A Message in a Bottle, to Buoys

During the summer of 2023, I made a life changing decision to I trade in my cush and stable desk job for a more unpredictable, adventurous life at sea. I can honestly say that I haven’t looked back since.

In hindsight, it’s clear to me that I’ve always been a buoy in a world designed for anchors. The purpose of an anchor is to remain grounded and stable for long periods of time.

Trying to fit into a world built for anchors left me feeling out of place, and the idea of a 9-to-5 desk job never resonated with me. I craved freedom, change and adventure. And after just one year of attempting to live the “traditional” post-college life, I realized I couldn’t bear the thought of spending my 20s anchored down to a desk. Not yet at least.

I craved the life of a buoy, to float, to explore, and to see where the ocean could take me.

Despite my parents' reasonable concerns and their hopes that I’d put my college degree to proper use, I still decided to cut the line grounding me to the bottom and set off on my own path.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned this past year, it’s to follow your heart and do what makes YOU happy. Your happiness should be your first priority. Why spend your limited and precious time on this planet anchored to something that doesn’t fulfill you? Life is short, and it’s meant to be lived fully.

So if you’re feeling stuck, unsatisfied, or out of place, remember this. Not everyone is meant to be an anchor. Some of us are born to be buoys, to float in freedom, and to explore uncharted waters. It’s never too late to set yourself free and let the tide carry you to the life you’ve always dreamed of.