I used to be scared of open waters.
Don’t get me wrong, I love water, always have, and I am a decent swimmer, but open waters used to freak me out until I decided to overcome this fear that had become so big in my mind. It has been an amazing journey ever since.
Back then I was a passionate trailrunner. We lived right at the forest and I loved running muddy paths and being surrounded by shades of green. I also loved my bike and swimming, so the idea of training for a Triathlon seemed like a great idea.
There was just one obstacle: overcoming the fear of open waters.
My first attempt in simply putting on a wetsuit and crossing the local lake almost ended in an anxiety attack in the middle of the lake.
Feedback understood, that obviously did not work.
Next I started Stand Up Paddling which turned out to be a great way for me to slowly and surely face my fear and transform it into a healthy and respectful relationship.
With every paddle my confidence grew and soon I would start surfing.
I never signed up for a Triathlon. In trying to overcome the biggest obstacle holding me back, I actually fell in love with the obstacle, trading in everything else and completely immersing myself into the big blue. I can’t get enough, I am in love with the ocean and it has become the center of my life.
My point is, the only thing holding you back from being who you want to be is your mind. No matter what you want to do, who you want to be, it is possible!
There is always a way, sometimes it will take a while, but most certainly it is possible to make your dreams come true. Everything you want is on the other side of fear and courage is not the absence of fear but the mental strength to push beyond it. Changing the mindset to see possibilities where obstacles used to be and taking it a day at a time is the first step towards transformation.
And who knows what happens on the way, what surprises are waiting for you. Turns out I am not a Triathlete but a Surfer and a Stand up Paddler.