You're a boat.
You're in open water. You have control of your heading and your speed. You have some navigational equipment and a view of what's ahead.
There are storms out there.
Most boats avoid the storms. But sometimes the storms look interesting. There's excitement in thunder. So sometimes you head towards a storm to see what there is to see.
You take on some damage. The storm punches a few holes in your hull.
Most boats repair the holes. But to make repairs they have to stop. You think stopping takes too long. So you maintain your speed and continue looking for storms.
But there are blue skies somewhere out there, too. The sailing is smoother if you can find them.
Most boats use their navigation equipment. But to do that requires reading the manual. You think reading the manual is boring. So you assume you don't need it.
Sometimes people ask you to help them catch fish.
Most boats let people install a trawl. But doing that is tough work and takes time away from playing in storms. You think that's beneath you. So you hold out for something better.
The marina has free upgrades available.
Most boats spend time making improvements. But upgrades require an honest evaluation of what needs fixing. You assume you're already doing your best. So you don't bother evaluating.
There's an island across the sea with other boats and a welcoming dock where you can settle down.
Most boats set their navigation for that island. But to do that means leaving the storms behind for good. You think you can't live without the storms. So you never even look in that direction.
You're a boat.
You have water in your hull from playing in storms.
You're sinking because you wouldn't stop to repair.
You're lost because you never learned to navigate.
You're useless because you never helped people fish.
You're falling apart inside because you never bothered to upgrade.
And you're alone because you never considered the island to be something worth finding.
The other boats are not responsible for this. Every choice you've ever made directed you precisely to this moment. Your time playing in storms has come to an end.
Make repairs.
Bail the water.
Read the manual.
Install the net.
Evaluate the upgrades.
And go find your island.
❤️🩹😭