5 gallon bucket vs. the entire ocean

by | Jun 20, 2016 | a slice of life | 48 comments

This post may contain affiliate links.

I went to Myrtle Beach last week with my family.  While we’re not at the same beach I went to as a kid (Long Beach on Oak Island in NC), the beach in general always reminds me of our summer vacations there that started when I was a baby and continued through high school.

When I was first introduced to the ocean, it wasn’t my thing.  Some kids will sit in the sand, roll in the surf and enjoy every minute of it.  Looking at those kids now, or even adults for that matter, sitting in the sand…yikes!  It just gives me the heebie-jeebies!  I never liked grit, sand, sticky and salty skin, and being dirty in general.

So, I found a solution.  I could be at the beach, in the water, in my own safe, comfy, clean way.

I would sit in a five gallon bucket filled with water.

I would put my suit on and sit in that bucket all day long.  People would try to coax me out of it and get me to build sand castles and play in the surf, but I preferred my bucket.

I could even suck my thumb and hold my blanket (my “night-night”) while in the bucket, so I was set.

As an aside, sitting in buckets seemed to run in my family.

This is my cousin, Macon…

 

And my Oma, also named Marian…

That wasn’t at the beach, but I couldn’t resist putting that picture in this post.

My cousin, Marshall, apparently put his own spin on the idea and sat in an Igloo cooler filled with water.

Anyway, while I was at Myrtle Beach this past week, walking around one evening, collecting shells and enjoying my feet in the sand and cool waves lapping against the shore, I thought about my young self sitting in that bucket.

It’s safe.  It’s clean.  It doesn’t involve any risk or unknowns.  It’s contained.  It’s controlled.  There is nothing scary or intimidating about a five gallon bucket.

But there is a whole ocean out there and, at some point, you outgrow the bucket.

Standing in a five gallon bucket when you’re fully grown might be safe, clean, risk-free, etc., but it isn’t cute anymore.  You become a spectator.  Just try moving somewhere with your feet stuck in a five gallon bucket.

The truth is, though, a lot of us try and a lot of us are content to do it, even though it’s preventing us from getting anywhere or experiencing anything.

It’s time to get out of that metaphorical bucket.

Yes, the ocean is unknown, powerful, intimidating, and unpredictable.  It can be awesome and terrifying and definitely needs to be respected.  You have to learn to approach it with discernment and good judgement. But it’s also beautiful and vast, filled with treasures and wonder and things to be discovered.  It forces you to grow and become stronger.

It offers possibilities that a bucket never could.

What is your bucket?  What is your ocean?

And which one are you currently in?

Receive a Daily Dose of Encouragement and Inspiration!

Stay Inspired with Marian's Daily Blog Posts

Sign up to receive uplifting blog posts directly in your inbox! Join our community of like-minded individuals and start your day with a burst of creativity, motivation, and positivity. Whether you’re seeking decorating tips, DIY projects, or simply a dose of inspiration, Marian’s daily posts are sure to brighten your day and ignite your creativity. Don’t miss out on your daily dose of encouragement – subscribe now!

    48 Comments

    1. Karen from 4848Farmhouse.com

      Great post! I recently stepped out of my bucket and am so grateful for all that has happened since last November. Some not so good but most, really awesome! Kudos to anyone who steps out of their bucket!!

    2. silvia

      really beautiful post!

    3. Bonnie

      What a great life lesson! Thank you for sharing that….it’s amazing the things in our lives that God uses to speak to us. At 60 years old, after 40 years of marriage (and 7 children), I am going through a divorce. Our youngest four are college age, with one still in high school. I am currently trying to discern what needs to be left behind (my bucket) and what God wants for me in this place in my life (the ocean is SO big!!)

      • Suzanne

        Oh Bonnie do I ever feel your pain! II was 31 years for me. After 15 or so years ago, I’m still adjusting, but still trusting God. He has never steered me wrong!

    4. nancy w.

      There are times for a bucket and times for the ocean. Discerning which is which is the challenge.

    5. B Folk

      Ironic how you now love to get “dirty”, painting and refurbishing, and even gardening!

      Right now, I feel as if I’m in a “bucket”, an enclosed environment, not of my own making. I think that God wants me here for a reason, just not sure what that is. I agree with Nancy W.’s comment. There is a time for “everything”, as Ecclesiastes says.

      Wonderful, thought-provoking, well-written post, Marian. Thank you.

    6. Charlotte Huffman

      I used an old wash tub for my swimming pool when I was a teenager! My uncle used to have a house at Long Beach! I’ve visited Myrtle Beach many times but now we go to Carolina Beach. I’m from York,SC.

    7. Sara

      This is such a timely post for me. I have been contemplating a big scary step, but have been leaning towards staying in my safe zone and not “going for it”. Thanks Marian. Your words may have given me the positive push that I need!

