I love swimming but I never have been a fan of cold water. Probably because I grew up in Texas and spent summers swimming in pools that were like bath water. So when faced with a cold water swimming opportunity, I have always eased my way in. First feeling the water with my hand, then stepping in ankle deep, and gradually making my way to full submersion after I got used to the temperature. This past weekend, I was at the ocean and wanted to swim. As I walked down the beach and felt the cold water splash around my feet, I became aware of my scaredy cat pattern as I watched others dive right in. I observed them pop out of the water with expressions of exhilaration and joy while the expression on my face was one of trepidation. They were frolicking around and enjoying a swim while I was lingering at the shallow end over thinking my approach. All of a sudden an overwhelming desire to drown my scaredy-cat took over. I took a few steps back to get a running start and jumped right into the ocean. I felt so incredibly alive and free.
What a metaphor! I thought about how I have been slowed down by fear and have tried to get used to changes slowly rather than just taking a plunge. Can you relate? Do you ever find yourself trying to comfortably ease your way into things, making sure they are “safe” rather than diving into your life? Are there changes you want to make or actions you want to take but hesitation is keeping you lingering only ankle deep in your own life? Life in the shallow end of the pool may feel more comfortable, but isn’t there a part of you that wants to dive in and discover the deeper end of life? So go on, jump in, get your hair wet and submerge yourself into the exhilaration that life has to offer.
There’s only so much you can learn in one place.The more that you wait, the more time that you waste. Are you ready to JUMP?
UPlifting action: Jump in! It doesn’t matter if it’s an ocean, lake, or community pool at your local YMCA, find a body of water to jump into and go swimming. No standing at the ledge easing yourself in. Count to three and jump in. It will be exhilarating – and the colder the water the better! Allow your jump to be symbolic of your willingness to dive into your life instead of attempting to control and ease your way through it.
Fondly,
Christine
“If you want to learn to swim jump into the water. On dry land no frame of
mind is ever going to help you”
- Bruce Lee
