New train of thought.

If you're interested in following me further please check another blog I have created.

Rhi Coloured Glasses

Sailed it's course.

Hello all.

Here is a great video to replace this week's mid-week escape.



To all the new sailors out there, my best to you and your journeys. Remember nothing is ever as bad as it seems. A deep breathe can go a long way. Keep your boat docked close.

As all good adventures split into many paths, this guide has run it's course. I have freely given you my tips and thoughts and I am now off to live and experience. Please go calmly and never loose your sense of adventure and wonderment!

Y'arrr

BYOB Week

On this the last week of classes for the PR department, I would like to propose a Bring Your Own Boat week.

That's right folks, those of you who are users of the boat theory and those who may not have tried it, sail your way to that finish line. Party Pontoon, Catamaran, Sail or High Power Speed Boat, whatever your choice.

Remember, all things can be overcome. If a situation gets too tough, think of your boat and soldier on. You will make it. I promise the sun will rise tomorrow and new opportunities are around every bend.

A calm lake and a small ripple in the reflection.

Life isn't about the destination, it's about the journey. Well take this in stride and buckle up, cause I want you to make the best of that journey!

Looking back over the past few weeks, I want to thank you all for coming on this adventure with me and sharing your thoughts and advice.

I have noticed we all have one thing in common. We are all constantly in a state of transformation. Transformation and change can often bring stress. We are all looking for tools to deal with this stress. I appreciate everyone's tips on how they deal with the everyday and not so everyday and hope you keep them coming. My boat theory has often changed for my needs and I can see it changing for your needs. I encourage you all to keep those times of reflection, breathing and sailing with you if they help to calm the stormy seas.

The journey isn't over and come on back, cause the tales of the boat trips are endless as I am always up for an adventure!

De-stress!

Hey Folks. Rhiannon here with your mid-week escape.

Here's another song that brings a smile to my face and usually some crazy dance moves! Let it transport you away from your stress and onto that party pontoon!



Also, for those for you who want soemthing to rage out to. Here's one that I enjoy. It does contain some mature language, but they should all be muted out.

A'hoy ye landlovers.

This week I would like to encourage you to take a deep breathe. Take a step back from the over-whelming work load that the upcoming spring always seems to bring.

Okay, so you're stressed. Things have to accomplished yes. I know there is no way around that fact. But you don't have to let the stress effect other parts of you're life.

Had a stressful day at work or school? May I suggest a fun radio station on the commute home, a quick picture in your mind of a beautiful sunset from the bow of your boat, a deep breathe and leave it all behind. Enjoy the time you have away from what is causing your stress. Spend some time with people you care about.

This week my recommendation is to breathe. Let it out like the tide, a nice deep breathe will refresh you.

It's that time again!

Hello again everyone. It's time for the mid-week musical escape.

I thought I would change things up with a song that always makes me happy!

Now please enjoy, without further adieu....

Safety Dance, Men Without Hats!!!

Picture This

A boat where dreams meet reality. Thanks to Sharon who brought this beast to my attention!

Here are some images for those of you who might be having trouble imagining your boat. If I had the money to cruise around in this I think I would certainly be more stress free.

This boat includes:

Three decks, a 25 meter pool, a spa, helicopter pad, sauna, gym and massage room, a promenade of 130 meters, a music room, a dining room, a cinema, sun decks, suites, terraces, a lounge, etc.

The decks are connected by stairs but there is also an elevator.

 

It uses green energy to 20 to 30% fuel savings and 40 to 50% electricity consumption on board. Therefore there are 900 m2 equipped with solar panels, producing a daily output of 500 kW.

 

The master suite.

The living space is amazing!

 

Has seating for 12 passengers and 20 crew.

Musical Escape.

Hump day is here and so is another musical escape.

This week Sailing by Christopher Cross. Recommended by Ashley. Thanks.
Check out the 12 string guitar!

And you thought you were de-stressing.

Here is a list of things people commonly turn too to de-stress but actually amp up the stress levels, according to a study published by a University of Ottawa student. Whole article found here.

