Have you been feeling like you don’t belong?

Have you ever felt like you didn’t belong? I think we all feel that at one point or another. I heard a story about a wave and it reminded me that there’s a great way to overcome this feeling.

Once there was a tiny wave. He had heard stories about how when a wave travels across the ocean and eventually reaches the shore, they disappear forever. Well, this really concerns him. He’s travelling across the ocean, growing in size and eventually sees the shore. As he approaches the shore, he worries more about this but before he crashes into the beach, he realizes something. He realizes that the ocean is water and that he’s made of water. That even if he no longer exists as a wave, he will forever be a part of the ocean because he is water. Forever, people will come to the ocean, play and have fun. Fishermen will catch fish to feed their families. Water will evaporate, turn to rain and water crops, plants and trees. Forever, the wave will be a part of something that helps everyone. Without him, so much of this wouldn’t happen.

This week, if you’re feeling lonely or that you don’t belong, don’t forget that you have contributed to something great. As a current or former student, you are a part of something that has brought joy to people. You played a role in a place where people care for and help each other. That good, will continue for a long time and that’s a wonderful thing to be a part of. Thank you for being a part of that.

See you on the mats,

Michael

PS If you’re feeling like you don’t belong and think you could use some help, here are a list of places and people you can talk to.