Originally Published: January 31st, 2025

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2026

The thing I am most scared to do?

Swimming in lakes and the ocean.

I have the “Jaws” trauma – you know – fear something I can’t see under the water is going to bite me, attack me, eat me whole.

Even in the lake we live on!

I don’t think shark – I think someone dumped an alligator in the lake and will get me.

I have swam with Loons very near to me – and when they dive I’ve imagined they pole at me!

Most awfully is the thought of a snapping turtle biting me!

I do not stop myself from swimming off our lakefront property. However, I do continue to manage the alligator, loons, snapping turtle thoughts that enter my head while swimming across the lake.

I find singing the mantra, “Om Mani Padme Hum” helps keep my focus on swimming, rather than my thoughts.

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Over a decade ago, I was a sea kayak guide at East Coast Outfitters. I loved the thrill of it. Especially practicing open water rescues.

You know, purposefully tipping over into the ice cold waters of the Altantic.

Experiencing that sharp cold water gasp, while trying not to inhale water.

Keeping my cool as I am positioned in my boat, only upside down.

In this position, I trace my fingers along the cockpit’s coaming to find then pull the “holy shit handle” of my skirt, pop it, then push myself out of my boat to the surface.

While never letting go of my kayak, I look for my paddle that is usually very near the boat

While holding the boat, I then while swim to get it.

With paddle and boat in hand, I pull myself along the deck lines to the bow.

I tuck my paddle under my arm pit then with both hands I grab the bow of my boat.

With all my strength while kicking up as hard as I can, I flip my kayak right-ways up.

While still holding my boat, I secure my paddle in the bow deck lines.

I hold the deck lines as I swim to locate myself behind the cockpit.

I grab the furthest deck lines across from me, bring my legs to the surface and kick as hard as I can as I pull myself up across the deck.

With careful balance, I turn myself to face the bow, bring my legs up to slowly shimmy up past the cockpit and lower my bum into it.

I get my legs in, put my feet on the foot pegs, and get myself settled.

I then use the bilge pump to empty the water in the cockpit.

Once done, I reseal my skirt, grab my paddle and continue on!

Would I do this now?

Nope.

Not with the recent increase of Great White Sharks swimming the shores of Nova Scotia.

There is no way I would this again!

The only way I would do an open water rescue is if there were an underwater diving team scouting for sharks!

Then, maybe I would put myself back into the open waters of Atlantic Ocean!

S, 🌻

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Skydiving – I’ve Tandem Jumped – However – The Thing I Am Most Scared To Do Is Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) Lessons

My husband has been skydiving for over 40 years.

He’s very good at it.

I’ve always wanted to be brave enough to jump out of a plane, free fall, then glide back down to earth, but my fear of heights is debilitating.

However, I did brave a tandem jump and the experience was unforgettable.

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The most terrifying part of the experience was when Tandem Master Macko and I slid along the floor of the plane towards its open door.

My entire nervous system went into “Wait! What! Plane doors should not be open while it is flying!”.

Then my fear multiplied as I hung like a baby in a harness over the side of the plane.

My feet dangling like chimes in the wind.

One.

Two.

Three.

Headfirst we dove, in the videos you can see the terror on my face.

Then, as we straighten out, I experience pure joy during free fall.

That I will never forget.

Will I ever take Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) skydiving lessons?

Probably not.

I think…

S, 🪂

Ps… The first video is the cameraman Jesse’s view of my jump. The second video is Tandem Master Macko’s view of my jump.

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