World Oceans Day: Diving Beyond Your Personal Boundaries

June 8 is World Oceans Day. Established in 1992, it’s a day that promotes environmental conservation and sustainable efforts to protect our oceans. If you know me, you know how much I respect Mother Nature and our little blue planet. I’m a huge proponent of getting outside and relishing our beautiful Earth, whether hiking or taking a stroll on the beach. My family even takes trips to Sundeck Cottages (which we now own) in New Hampshire to enjoy the fresh air and gorgeous Lake Winnipesaukee. 

Circling back to the ocean, my family recently got into scuba diving. My husband received his certification and hoped it would become a group activity for us. I was reluctant but wanted to give it a try. We took the course and test in the pool, which was 5-6 hours long. I felt uncomfortable in the pool but kept pushing past my comfort zone. It’s good to expand your horizons, right? However, I couldn’t ignore what my body was trying to tell me. It was inundating me with red flags. 

Finally, I listened. Having been pushed beyond my limits, I climbed out of the pool. Now, I wouldn’t categorize myself as a quitter. Quitting’s not in my blood. So, naturally, I gave myself an internal beatdown for backing out of scuba diving. But, as with everything in life, a lesson bloomed from this experience: setting healthy personal boundaries. 

Quitting scuba diving was a struggle for me in more ways than one. Firstly, my love for nature made me feel like I was turning against an inherent part of myself. Secondly, as a mom, I want to participate in activities with my kids. Once I moved past those hurdles, though, I realized there are so many things I can do with them that don’t compromise my boundaries. 

Of course, I have plenty of interests other folks don’t enjoy. That’s the beauty of being a unique individual. Life is short, so why spend it doing things that make you feel unsafe or out of control? Why shouldn’t I embrace the things I love that make me feel whole? 

The concept of setting personal boundaries also translates into the professional space. I’ve set my fair share of career boundaries; for example, I don’t work on the weekends. It might hurt me, but I’ve learned to fire clients if our professional relationship isn’t working. Knowing my limits professionally (as well as personally) is crucial as I continue down this path. 

So, here’s some food for thought, friends. Set your boundaries and know your limits. Stand up for the life you want. Design your personal and professional life as you see fit. Nobody else is living it but you.