To remain happy go easy on the comparisons

It was a week ago that we traveled from the Tobago Cays to Bequia. Even though Rebecca and I were dodging squalls the entire way, we had a most enjoyable sail. Flying only the mizzen and a reefed genoa, jib and jigger, we were making good speed, reaching along at over 6 knots. Good speed, I thought, until we were passed by another sailboat.

It’s a common belief amongst sailors that if two boats are heading in the same direction, it’s a race. No one would ever describe the two of us as being uncompetitive, so as the boat to our stern continued to gain on us, my anxiety grew. Should we let out some more sail? Is our genoa trimmed just right? Perhaps we should put up the main? All these thoughts ran through my head, and while we opted not to add more canvas because of the gusty and squally conditions, we definitely checked the headsail trim!

I generally find that comparison is the fast track to unhappiness. No one ever compares themselves to someone else and comes out even. Nine times out of ten, we compare ourselves to people who are somehow better than us and end up feeling more inadequate. — Jack Canfield

Suddenly, in a moment of clarity, just before the other boat passed us, it dawned on me that we had been perfectly happy cruising along until I started to compare our progress to that of the other boat. Isn’t that true in other areas of our lives too? We can be perfectly happy with our bodies, our stuff, our relationships, etc. until we compare ourselves to someone else. Something to consider.

Time to move on!

Tomorrow our intention is to depart Bequia and head towards Martinique. The forecast calls for light winds out of the east, and more rain. Not ideal, but we’re itching to get moving again.

In the lee of the islands we’ll definitely find ourselves motor sailing. 

I’m such a geek. I’ve been waiting for this moment for some time. If you’re not yet a fan of our Facebook page, please give it a like and follow. We post a lot of good content there that never makes it onto this site.