Columbus was wrong. The world is flat. Fizzless. Flatter than a 2-liter bottle of pop that has been left with the top off for far too long. When change is the only thing more despised than the way things are, something has to—ahem—change.

Don’t do that! You’ll make waves! Waves are not flat, and like change, they never stop. They can gently rinse the sand from your toes or completely knock you off your feet. How you face them makes all the difference.

Listen, now, all would-be wavemakers past, present, and future:

You are a wavemaker. You can ebb and you can crash, but when you crest you are beautiful.

Love the certainty that uncertainty is a life-time guarantee. Every day is a do-over.

See past the horizon and never doubt the world will feel the impact of your beliefs, your choices, and your actions.

You are a wavemaker. You can ebb and you can crash, but when you crest you are beautiful.

Know your vision is worthy to be shared. Release it.

See your ideas wash upon the shore, scooped into treasure-seekers’ buckets.

You are a wavemaker. You can ebb and you can crash, but when you crest you are beautiful.

Shout your thoughts into the foamy curls. Obliviate the flatness.

See the boats rock and feel the water churn. Yes, that was you.

You are a wavemaker. You can ebb and you can crash, but when you crest you are beautiful.