Tidal waves

Life often engulfs one like a tidal wave, filled with activity and stimulation. These waves can at times be overwhelming, they afford one with peaks and crests of wonder, and at times coupled with troughs of despair. The saying, "when it rains, it pours," is similar to the tidal wave analogy--far more image-evoking though--don't you think? Would we not prefer to live in the crests and troughs of these waves rather than reside in the stagnant stillness of the open sea? But, then again, I suppose it depends upon what kind of surfing you like?