In the current age of technology, staying connected has become a necessary part of our lives. So much so that many people today can’t manage to leave their cell phones behind for an hour, let alone for days on end. When sailing, you have to get used to being disconnected from the world. Once we get a few miles offshore, we are literally off the grid until we come back in.
I remember when I moved to the United States 25 years ago it was so expensive to make long distance calls that they were reserved for emergencies only. My mother and I would write letters to each other once a week. Those weekly letters were extremely important to keeping my sanity as I adjusted to a new job, new country and made new friends. I can’t imagine trying to adjust to the cruising lifestyle with only snail mail to keep in touch. We use a mail service and only have mail delivered every few months when we are planning to stay in one place for at least two weeks to get the delivery.
Fortunately, with cellphones and internet, keeping in touch is simple now. With free calling plans to Canada and Mexico, I can now call mom as often as I wish with no long-distance fees. Facebook and social media platforms make it easy to keep in touch with all our friends around the world. I value each of those friendships and am so grateful that I can now stay connected to all the important people in my life.
Living together on a small boat can be stressful at times. Nick and I rarely fight, but sometimes we try each other’s patience. Having my girlfriends just a phone call away often saves my sanity…and our relationship. I know just how important that “girl time” is to keeping perspective on life. (They also aren’t afraid to tell me when I’m being a pig-headed mule!)
Now I am grateful for all that technology as Nick and I have had to separate. Our plans for sailing up the coast are currently on hold because a family issue that needed him in Missouri. I am holding down the fort and minding the boat in hot, muggy, rainy Georgia while he is caring for his family there. One thing about sailing is that you have to be able to adapt and change plans as necessary. Weather, seas and wind play a big role in where we go and when. But other issues come up too that need our attention and alter plans at the last minute. Sometimes we have to work. Sometimes our family needs us. These lessons in life are important, regardless where you are or what you are doing: Be flexible. Be creative. Be grateful for every opportunity you are given. Be thankful for all your friends and family that support you. We certainly are.
