Last week I spent seven glorious days sailing in and out of five Caribbean ports. I did something I never did before and that experience not only gave me the confidence to do it again but helped me understand there’s a whole new world we get to explore once we muster up the courage to do it.
How it all started
I’ve gone on cruises before and I’ve tried snorkeling at various beautiful beaches but this time was different. This time I had my own snorkeling equipment and an extremely patient boyfriend who gently suggested I try the new snorkeling mask before we go in the big ocean the next day. You see my immediate plan was to swim in the shallow water and not get off the big catamaran the next day.
But something changed
After a few failed attempts and ingesting more salt water than I’d care to confess, I decided to keep at it instead of quitting like I’ve done in the past. I enjoyed seeing all the colorful fish and wanted to venture out a little farther but liked the comfort of knowing I could plant my feet firmly on the ocean floor whenever I wanted. After staying at it for about 30 minutes I felt a lot more confident and decided to face my fears and snorkel in the Caribbean Sea the next day.
As the Catamaran pulled out of port I started second guessing my decision. As we entered the small cove with the sunken ship the captain turned off the engine as the crew passed out snorkel vests. This was a game changer and seemed to calm my nerves.
Fears can keep you from seeing some amazing sights
Once in the water, I put on my scuba mask and started exploring the sights. All of a sudden I couldn’t breathe and panicked a little. Sensing my fear, the boyfriend suggested I breathe really hard through the tube to clear it. Once again, I was ready to quit until he grabbed my hand and suggested we venture towards the shipwreck together. Slowly my confidence resurfaced and I began focusing on all the beautiful creatures under the sea instead of my inability to breathe.
So grateful I faced my fears
Watching all of the multi-colored fish in their natural habitat along with the beautiful sea coral swaying ever so gently back and forth helped me realize how grateful I was to witness this beautiful underwater environment. Seeing how all of the fish and other sea creatures coexist effortlessly helped me realize that life is really beautiful when you relax, face your fears and go with the flow. And to think I would never have seen this peaceful paradise if I allowed fear and panic to keep me on the boat instead of witnessing all the beautiful sights under the sea.
Your turn
Is there something you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t because you’re too afraid?
How about you spend a few minutes exploring what you’re really afraid of. It’s super easy to do. Just ask yourself why after every answer.
Here’s my example:
I can’t snorkel in the ocean.
Why?
Because I’m scared?
Why?
Because I can’t stand up.
Why?
Because I will panic and not be able to swim and drown.
I realized I was afraid of drowning which was very rational. I thought if the water was too deep I definitely wouldn’t be able to swim fast enough to get back to the boat. I equated feet firmly planted on the ocean floor with safety and if the water was too deep I’d definitely drown. None of this would be true in most circumstances because I know how to swim. My chances of drowning would be even lower if I put on a life jacket or snorkel vest.
Sometimes it takes six tries before finding the real truth yet it’s important to keep at it because that’s the only way you’ll ever be able to get to the root of your fear and overcome it.
This experience was life-changing because I realized trying new things that scare the hell out of me is what living a happy life is all about. Pushing the limits of what I think is really possible gives me the courage to do other things in life that can, on the surface, seem really scary. I’m now ready to explore more underwater life and gain deeper insights into life under the sea.
I’d love for you to share the fears you’ve overcome in the past and what propelled you to face them. By doing this we get to share our stories and learn from others as well. Thanks for subscribing to my newsletter and I wish you all the best in the New Year!