The Balance of Ships and Anchors in Life

Our lives are full of ships and anchors.

Ships are the exciting life of the party loud in their ability to float about, garnering attention. Some ships are easy to sink, because the life is curated. Social media impeccably structured with their white picket fence lives.

These ships, as all large vessels, must be attended to, they need validation. An endless parade to honour cookie cutter achievements. Always the leading float at their own parade. Eternally holding the minor players in the drama to hostage through veiled threats, snide remarks and emotional blackmail.

Behind every floating ship is a trail of destruction, physically and emotionally. And then we meet the anchors…. …. steady, simple and no frills.

Frills do not hold ships in place, anchors do.

Who are anchors?

Silent, underwater, unseen the foundation. No words, no parade. Just presence, unwavering, nurturing and constant.

Actions are their words. And they are always the recipient of the dreaded silent treatment and outbursts. Because – the anchor does not move. Just braves the currents, the waves and the swirls of uncertainty.

The person who speaks in actions rather than words, with an unwavering presence. Love in action is often silence, it is an innate nurturing instinct. Not the performative nurturing of human to human relationships.

We’re never scared to distance ourselves or mete out the classic “silent treatment” to the anchors in our lives. Because the anchor has learned to survive below the surface, never coming up for air. When the anchor comes up for air, or dislodges, disasters ensue. And everyone is adrift.

But who anchors the anchor? Ask a go to person who their go to person is, they will not have an answer for you other than a blank stare. It never occurs to the anchor to ask for help. They crave silent support, encouragement (not the loud cheerleading) but a quiet strength.

Ships are the life of the party, always on the move, innovative, vivacious, adventurous. Anchors are never the life of the party, tucked away in corners, supporting a system which rewards and celebrates ships… anchors are whispered about quietly discussed and privately appreciated. Ships win the applause and the fame, but it is the anchors who like our vast oceans hold the truth of existence with quiet strength.