Yesterday, we spent hours witnessing through our VHF a rescue operation at sea. A boat, many miles away from ours, filled with people in search of happiness. But not the kind that comes from luxury or freedom of choice. Their pursuit was one of necessity, of survival. A desperate journey, risking everything for the chance of a better life.

It made us think.

In a strange way, there are parallels. We too are sailing on that same sea. We, too, are in search of happiness. Though perhaps “search” isn’t quite the word, we’re following our hearts, embracing the unknown, soaking up each moment in freedom. We don’t have to. We get to. That, in itself, is a privilege.

Of course, these are two extremes. One driven by adventure, the other by the sheer will to survive. And yet, the same sea connects us. A vast, powerful body of water that offers opportunity or takes it away.

Moments like this shift something inside you. Out here, safety is never a given. You learn to rely on yourself, on your boat, on your decisions. Help takes time. Precious time. We watched that unfold in real time, lives lost in the waiting. It was a sobering lesson.

As I gaze out again across the open sea, which usually feels like a warm and safe blanket to me, I find myself hoping that those who were taken by the waves might somehow feel that same warmth now, somewhere, somehow.

And as I stare, I feel even more grateful than before. Grateful for the safety we live in. For the time we have. For the freedom to choose. For the peace to rest. For the luxury of simply being.

None of it feels obvious anymore. We are the fortunate ones and we must live with that awareness. Not in guilt, but in deep, humble gratitude.

Written by: Mirjam