Bette Davis had it right: “Old age isn’t for sissies.” But, getting older does have its compensations. For most of us, the older we get, the more we understand how little we know. And at our age, we can laugh at ourselves and get it right this time.
Aging brings gratification, too. We really have learned a lot over the past 50, 60, or 70-plus years. The real joy is sharing our knowledge to help others.
Boating has been one of my best teachers—and a source of great friendships—for four decades. While teaching a U.S. Coast Guard licensing course, it occurred to me that much of what we practice on the water could transfer profitably to daily life. Here are a few examples.
Boating Adage: Never approach a dock at a speed greater than you are willing to hit it.
Life Lesson: Calculate potential consequences of your actions. Move slowly and leave yourself room to back up before you suffer loss. When you’re uncomfortable with an approach to a problem, stop, adjust, and come at it again. “Slow is pro.”
Boating adage: When on a collision course, take early action to avoid it.
Life Lesson: Today’s electronic navigation tools warn a mariner of another vessel’s ‘closest point of approach’ while the two are miles apart. There’s plenty of time and sea room to come to agreement on a safe crossing. Most of life’s problems develop over time, too. They can be observed and their likely outcomes anticipated. Keep a good ‘lookout’ on your life. Work to solve issues while they’re simple, before they become large and expensive.
Boating Adage: When unsure of the other guy’s intentions, radio him and come to agreement before proceeding.
Life Lesson: Assuming another’s course of action relative to you can be hazardous. If you make your plans on a false assumption about the other person, it’s unlikely the outcome will be good for either. Question. Plan to achieve independent goals without mutual interference.
Boating Adage: When approaching an unfamiliar dock, stop. Make an ‘environmental assessment.’
Life Lesson: You’re going somewhere or doing something new. Carefully consider how the differences will affect your outcome. A prudent boater will simply stop and observe how wind and current affect the vessel, whether another boat is about to get underway, and where a safe docking can be made. Is there anyone nearby who could take a line? Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Boating Adage: GPS will run you aground in a heartbeat.
Life Lesson: Many a boater has literally run aground blindly following a chart plotter ‘magenta line.’ You know yourself, your goals, abilities, and limitations better than anyone. Keep your eyes open and your wits about you. Learn from mistakes. Build confidence through good decisions.
Boating Adage: Always know how much water is under your keel.
Life Lesson: Some life situations are just more forgiving than others, with more latitude for mistakes. Other times every action is critical, with more serious—perhaps irreversible—consequences. Understand the difference and act accordingly.
Boating Adage: A collision at sea will ruin your whole day.
Life Lesson: A life of smooth sailing requires vigilance and adherence to some basic and simple rules. The rewards make it worthwhile.
Fair winds and following seas to you.
About the Author: Captain Jay Moore is a U.S. Merchant Marine officer and has more than 40 years of experience on the water.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016 - 08:45
Bette Davis had it right: “Old age isn’t for sissies.” But, getting older does have its compensations. For most of us, the older we get, the more we understand how little we know. And at our age, we can laugh at ourselves and get it right this time.
Aging brings gratification, too. We really have learned a lot over the past 50, 60, or 70-plus years. The real joy is sharing our knowledge to help others.
Boating has been one of my best teachers—and a source of great friendships—for four decades. While teaching a U.S. Coast Guard licensing course, it occurred to me that much of what we practice on the water could transfer profitably to daily life. Here are a few examples.
Boating Adage: Never approach a dock at a speed greater than you are willing to hit it.
Life Lesson: Calculate potential consequences of your actions. Move slowly and leave yourself room to back up before you suffer loss. When you’re uncomfortable with an approach to a problem, stop, adjust, and come at it again. “Slow is pro.”
Boating adage: When on a collision course, take early action to avoid it.
Life Lesson: Today’s electronic navigation tools warn a mariner of another vessel’s ‘closest point of approach’ while the two are miles apart. There’s plenty of time and sea room to come to agreement on a safe crossing. Most of life’s problems develop over time, too. They can be observed and their likely outcomes anticipated. Keep a good ‘lookout’ on your life. Work to solve issues while they’re simple, before they become large and expensive.
Boating Adage: When unsure of the other guy’s intentions, radio him and come to agreement before proceeding.
Life Lesson: Assuming another’s course of action relative to you can be hazardous. If you make your plans on a false assumption about the other person, it’s unlikely the outcome will be good for either. Question. Plan to achieve independent goals without mutual interference.
Boating Adage: When approaching an unfamiliar dock, stop. Make an ‘environmental assessment.’
Life Lesson: You’re going somewhere or doing something new. Carefully consider how the differences will affect your outcome. A prudent boater will simply stop and observe how wind and current affect the vessel, whether another boat is about to get underway, and where a safe docking can be made. Is there anyone nearby who could take a line? Asking for help is a sign of wisdom, not weakness.
Boating Adage: GPS will run you aground in a heartbeat.
Life Lesson: Many a boater has literally run aground blindly following a chart plotter ‘magenta line.’ You know yourself, your goals, abilities, and limitations better than anyone. Keep your eyes open and your wits about you. Learn from mistakes. Build confidence through good decisions.
Boating Adage: Always know how much water is under your keel.
Life Lesson: Some life situations are just more forgiving than others, with more latitude for mistakes. Other times every action is critical, with more serious—perhaps irreversible—consequences. Understand the difference and act accordingly.
Boating Adage: A collision at sea will ruin your whole day.
Life Lesson: A life of smooth sailing requires vigilance and adherence to some basic and simple rules. The rewards make it worthwhile.
Fair winds and following seas to you.
About the Author: Captain Jay Moore is a U.S. Merchant Marine officer and has more than 40 years of experience on the water.