    8. Monica

      Thank you for this post, Marian. I’m 55 and have been divorced for 7 years after 28 years of marriage and still can’t find the courage to step out of my bucket that was my life as a wife, mother, employee, daughter, sister, friend. I always put myself and my dreams at the bottom of everyone else’s list. Even after 7 years of being alone, I still can’t figure out what it is I’m supposed to be doing, or remember if I ever had any dreams. One thing is certain, I’ll never look at a 5-gallon bucket the same again…

    9. Brandon

      This is a much needed post in my life! My 5 gallon bucket is keeping my passion for interior design and antiques as a side job or hobby. I want so much for it to be my ocean! Thank you again for a beautifully written post!

    10. Iris

      That’s so funny! Who knew that you would out yourself as a ‘bucket sitter’ one day!!!

    11. Kim

      I love the beach, but really really hate sand !

    12. Melissa Leach

      Great post, Marion.

    13. Krista

      Beautiful post! You made me think and that’s always a good thing. I think I could describe myself as having stepped out of my bucket, just not with both feet. I’m kinda dragging my bucket around for safety reasons. 🙂

    14. Roseann Marsett

      I love this post. It reminds me of my pushing Garth Brook’s “The River” on my kids and step-kids. And I still believe in it. It’s safe on the shore or in the bucket but it’s a big world out there.

    15. SueSchneid22

      One of your best posts…you have so much more to offer than furniture and painting tips!

    16. MICHELLE OKERLUND

      What a great post! I think I’m going to have to explore my ocean and see what is outside of my bucket! Thank you!

    17. Rose

      I have never been a bucket kind of girl I have always loved exploring. However I am afraid of deep water. Afraid of being fully immersed or swept away by the tide, so I guess it is the same thing.
      However as an adult I have tried many times to brave the deep end, slowly, slowly, inch by inch but never made it very far. Just recently I have gathered up the nerve to dive right in with both feet and no preserver. It is intimidating and scary and I always seem to be out of my depth. However I keep hoping that someday I will be able to not only stay afloat but to swim amongst the Sharks. Or maybe my ship will come in ?

    18. Krista

      Hope you had a relaxing vacation at the beach! What a great, thought-provoking post! I loved seeing the old photos! I guess we all have buckets that we can’t quite muster the courage to step out of…I surely do. I have to agree with the Krista right before me…I’m dragging my bucket around for safety reasons too! 🙂

    19. AnnW

      I jumped out of my bucket two summers ago. I took my daughter to Panama for a yoga retreat. I had only taken one class before that. My eBay money paid for a lot of it. After that, I flew to a big city to meet a blogger friend. That could have been risky, but worked out really well. I started working out harder and made it to the Nationals in my sport. This next year I’m going to the Worlds. I’ll be seventy and after 38 years I decided to get divorced. Now I can do anything I want, even it is doing nothing. So anything is possible. Decide to put on your big girl pants and go for it.

    20. Amy K

      What a wonderful post Marian. So positive and encouraging even to this 60 year old. Can’t believe I’m even saying that. I don’t feel that old at all. The 30 yr old still stares back at me from the mirror. I need to step out of the bucket and make my dream of writing a book a reality. It’s so daunting and I’m scared, but now is the time ….I think. Thanks for lifting us all up!

    21. logan wilhelm

      Enjoyed your posts every day, you are a good story teller and you write so well! Thanks!

    22. KitsyKeelSmith

      What a poignant life lesson Marian. My safe place (bucket) is now the shore line. Use to swim in the ocean all the time but about 14 years ago I became terribly afraid of sharks and now refuse to get in the ocean. I miss the fun of rolling with the waves and I especially loved the salty water. My husband and I owned a house and lived on Oak Island for ten years. What an experience it was. Use to kayak in the sound but then became afraid of alligators. Damn, wish I wasn’t so paranoid because I now miss out on all that fun. But for me my safest place is in my swimming pool.

    23. Rose

      Thank you for this life message, I needed that, as I too am at crossroads. At 66 and hopefully retiring in December, I am looking forward to putting some of my own plans in place and seeing them through. Seems like I blinked and now I am 66……that was so fast that I didn’t even feel it.

      I appreciate your posts, as they are reflective, sincere and uplifting.

    24. Laura

      Your words are wonderful, well written and most of all-true.

    25. three stones

      Great post.
      My bucket is now a kayak. I get to explore the ocean but safely (?) in my kayak along the inner maine coast line. Seaweed lurks dark beneath my boat. I try not to look down. Big waves steer me closer to shore for fear of a flip over. I stay away from seal island. Sharks eat seals for snacks.
      Hmmm, maybe I will hop out of the kayak and just look for some sea glass along the waters edge. : )

      You are conjuring up deep thoughts within your readers.

    26. Julie

      SO cute! Thanks for sharing such sweet pictures. You certainly favor your grandmother and she would be so very proud of her namesake. Your posts are always so beautifully done in script, photography, and project content. Thank you for bringing inspiration and joy to your readers on a regular basis. Your dedication is greatly appreciated.

    27. Suzanne

      Thank you for this. You can’t realize how much I needed it today.

    28. Amanda

      Adorable pics of you thanks for sharing. Powerful post, very helpful. I have felt stuck and reading this post was much needed right now. Its time to get out of my bucket and enjoy the ocean.

