rocking on the turbulent seas, no icy wind slicing through its sails. Yet, a ship wasn’t conceived for the placid comfort of the harbor’s embrace. It was forged to chart unknown waters, to ride the sea’s capricious rhythm, to stand tall against the fury of the storm.
Think of the ship as an unlit candle. A flameless wick is never in danger of being snuffed out, yet its true purpose—to spread light and vanquish darkness—is never fulfilled without a spark. A ship in harbor is akin to this flameless candle—secure, but lacking the purposeful ignition.
As humans, we often harbor fears that mirror the ship’s perceived safety in port. We choose the comfortable cocoon of the familiar, the daily routine. Yet, it’s the journey into the unknown that makes us come alive. It’s the adventure—the exploration, the act of moving from one point to another, physically or metaphorically—that fuels our spirit and fulfills our purpose.
So, embrace the unchartered waters of life—brave the stormy winds of change. Remember, like a ship, you are not designed to sit idle in the harbor. Your true journey lies in the vast, infinite sea of possibilities that await beyond the comfort of the shore.
