There’s something I deliberately bring into the forefront of my thoughts sometimes when I’m feeling despondent and unsure. I find it reassuring and it inspires me to persevere and maintain calm and focussed.
A distant relative – my great, great uncle, was Captain of the Cutty Sark and he was a great sailor and leader. He made the Cutty Sark the fastest ship of its time and frequently ran the boat across the world, navigating rough seas at high speeds. Apparently he loved photography and would roller-skate and cycle round the lower deck, sometimes teaching the crew.
So now and again, when I’m doubting myself, I like to imagine the sort of person he was and that perhaps, I could be a little like him. I can’t imagine how terrifying those seas must have been on stormy, dark nights and it reminds me of what people can achieve and overcome. There are a number of stories of the boat nearly being lost.
I’d love to show a photograph of him but they all seem to be copyrighted.