    29. Vicki

      Live outside “the bucket”

    30. sharon

      Always…always…Always…I’m the WALRUS…I am the OCEAN!!!! No fear…x

    31. Lisa M.

      I love your story! However, I feel the need to let you know of the dangers of not supervising small children around buckets of water. I worked in the ER of a hospital and we had a toddler who fell into one leaning into it and could not get herself out, and sadly drowned. So by all means, let your little one enjoy but be sure you watch them AND empty the bucket when you are through having fun. ❤️

      • marian

        Oh yeah, I totally agree. My parents were always around when I was sitting in the bucket. Kids should be supervised around any kind of water.

    32. Debbie H.

      Such a lovely post, Marian. I cannot thank you enough for your daily inspiration, be it furniture or heart-felt thoughts like this one. You are truly incredible. God bless and thank you so very much!

    33. GS Small

      Oh yes! I stepped out of my bucket at age 29 with two suitcases and a plane ticket, and began a life as an opera singer in a country where I couldn’t even speak the language (Germany). Then, at 40, I recrossed the Atlantic (penniless) and began another life here in my homeland, first as a teacher (of that same foreign language) and finally, for 20 years, as a scientific editor. I worked two full-time jobs and a handful of part-time ones (simultaneously) so as to retire owning my own paid-for home and be debt free. It was ALL very scary, as I had been raised by elderly rural parents two generations older than I who had brought me up very much in a 19th century manner. I am now in my mid 80’s and look back with a bit of awe at how “daring” I was (all things considered). I have read all the comments before mine and want to encourage the ladies who are leaving the security of their own buckets for the first time and making sometimes tentative first steps, outside their earlier secure zones. You can DO it, and the reward will be a new YOU.

    34. Kathy

      I to can relate to most of these posts. I stepped outside my bucket once, but somehow got shoved in once again and not allowed to breath much. I fear of failure and the unknown. I love hearing a lot form my peer group as I’m 56, 2 grown successful children. I have no retirement as it was lost so I’ve always thought I needed to be a “grown up” sacrifice, not get close to the edge, never attemp to fly. I need to hear this today! Thanks so much! Follow that dream for tomorrow isn’t guaranteed.

    35. Cheryl McIntire

      Marian. Thank you for sharing. On the eve of moving to a new house that needs incredible re-loving — I step out of my bucket into the ocean. Scared to death and full of doubts. (What did we do? Why did we do it?) Yet as I step through the threshold each time – there is a bubble of excitement . And the question of where do I out the goodies I have of yours. You are not only a beautiful restorer of furniture but of souls as well.

    36. TRACY

      I am currently sitting in the bucket, but only because of the fact that my well’s (ocean) run dry.
      As in no extra funds to do anything but sit in the bucket.
      And as a former thumb sucker myself-I understand. Who wants a thumb with sand all over it?!? 😀

    37. Barbara

      Marian,

      First….I just love your photos, you are so stinkin cute. You have not changed one bit as they say:-) And your Oma…how sweet. So funny that you found the family trait of sitting in buckets. So happy you were able to spend time at the beach….and do cross stitch if that is what you wanted to do!

      I am so happy I have found a kindred spirit in so so many ways. I am right there with you, not liking the sand. As I told you, I am way to Type A for sand all over, HA.

      There are a lot of things I am in the Bucket about, and I blame most of it on my health. I try to evaluate if that is legitimate or not. And most of the time it is….but often it is very frustrating to limited so much.I would love to venture out of the bucket.

      Thanks for the kick in the pants Marian. As always, it is so nice to come here for inspiration and ideas…in many many areas…I love it.

    38. Ellenann

      Simply love the “buckets”! Especially, the picture of your grandmother. It’s just priceless!

    39. tricia

      Our daughter did the exact same thing as a child!! I thought it was just her, but also a kid (now grown woman) with a very creative mind. Love the story 🙂

    40. Cindy

      Needed this today!
      If I’m ever going to ride to the top I must get out of this current bucket! Yet, I will be going into another bucket for a short time till I can finally go into the ocean again.
      Physical limitations for an advid walker/runner and hairdresser at such a young age has really got the best of me lately. Once I get my new hips I’m praying I will be me again and swim!!! Ty for the post

      • Judy Lott

        I am sitting in a bucket at age 71. Adult children want nothing to do with me and have influenced adult grandchildren to do the same. I am caregiver for spouse who has heart disease. I need to make a new life without family. How do I do that at age 71 ?

    41. mary roberts

      Beautiful. 🙂 Thank you Marian!

    42. Sheran

      This is hands down my favorite post, Marian! So endearing and wise. Just spent a week at Myrtle Beach myself recently.

    43. Sherry Nerreau

      What a beautiful post Marian! How lucky we all are that you stepped out of your bucket. I’m getting ready to do some of that myself soon. 🙂

    44. Mary

      Oh my gosh, I couldn’t stop laughing at you and all of your relatives in the buckets! Charming post! So true!

    45. Tina Evans

      I love everything about your blog, but I really love when you show your writer side. I understand about buckets and the ocean, so your post has moved me. Keep writing and posting beautiful things like this.

    Pin It on Pinterest

    Share This