Have you been going through big changes?
Are you healing from a complicated past or dealing with a challenging situation?
Do you ask yourself, “What’s the point of all of this?!”
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I’m delighted you’re here because I have, too.
Adjusting my rudder
In 2008, I was freaking out over homeschooling my son while moving our family to Brazil. That’s when I had a spiritual awakening. I asked “How am I supposed to get through this?!” the answer popped into my head, changing my life forever.
“You know, your attitude is a lot like the rudder on a ship. As long as you keep your attitude adjusted appropriately, you can get where you need to go. But if it gets stuck, you’ll go in circles frustrating yourself and everyone else around you.”
The Captain page 8
I started thinking about other parts of the Boat and the parts of my life they represented. If my attitude was the rudder, then my heart was the ship’s wheel. My strength was the mast; my soul was the sail; the crow’s nest was my forethought. That beautiful lady on the front of the ship was my face.
For the first time in months, I started to feel excited, curious, and hopeful. I realized I could make small but targeted changes that drastically affected my entire life.
A tool for spiritual growth and healing
The analogy helped me get out of my head. It introduced me to my Captain, the Divine source of love and light that lives within me. I could recognize my Lizard, the ancient part of my brain trying to keep me “safe,” scared, and quiet.
Instead of white-knuckling my way forward, this analogy gave me a tool to steer toward love and hope. I’ve continued learning about myself, focusing on creating a healthier life for myself and my crew. In 2012, I felt compelled to write the analogy into a book using the four systems of a ship.
- The guidance system covers thoughts, values, and stories of who we think we are and who we want to be.
- Logistics refers to taking care of and communicating with ourselves and our crew.
- The propulsion system looks at our Souls, including our strengths, motivation, and self-discipline.
- The navigation system helps us focus on what we’re looking forward to.
I’m glad you’re here.
Over the years, I’ve learned to open up about my anxiety, rushing, and self-doubt. Talking about using this analogy helps me steer my way through it. Sharing the Boat is my way of leaving behind a legacy of hope and personal understanding. I aim to continue polishing and updating this analogy, recognizing life as a creative art we all share.
I believe this Boat analogy is a tool for self-realization and healing. While sailing through daily life, it’s good to know people work to improve the world by healing themselves.
I would LOVE to hear from you! Please leave a comment below, and I’ll respond ASAP. You can download the Boat book pdf while you’re here. You can find it in the library at the top of the page.
More to come
I’m currently working on the sequel to this book. Happy Home, Healthy Life: Charting a course to a life worth living. It includes a deeper dive into your eight boundaries and fortifying yourself with provisions, fun, and rest. With worksheets and journal questions, this book also contains new boat parts, like the bell, navigation lights, and wake. There’s even a chapter dedicated to filling your sails. It starts by answering the question, What are seven ways to feed your soul?
As the Bell on the ship of this website, I look forward to meeting you and having inspiring conversations. I’m doing my best to speak well and show up to create a legacy of inspiration and kindness.
My friendly blog reader, I look forward to meeting you and hearing more about your ship’s voyage.
Have you ever had a spiritual awakening?
Have you ever read something that completely changed your perspective?
I would love to read about it in the comment below.
xoxo Pam
P.S. If you know anyone interested in joining this conversation, please share this website with your friends and family.
P.P.S. You can also find me on social media on Facebook and Instagram.
*Download the pdf version of The Boat for free from the Library tab at the top of this page. If you want it for your Kindle, you can find it for free on Amazon.
Testimonials
“The Boat is a tool we can carry without weight. …we can find our course and move forward toward a life worth looking forward to. Everyone can be helped with this.”
Mary Kalocsay
“I read this book in one sitting and still read from it every day. The first line on the back cover says, “How am I supposed to get through this?” and I gotta say, people, how many of us can relate to that?! This ain’t no wishy-washy self-help book. This is a field guide for the soul. Pam gives us true insight on how to get through our struggles and build on our strengths. I can tell this book comes from her heart, and that means so much in this crazy world.”
Scot Valadez