• Cigarettes can actually heighten your stress level. When you smoke, the chemicals that you inhale act as stimulants for your body. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone levels increase. Cigarettes also rob the body of certain vitamins and minerals, which must be replaced. The cost of cigarettes and the diseases which they can cause might also add to your level of stress. Although trying to quit smoking can be stressful in itself, it can often result in an overall reduction in stress levels in the long run.
  
  
• Caffeine is another physical stressor that can be very damaging, especially if it is consumed in large quantities. Caffeine can speed up your system for up to 20 hours. Although it might relieve headaches in some people, it can cause them in others. It can also cause sleeplessness and stomach upsets. Caffeine is a drug, and you can become addicted to it. Withdrawal symptoms include headaches, nervousness, grouchiness, and a rapid heartbeat.
  
  
• Sugar is used in many foods, and in small quantities it can be harmless. Often, however, it is easy to lose track of your sugar intake. Whether you use white/brown sugar, honey, or fructose, you will experience a quick energy boost, which will later be replaced by a shortage of energy, since it depresses your system. Eating sugary foods leaves you less hungry for more nutritious ones, and you end up missing valuable vitamins and minerals. A lack of some B vitamins has been linked to depression as well as other mood disorders.
  
  
• Drugs and alcohol are also stress enhancers. You might think that turning to these substances will relieve your stresses and problems, but you must understand that drugs and alcohol are poisonous to your system, eventually causing serious mental and physical damage. Over a period of time (which is quite short in some cases), addiction develops and you can end up spending all of your energies just trying to get more of the drug of your choice. In the end, you will have even greater amounts of stress in your life as a result of losing friends and causing pain for your family.
  
  
• You might also think that using tranquilizer-type drugs will help you to calm down and relax, but the effects of these drugs are short-lived and they never solve the underlying causes of stress. A physician might prescribe them for a short-term problem, but you must take them as prescribed and never use a higher dosage than that recommended. In the end, it is better to discover the sources of your stress (possibly with the help of a counsellor) and find more natural and permanent "tranquilizers"

Take a ride on your boat instead. It will help you to take a  moment for yourself, and it won't put a dent in your wallet.

Musical Escape.

Another mid week escape. As per some suggestions here's a song to chill out too and one to rock out too.

Please keep the suggestions coming as each week I am happy to showcase readers suggestions for the boat soundtrack.

Ordinary Day by Great Big Sea from Zoe



Boiled Frogs by alexisonfire from MP

How my boat led me to world domination.

What's better then a night in and a board game with good friends? Uncontested global domination! But the road to becoming the world leader is filled with game playing, name-calling, alliance dodging and a cunning poker face. This does not bring out the best in people! You enter the room with 5 friends, then magically with the placement of little plastic people you are dealing with an every man for himself, war-zone.

I know what the game of RISK can do to people, I am veteran of many games now. I even recall saying to the group before we started, "I don't like what people become during this game." That is why I now bring to my army, a naval division. I am commander and chief in my own private ship where I am free to see the board and my strategies without the mind games.

This is the game board as we started placing the reinforcements. Even then people played their strategies and trying to out the other person's strategy for their gain.

After playing the game for a little while, lines have been drawn. Some panic sets in. Some bad rolls, losing armies in your defense. It's easy to get distracted from the main goal. To outlast! I headed to my boat to regroup. Sitting back, watching who was trying to do what.

Being able to separate myself from the hectic world of risk and remain calm really helped me. A visit to my boat, this one happened to be very old-world British fleet inspired, was my sanctuary. Other people were put onto boats and set a float. One by one, the armies fell around me.

And the yellow army rejoiced. The war was over and we had won.

Musical Escape - Otis Redding

It's that time again for the mid-week musical escape. Thanks Amanda for this great tune suggestion.
Anyone else have a suggestion for the boat soundtrack?



Catch you on the waves, don't forget your towel!

The Love Boat

 

Love makes us do crazy things. Say crazy things. Think crazy things.

Love can be a whirlwind of emotions. Passionate fights and embraces.

In pursuit of love we may come across situations that, to put it frankly, just plain suck. These situations are an excellent candidate to put on a boat of their own and do with as you see fit. 

Now that I have found that love, the boat's purpose has changed for me.

