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.

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.

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.

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