December 21, 2025
“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd
There’s nothing wrong with the harbor. It’s calm. It’s familiar. It’s where repairs happen and people restock supplies. It’s where things make sense.
But it’s not the point.
Most of us live like we’re trying to permanently dock. We build routines that protect us from disruption. We avoid discomfort. We optimize for safety and predictability. We convince ourselves that staying put is wisdom.
Sometimes it is. Sometimes it’s just fear with better branding.
Ships aren’t admired because they stayed pristine. They’re admired because they moved. Because they endured weather. Because they carried weight. Because they came back marked by use.
The same is true for people.
The moments that shape us usually require leaving something behind, even temporarily. Comfort. Control. Familiar smells. Familiar outcomes.
That doesn’t mean we abandon the harbor forever. We return to it. We rest. We reset. But we don’t mistake it for the destination.
If you’re feeling unsettled, off rhythm, or slightly out of sorts, it might not be a sign you’re doing something wrong. It might be a sign you’re underway.
You’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to dock. Just don’t forget what you were built for.
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