***gushing girlfriend alert. If you don't want to read that skip to last paragraph!***

My boat is no longer a place to escape from all these ups and downs as much as I may want to sometimes as these are all part of the adventure. My boat is somewhere I go to escape all the hustle and bustle of the world and give the love I share a chance to thrive. We humans are distracted with our jobs, our bank accounts and so many other things that sometimes it is hard to remember what brings a smile to your face. I am very lucky to have someone in my life that makes me feel complete. And that completeness is what I go to my boat for. 

No matter where we are in the world, even 5,000 kms apart, he is there to support me, hold me up because we are on that boat. Nothing in the world can take that away from me.

What I suggest you might take away from this is,

Remember the landscape that we travel through is constantly changing and so is the purpose of the boat. Embrace that and you're on your way to finding that happy place!

 

Sailing with Rod Stewart

When I hear this I am automatically transported to my boat!

The first time I saw this video I was sitting in Pontypridd, Wales with family all around laughing and having a great time. The memory inspires that calm happiness in me.



Or check out this video of a young Rod on a boat singing his heart out.
Click Here

What songs transport you to your boat, or happy place? Is it better if it's a soft song? Or do you need to be rocking out?

Lost at sea. Storming and confused.

It's very easy to say "It's on the boat." Sometimes, as much as you want it to be on the boat a storm has come and swirling thoughts take over.


I have been known to get lost at sea. I somehow strayed from the shipping lanes and am now trapped in a storm, my only thought is the exact thing I am trying to forget about. Feeling down on myself for the decisions that were made or something I can't change.

As time goes by, I have realized that weather is a part of any sailing trip. We are only human. Emotions can get the better of us. The key is to realize you are stuck in a storm, but all storms do pass. So batten down the hatches and enjoy the ride.

Everyday of life is a new adventure. The mantra I have chosen to repeat to myself is "I'm new and I'm trying." I may not know everything. In fact, I am convinced I will never know everything. I am not going to stop pushing forward because of fear of the unknown. The best discoveries have been made by embracing the unknown and rolling with the punches.

Questions, Comments, Stories?

So, you have had a brief introduction to my boat theory. Questions? Comments? Stories? I want to know. Leave a comment, share a story. Let's find our happy places.

Amanda said...

I personally find that when putting yourself on a boat a pontoon or "party' boat works best. Also, be careful of putting other people on boats, the really determined ones will always find their way back.

January 20, 2010 10:42 PM

Suzanne said...

Let me just say that putting things on the boat has changed my life and has given me personal freedom. Thank you Rhiannon for your wisdom.

January 23, 2010 10:41 PM

Sprung a leak? Get the Duct Tape.

Sometimes your boat can spring a leak and flood back into your mind. In spirit of the great Canadian tradition, I recommend the use some mental duct tape.

I understand the boat enthusiasts out there would probably not use duct tape as their main repair tool, but I find it works quite well for this purpose.

Whether the cargo of your boat is an assignment mark, an argument or another person sometimes it can find its way back into your mind. (A good navigation system was installed without your knowledge. The contractors put it under "upgrades".) When this persistence happens two things should happen.

1. A quick re-evaluation. Sometimes a boat will spring a leak because it is something you shouldn't have put on a boat. Not all things in life can be set off to sea right away. As much as you may not want to deal with it, you may have to. Then, if the results are unfavorable, put those out to sea.
However, sometimes a boat will spring a leak because it is just persistent. Things don't just disappear because they are on a boat. You may encounter them in your daily life.

2. In the case it is just persistent cargo, GET THE DUCT TAPE! Repair the leak and send it on it's way.

Remember that towel I kept mentioning? This is when it's most handy!

Escape for a while.

Mid-week escape.

Here's a video for a laugh. Hope you enjoy!



or click Here.

Warning: Video contains mature language.
Thanks to YOUTUBE and SNL, creators of the video.

Setting course for sunnier skies.

I had been sitting in that airport jail holding tank for nearly 3 hours just running over the situation in my head.

