Even with One Eye Closed: Lessons from the Waves

I had the luxury—and the deep pleasure—of going on vacation with one of my best girlfriends. We went to one of our favorite places, the kind of place where time slows down and we reconnect with ourselves and each other.

When we’re here, we unwind. We let go. We talk through the things we’re trying to figure out, the areas where we need clarity. We process. We get honest feedback from someone we know loves us, someone who wants the best for us, but also won’t just tell us what we want to hear.

The water—especially the ocean—is one of our favorite places to be. As I write this, she’s still out in the waves. I had to get out because my eye was burning (thanks, saltwater). But a few minutes ago, I was out there too. And, as usual, the water was cold, the waves were big, and I wanted to go further… but I hesitated.

I wasn’t sure how deep it was. The waves looked intense. And honestly? Those are valid concerns. But here’s the thing: I’ve been in the ocean before. I’ve gone past the shoreline, past the ankle-deep comfort zone. I know from experience that once I get a little further out, the waves don’t crash quite as hard. It’s calmer out there. I’ve done this before. I have the proof. And still, I hesitated.

Meanwhile, my friend was already out there, calling to me. “Come on!” she shouted. She gave me tips on how to move past the break, and how to handle the waves. She was coaching me—not because she thought I couldn’t do it, but because she knew I could. And still… I paused. I overthought it. I evaluated, re-evaluated, and nearly talked myself out of something I’ve already done.

It hit me: I do this in real life, too.

When it comes to making decisions in business, relationships, and personal growth—I hesitate. I overthink. I forget that I have a track record of navigating tough stuff. I forget to rely on the experience, the wisdom, the truth that I do know what I’m doing. Instead, I get stuck in the emotion of the moment, the discomfort, the doubt.

Eventually, I took a step forward. And just before I could find my footing, a wave crashed right into me—hard. I went under a bit. Water got in my eye, and yep, it was burning. Sea salt is no joke. But even with one eye closed, I kept moving. I reminded myself why I came out here in the first place. I didn’t come this far to stand still.

And that’s what it reminded me: Sometimes we have to take the step even with one eye closed. I’m not saying close both eyes and go in blindly—but sometimes one eye open is the best we can do in the moment. That’s enough to start. Enough to take the first step toward beginning the business, launching the idea, sending the email, going to therapy, ending the relationship, or saying yes to the new beginning.

And here’s what else is important: I wasn’t doing it alone. My friend was already out there. She had already overcome what I was still trying to face. She was guiding me. She was in the community with me.

That is the power of community. That’s what Failing Forward and The Comeback Crew are all about. It’s what Purposed for a Purpose is grounded in. It’s about surrounding yourself with people who can offer real insight and encouragement. People who’ve been where you’re standing. Who know the fear, but also know the way through it.

You don’t have to do this alone. Whether you’re starting something new, healing from something old, or just trying to get unstuck—you can take the step. Even if it’s shaky. Even if one eye is closed. The goal isn’t to have it all figured out. The goal is to be willing.

Willing to trust your experience. Willing to receive support. Willing to step into something deeper—even if the waves are a little wild.

You’ve done hard things before. You can do this too.

“Waves don’t apologize for crashing or retreating—they just keep showing up, reshaping the shore."

Journal Prompt: What part of me is being asked to surrender right now—not because I’m losing, but because I’m learning how to rise with more strength, softness, and trust?

Until Next Time

Lady Jay