Just Keep Swimming: From Joyful Triumphs to Limiting Beliefs
"Getting over your fear without doing anything scary is like learning to swim before you go near the water — it’d be nice if such a thing were possible, but it ain’t." — Martha Beck, Finding Your Own North Star
A recent adventure at a New Hampshire lake with our four-year-old granddaughter offered a vivid lesson in how limiting beliefs are created and how they can hold us back from experiencing pure joy and freedom.
The first day was full of excitement. The lake shimmered under the summer sun as we, including our granddaughter in her brightly colored life jacket, waded into the water. She was thrilled to practice swimming, buoyed by the security of her preserver. We swam together, rested on the large boulders just under the water, and even made our way to a raft about 50 yards away, celebrating each splash and smile along the way.
As we headed back to shore from the raft, she accidentally bumped her foot on a submerged rock. Although the bump left only a small red mark, she was shocked and upset and needed reassurance that everything was ok. We put some ice on her foot and got her a bandaid and after drying off went on with our day.
The next morning, despite the beautiful weather, her excitement about swimming had changed. At the water’s edge, she hesitated, her earlier giggles replaced by whines and cries of apprehension. The small mishap from the previous day had clearly taken a toll on her. Despite her grandfather’s reassurances and tips on avoiding the rocky areas, her anxiety persisted. What had been a small bump had now become a mental barrier, overshadowing her initial enthusiasm.
The small mishap from the previous day had clearly taken a toll on her. Despite her grandfather’s reassurances and tips on avoiding the rocky areas, her anxiety persisted. What had been a small bump had now become a mental barrier, overshadowing her initial enthusiasm.
This experience at the lake highlighted a crucial lesson: overcoming fears often requires confronting them directly. Our granddaughter’s struggle showed how unexpected circumstances can create invisible obstacles, turning something joyful into something daunting. It’s a reminder that while setbacks are disheartening, they don’t have to define our future experiences. With patience and support, we can navigate past these fears and rediscover the joy that once came so easily.
If you find yourself struggling with fears or setbacks that are holding you back, you’re not alone. As a life coach, I’m able to help you identify limiting beliefs and challenge them so you can embrace new opportunities with confidence. We can work together to turn those “submerged rocks” into stepping stones so you can get back into the water and just keep swimming. True growth comes from diving in, even when the water seems intimidating. Don’t let fear keep you on the shore—contact me today for a free consultation.
Reflection: Think about a time when a small setback caused you to hesitate or retreat from something you once enjoyed. How did this experience affect your enthusiasm and confidence?
Action: Identify one area in your life where fear or a limiting belief is holding you back. Take one small but concrete step towards addressing this fear. It could be as simple as making a plan to confront the fear or reaching out for support.
Tool: Byron Katie’s, The Work