Immigration officer: "Hello and welcome to United Kingdom. What brings you here?"
Me: "I'm here to see the sights and then start my new job."
Immigration officer: "I see, and did you chat with the British High Commission before coming?"
Me: "Yes, and they said because I am a dual citizen all I need are these papers."
Immigration officer: " But you traveled here on your Canadian passport."
Me: "They didn't tell me to do any differently."
Immigration officer: " Well, I am afraid I can't let you in the country. You'll have to come with me.

AHHHHH! I am now freaking out. I am trying to make the biggest move of my life and instead I am being hauled off to airport jail. How did I get here?

Okay, so paperwork is the devil. I had all my paperwork in order for my big move to England but because I showed up on the wrong passport I was locked up in the immigration holding tank for 9 hours awaiting what I was told was an "immediate deportation".

I spent the first three hours thinking the situation out in my head, swinging from angry to scared to bawling my eyes out and back again. After emotionally exhausting myself, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't do anything to change the situation in that state. This, my friends, was the first time I stepped onto the boat I now so frequently visit.

In that moment, I pictured myself on a catamaran in a calm cove off the coast of some tropical island. The air-conditioning now served as a cool ocean breeze blowing by my face. I could feel the sun shining down on me even though I was in a windowless holding room. I took a deep breath and opened my eyes.

In the hours that followed, I knew my outlook had changed. I was a calmer, more clear thinking person. Even when I was being taken to get my fingerprints and mugshot taken I was able to laugh about the situation with the officers. They let me make some phone calls and I was able to speak to the head of immigration and plead my case. I negotiated myself a ten day pass into the country so I could secure my job and living arrangements, but still had to return to Canada and go back on my British passport, bureaucratic and silly but a compromise none-the-less.

Thanks to my boat, I was able to get through the situation and now have a hilarious story about how I spent 9 hours in airport jail. Since then, I have visited my catamaran and sailed the world over. Whether I am stuck in a job I hate to pay the bills or worried about receiving those results that could change my life, I know I can face the world.

*sunrise picture provided by: science.nayland.school.nz/.../images/sunrise.jpg

Building your first boat.

Step-by-step instructions for the first time boat builder. Please read carefully before trying.

Step 1: Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Step 2: Think of what is really bothering you.

Step 3: Decide how much separation you need from that situation or thing, now to be known as cargo.

Step 4: Now picture a ship at port. Your choice of any design and load the cargo onto that ship.

Step 5: Release that ship out to sea, the ocean or sink it, based on how much distance you need.

Step 6: Take another deep breath and remember the important things in your life that you value and cherish.

You are now ready to face the world again! Congrats!
Warning: The boat cannot be used as a complete escape or get out jail free card. Remember to be realistic about how long you can send it out to sea before having the refreshed mind to deal with the issue.

Examples of how to use the boat:

Bad mark on a test. Send it out to Lake Ontario in a dingy. Regroup and learn from the experience.
Somebody cut you off in the parking lot. Put it in a row boat and sink it to the bottom of the ocean. Let it go.
An argument or highly emotional event. Have it taken off by pirates while you gather your thoughts.

These are only examples, I can only tell you what works for me. But I hope that you make it your own because it has really changed my outlook on life.

In next blog:

I have been known to put myself on a boat or two when a situation gets to tough or to close to home to deal with. I will tell you my catamaran adventures and other tales of ships past.

*pirate ship picture courtesy of: http://pittsburghsblackandgold.blogspot.com

Come sail away.

If you're like me, when you look back at hectic events in your life, you sometimes wish you could get back the time you spent stressing out.

In order to combat this, I would like to introduce you to my "boat" theory.

In essence, this theory states that when something that is consuming your thoughts in a counter-productive, stressful manner you should put it on the boat and send it out to sea.

This boat can be any creation of your mind. Mine is often a pirate ship. Cannons, planks, sails and all! But don't feel tied to conventional images. As you will see, the boat often takes on the needs of its cargo!

Now I realize some of you might be questioning, "Why a boat? What can the boat do for me? Who uses this boat?" Well, this is why I have created this blog. I want to explore these questions and others such as can you put yourself on the boat and if so, what happens if you stay there too long?

Follow me on my journey of calming the chaos and finding that happy place!

Don't forget your towel!