Day 60
Let's talk about finding happiness in the smallest of places.
I believe the happiness on the boat is truly what you make of it. Like anywhere else in the world you can always put a positive spin on things. I find it harder to do when surrounded by grown men who are all cranky and in-fighting when fishing is bad and no one is making money.
In these times when fishing is bad, the guys get to thinking about why they are even out here if they are not making money.
In these times, I try even harder to be the one positive interaction everyone has that day.
I specifically remember one day during my second contract, I was getting off shift when the captain was waking up. I had to go talk to him about something. It was important at the time, but frivolous now. Isn't it funny how that works?
I said, “good morning Captain.”
He replied with, “What’s so good about it?!”
All I could say back to this cranky person sitting in his brand new wheelhouse was, “You’re still breathing aren’t you?”
He gave a little chuckle and said, “I guess I am.”
I like to think I brightened up his day a little. I know the mate who had overheard the conversation got a great laugh from it.
Now, if you are thinking that kind of positivity can't last long, you are right!
Sometimes my happiness is fake, but it is needed.
This line of interactions can be exhausting. Therefore, I had to learn what things I can do to recharge my happiness.
No matter who you are, you will have bad days out here. This is as true at sea as anywhere else.
All the little things out here can add up:
- Watching a sunrise
- Gazing at the moon
- Enjoying your favorite candy
- Reading a new book
- Re-watching your favorite show
One of my favorite things to try to do is be friends with the cook. That way I can bake once in a while because that gives me joy. These things add up to helping me truly enjoy days at sea.
Sometimes out here it is much easier to let these days get you down than on land just because you are taken away from all support systems; you are working every day in bad weather or bad fishing. These can compound and make for a negative environment. That’s why little things matter whether on land or out to sea.
No matter who you are, you will have bad days out here. This is as true at sea as anywhere else. Sometimes out here it is much easier to let these days get you down than on land just because you are taken away from all support systems; you are working every day in bad weather or bad fishing. These can compound and make for a negative environment. That’s why little things matter whether on land or out to sea. They are the moments that will get you to day 90 of your contract without being overwhelmed by negative emotions.
Day 60 of 90: focus on the little things.
