Submerged

I felt a tug in my heart.

No longer a whisper but a force leading towards a familiar vision.

This persistent dream had been with me since I was eleven.

It was a fantasy determined to emerge into my reality.

Being one with the ocean.

I felt like I needed to be submerged, exploring, seeing, feeling.

And I wanted to do it on my own.

I did, Aug 2022

I found myself in a remote one acre island

No internet, No cell phone reception.

With 15 total strangers also on their first solo trip.

Preparing to make it down 60 ft under water in one week.

Jumping in the ocean minutes after arrival

Clearly seeing nursing sharks a few feet away from us

"You all are good swimmers, right?!"

The master scuba diver instructor did not leave room to hesitate.

There was no option to think or be scared.

This was it.

The next few days tested me like never before in my life.

Training for emergency situations under water meant performing chilling tasks.

They required constant self talk.

To remind yourself that I am safe.

To appreciate the amazing experience of seeing the beautiful Caribbean underwater world.

I felt privileged and so much peace.

It was a dream that became my reality.

I am so proud of myself for listening to my heart.
I am so proud of myself for pushing through the fear
I am so proud of myself for trusting my intuition.
I am so proud of myself for discerning the instilled doubt by others.
I am so proud of myself for making it happen all on my own. 

And I thank God for being my constant light in it all,

As always.

Belize

You've imprinted in my heart one of the most life changing experiences.

The way that I jumped in and swam pushing through the fear

Tapping into immense appreciation and excitement

Has become the way I dive into life and its exciting challenges.

And with this, I know I will swim.