When the time is right

Yesterday I overcame two of my greatest fears: the fear of water, and of heights. I went to the swim center to swim some laps. I looked over at the ominous pool with the depth of 13 feet, and watched people diving off of the diving boards. I felt as though I was missing out on something. I wanted so much to feel the freedom of falling into the water, and becoming buoyant. I watched as Chris went off the diving board, and upon his return, something inside of me urged me to cease living vicariously through others. I decided it was time.

I walked to the diving board, walked up the stairs and moved toward the end of the diving board. My heart was racing, and for a few moments, I was frozen in time. I felt a deafening silence, and suddenly I was forced to face the fears that had lingered for so long. I took a deep breath, and jumped. I emerged from the water a new being. Something inside of me had changed. I am aware that for some this feat may seem trivial, but for me it was a magnanimous event. As I swam to the ladder to get out of the pool, I felt proud of myself. I decided that I would utilize the momentum from this accomplishment to push myself even further. I walked toward the highest diving board. When I reached the edge, I felt my breath leave me momentarily. I was higher up than I thought I would be. I stood there looking down below. The water seemed so far away from me. I wanted so badly to retreat back down the ladder. From a distance, I watched as Chris gave me a thumbs up and nodded his head in approval. I knew there was no turning back. This time I took 3 deep breaths before I descended down towards my liquid haven. And just like that, my fears were conquered.