Sharks or Dolphins

Several years ago, my husband, son, and I were on a boat on the Atlantic Ocean. We were enjoying the day until suddenly we were surrounded by sharks. As we brainstormed our options, our fears mounted.

Then we recognized that the sharks actually were dolphins. Our concerns quickly changed to joy.

Reflecting back, I realize the only things that changed were our perceptions and emotions. The “sharks” hadn’t hurt us in any way. Nor were we ever in danger.

Most of the sharks in our lives do indeed turn out to be dolphins. We waste a lot of time worrying about terrible things that might happen, yet never do.

I now am making a conscious effort to remain in the moment and worry less about the unknowns that I cannot control. There is no value in imagining sharks surrounding me. Life is so much easier this way and a lot less taxing on my health.

©Mary K. Doyle