The Plunge: Courage, Letting Go, and Embracing the Unknown
There’s something powerful that happens when you choose to do the thing you said you never would.
Recently, I joined a group of incredible businesswomen for a Palm Springs-style content shoot in a stunning coastal home. The space was like something out of a lifestyle magazine—lush greenery, soft tones, and a sparkling pool glistening in the autumn sun.
Prior to the day, our content creator floated the idea that anyone who felt brave enough could take the plunge—fully clothed—into the pool to capture some fun, unexpected behind-the-scenes footage.
My immediate reaction? Absolutely not.
Firstly, it was autumn and the thought of being cold was not my idea of fun. But even more than that, I carry a deep-rooted fear of deep water. A fear born from a terrifying moment in Karijini, where I found myself stuck mid-swim, with no shallow end in sight and panic rising in my chest. My brain now protects me from ever getting close to that kind of experience again.
But for some reason, on this particular day, something inside nudged me. The forecast promised warmth—a rare 30-degree day—and without really knowing why, I packed a towel, a hairbrush, and a change of clothes. Just in case.
When I arrived, I quickly realised no one else had brought their necessary towel and clothes to change into. Not one. Except the content creator who had suggested it in the first place. I felt a bit silly, truth be told. But I shrugged it off and carried on filming, laughing, and enjoying the experience.
Eventually, we gathered poolside, soaking in the slower rhythm of the afternoon sun. And that’s when I felt it again—that quiet nudge.
Something was unfinished.
I asked if someone could film me dancing around the pool—something light, fun, and playful. Immediately someone offered, and before I knew it, I was twirling and laughing, barefoot and free, letting go of all that had been holding me back.
And then I walked to the edge of the pool.
I dipped my toes in.
To my surprise, the water was warm—like a gentle invitation. And just like that, I knew. It was time.
I stepped down into the shallow water, removed some jewellery (but forgot my Apple Watch—oops!), and with a deep breath and a a sense of spontaniety, I dove in fully clothed.
As I surfaced, the sensation washed over me.
Release.
Freedom.
Joy.
I swam to the deep end, flipped onto my back, and floated—fully supported, fully present. Every cell in my body softened. I felt courageous, alive, and connected with a part of myself that had been hidden under fear and self-protection.
I called to the others, inviting them in. But no one felt ready—except for the beautiful content creator who had first planted the idea. With a grin, she joined me. Clothes and all.
After floating for a while, I climbed out and, in a moment of self-consciousness, glanced down at my clingy, soaked white shirt. For a split second, the voice of insecurity whispered, trying to rob the beauty of what I’d just experienced.
But I turned to my fellow pool buddy, took her hand, and said, “Let’s jump in together.”
Hand in hand, we took the leap—this time, straight into the deep end.
And when I rose to the surface, a smile spread across my face. Not just from the fun or the spontaneity… but from the knowing:
I had faced my fear.
I had silenced my inner critic.
I had said yes to play. Yes to trust. Yes to the unknown.
What I Learned About Myself in That Moment
That pool became more than a backdrop—it became a mirror. And what it revealed to me was this:
✨ I often lead with protection. Out of fear or insecurity, I can default to self-preservation. But here’s the thing—I still pack the bag. Even when I’m unsure, even when I’m scared, I prepare myself as if I might say yes. There’s a quiet courage that lives in me.
✨ I tend to ‘test the waters.’ I don’t often leap without feeling first. I dip my toes, stand on the shallow step, and take in the moment. I honour the transition between fear and action.
✨ Then, I plunge anyway. Once I’ve felt the edge, I often choose to go all in—even if my heart’s pounding. I carry a determination and resilience that shows up when it matters most.
✨ And when I find safety and connection in that space? I extend the invitation. I don’t enjoy travelling alone. I love to take others with me—to create space for them to experience the same freedom and joy.
This experience was more than just a fun moment captured on camera. It was a living metaphor for how I face the unknown: small steps, inner courage, and the faith that the water will hold me.
Because more than anything, I long for a life of freedom, playfulness, connection, and joy. And I’m willing to move through fear to get there.
Reflection Prompt
Where in your life is fear keeping you stuck at the edge?
Are you someone who packs the bag “just in case”?
What could shift if you dared to dip your toe in?
What’s waiting for you on the other side of that plunge?