“If you can see your shadow, you’re standing in the wrong place.” I heard this sentence last week during the 4th Advent service. What an amazing message. It was followed by a story about Alexander the Great and his horse, Bucephalus.
The historian Plutarch recounts that Bucephalus was considered unrideable and no one could tame him. The then twelve-year-old Alexander carefully observed Bucephalus’ behavior and discovered something fascinating: the horse was afraid of its own shadow. Alexander turned Bucephalus toward the sun, so that the shadow lay behind the horse and could no longer be seen. As a result, the horse calmed down, and Alexander successfully rode him. This event impressed his father, Philip II, so much that he encouraged Alexander to seek a kingdom of his own, as Macedonia was too small for him.
Wow, what a powerful message to close the year.
The shadow for many people could be interpreted as their “own past.” Do you know people who spend their days recounting everything that’s happened to them? Instead of talking about positive things, they complain about restrictions or events that left them with negative feelings. Phrases like:
- “I can’t because…”
- “That’s true, but…”
- “You know, back then…”
… are common explanations for why it’s supposedly impossible to do something great or live a happy life today. Shadows of the past are often the most convenient excuse to keep everything as it is. And, let’s be honest, complaining is easier than making a change.
However, these shadows lose their power when you turn away from them. The end of the year is the perfect time to let go of a past that might be holding you back. Instead of focusing on your shadows, turn toward your personal sun and, in doing so, a much greater kingdom. Realize that an amazing life awaits you – if you stop dwelling on the ghosts of yesterday and sharing them with the world.
I’m currently writing a new talk for the upcoming journeys aboard the Mein Schiff fleet. It’s about giving people tips on how to truly arrive and relax during their vacation. Many bring their stressful lives with them on board. Where are the longest lines during the first few days? That’s right – at the internet help desk. Why? Because people can’t log into the Wi-Fi, and their mood takes a nosedive.
But why do you need the internet on vacation? “I have to know what’s happening in the world…” Really? Does knowing what’s going on in places you aren’t make your vacation better? Didn’t you spend thousands of euros to finally relax? Why not let the news ticker, social media posts, and emails rest for a few days? You go on vacation to escape the shadows of the world. So why bring them on board with you, only to get frustrated when the connection is down, and you’re forced to be truly “free”? Well, people are a mystery.
Back to the end of the year: leave your shadows in 2024 and step boldly into 2025. “But 2025 won’t be better than 2024…” If that’s what you believe, you’re still clinging to your shadow. Instead, focus on what makes you happy, let go of everything else, and keep moving toward your personal sun. To quote Philip II: there’s a much greater kingdom waiting for you.
Or, to put it in the words of Genesis 19: Lot’s wife, who looked back while fleeing Sodom and Gomorrah, turned into a pillar of salt.
You have a choice: keep looking at your shadows and figuratively turn into a pillar of salt or turn away from those shadows and step into a new kingdom.
My advice: leave your shadows behind and move courageously toward the sun.
I wish you a wonderful start to the new year!
