This past weekend I had the good fortune to be able to spend some time with some very dear friends. We drove to New Braunfels, TX and rented inner tubes and followed in the age-old tradition of “tubing” down the river.

As we made our way down the river, I was reminded so many times of how the river mimics life. I’ve summarized some of my thoughts here:

1. Take the Plunge!

Obviously the first thing you need to do is to get in the water. How true this is in life. For anything to happen we need to take action. Some of us do it timidly and some of us just go for it. Many of us at the river chose to jump in and “Just DO it!” – the temperature differential between the scorching sun and the frigid waters is outright painful, but once we were in , it quickly felt cool and refreshing. Others chose to slowly wade in a step at a time – getting accustomed to the temperature with each step.  Which one are you? Do you jump in a take risks? Or are you more careful? Perhaps a mix of both?

2. There WILL be white water.

Sometimes the way will get bumpy and rocky. This can be frightening, but it can also be exhilarating! If you hold on tight and are prepared (lift up your backside to avoid the rocks), you will fly through this time. In the words of Winston Churchill, “If you are going through hell, keep going.” If you aren’t paying attention, you could find yourself upside down in the water and your tube floating away!

3. Sometimes Action is Required.

There are times when you can lie back and drift and the river will carry you forward. However, there are other times when you need to paddle to get some forward motion or even get up out of the tube, sling it over your shoulder and walk over the shallow areas. In the ebb and flow of life, there are times to sow, take action; and there are times to wait patiently as the fruits of our labor our revealed. Be easy and “go with the flow”! When you wish you were in a different part of this cycle, just know that “This too shall pass!”

4. You will meet all kinds of people along the way.

There will be people that are friendly, people that don’t want you around, and people who get in your way. How you react to them shows how you handle life. Are you aggressive? Assertive? Easy-going? Complacent? Do you need to make changes in how you deal with others?

5. There is a predetermined flow, but you have free will to take another path.

While the river has a general flow to it, you still have the chose to go in a different direction. You could paddle upstream, head towards the right bank rather than the left, get out an rest for a while, or get out and start walking to your destination. Always remember that you have the choice to be the creator of your own life.

So, just remember as you go through your days that you are the creator of your destiny and you have the power to make things happen – and when things don’t go the way you had intended, this too shall pass!

Patricia Selmo is an ordained Interfaith Minister through One Spirit Interfaith Seminary. She is also a certified coach trained in Emotional Intelligence with an MA in Behavioral Science and a licensed True Purpose Coach.  She has over 20 years of experience facilitating, coaching and managing professionals in the corporate environment. She now focuses on professionals who are feeling burned-out and are looking for more meaning and passion in their work and personal lives. She also loves to help you celebrate the milestones in your life through her ministerial services and can help you create beautiful memories in uniquely customized weddings, baby blessings, house blessings, memorial services, commitment ceremonies, etc. Visit her at: www.TheBlissfulSoul.com