Set Your Course – Full Speed Ahead

Sheri and Bill Eppright
Sep 10
4 min read

Image of cruise ship leaving port with words on image "Set Your Course Port Full Speed Ahead" - Sheri & Bill (Original photography by Sheri & Bill) — Set your course - Full Speed ahead! Sheri & Bill (Original photography by Sheri & Bill)

To reach a port, we must sail - sail, not tie at anchor, sail, not drift.” FDR

Feel the energy in that moment when a ship leaves port. The land is still in view, but slowly fading. The water opens wide in front of you, the course is charted, and the engines hum with quiet confidence. You’re not quite there yet, but you’re not where you were either.

That’s the moment this photo captures - the in-between, the turning point between planning and motion, comfort and courage.

Sheri: I stood at the railing and watched the shoreline slide away behind us. It made me think of how often we try to move forward in life while still holding tight to the dock. Letting go isn’t always dramatic, just a quiet, willing release. - a soft goodbye to what you no longer need.

Bill: When a ship sets sail, the anchor has to be pulled in. Simple, right? But in real life, we sometimes forget to lift our emotional anchors - fear, doubt, old habits. We wonder why we’re not getting anywhere, but we’re still tethered to yesterday. To move forward, you’ve got to untie a few things.

The ship trusts the map, the crew, the build of its hull - and off it goes. So should we. Take a deep breath… and lift the anchor.

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” — André Gide

“A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” — John A. Shedd

Positive Reflections

Sheri: Writing and releasing our first book this summer felt much like setting sail into uncharted waters. The process has been both exhilarating and humbling - full of anticipation, uncertainty, and the thrill of exploration. This experience has reminded me that growth often begins when we let go of what’s familiar and allow ourselves to be carried forward by the unknown.

Bill: If writing a book is like setting sail, then I must be the guy running around the deck yelling, “Wait - did anyone check for holes?” I thought releasing our first book felt a bit like tossing our message in a bottle and hoping it didn’t wash up in our own backyard. It’s been a wild, rewarding adventure full of late-night edits, brainstorming, and moments of, “Whose idea was this again?” But seeing our first book out in the world has been amazing, like watching your homemade raft not only float, but actually pick up speed. I’d do it again…and we will: we have another book coming out in October and another one in January!

Music Moments…

This week we’re focusing on songs for moving forward!

“Sailing” – Christopher Cross (1979) … A calm and hopeful tune that captures the peace of letting go and trusting the journey.

“Go Your Own Way” – Fleetwood Mac (1977) … For those moments when leaving the dock feels bold, and necessary.

“Come Sail Away” – Styx (1977)A dramatic, uplifting rock ballad that starts gentle and builds into a full-throttle call to adventure—perfect for when the horizon is calling and there’s no turning back.

Tell us what songs encourage you to move forward.

📚 Want more Positivity?

Pictures, Pen and Positivity – A Bright Perspective of Everyday Stuff

Blending Sheri’s thoughtful voice with Bill’s signature humor, this book feels like a chat with two friends who help you notice the good, stay grounded, and laugh a little more along the way.

· Lighthearted stories to entertain and inspire

· Photos that bring moments to life

· Poetry to leave you with a smile

· A perfect gift of Positivity

This is a warm, witty collection in the spirit of Robert Fulghum and Nora Ephron. It's also perfect for readers who enjoy the conversational tone of Mitch Albom and the humor of Bob Goff.

Available in eBook, Paperback and Hardcover:

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