We all know of the value of a good lighthouse. And no more so than someone who has been brought up with the sea. It provides a beam of light that can reach the horizon on a clear day or night – with its unique timing and interval that references which lighthouse it is. Also on a misty day it will bark out it’s noise into the grey blanket that hangs over the sea which hides the perils in the water.
On a delightful sunny and calm day the lighthouses look so attractive and seem so peaceful. Yet on a stormy day the force of the sea is amazing and can be hugely destructive. That is why all lighthouses are so strong and so well constructed.
The picture of the lighthouse you can see in this post faces the open sea with many dangers to shipping within its range. The light powerful, the horns able to create a huge voice of warning when the need arises. On the day this picture was taken the sea was churning up and crashing against the rocks but for an experienced seafarer this would be a small swell with little to fear. The horizon clearly visible some mile away so no need for the horn.
As we walked on it made me think about the signals we get in life. Some visual, some audible – but how often do we take notice? If we know the messenger has authority (such as the lighthouse) we will certainly pay attention. More often though I am sure you are like me ignore things, especially if we are busy or in a rush. It is often at these times when we should be paying attention else we will miss the very signals that can help us. And at times, save us from some business wreckage that could and should have been avoided.
One of the specialism I have is helping people to understand themselves better by using Insights Discovery. This helps us understand the impact we have on others. And, the impact others have on us. A bit like a lighthouse casting it’s unique light, sounding it’s horn with a unique signal. Unless we understand the messages we can often interpret the signals in the wrong way and fail to get the right bearing. I know I have made this mistake….all too often. I am sure at times you wished you had tuned into the signals that were being sent.
Well perhaps now is a good time to look and see what message is being sent by those who you spend time with at work and at home. And if the horn is blowing to listen to what other signal maybe being sent too.
If you are struggling a little and need some help do get in touch. I am sure you agree it is wiser, if we can, to miss the rocks that lie beneath the surface!
My best wishes,
Peter
