Monday, June 1, 2009

Conquering fears, one drink at a time...

For as long as I can remember, I've had a fear of drowning. I can handle swimming pools, but lakes, oceans, and rivers freak me out. I will go boating on the lake, but, in my head, I am constantly plotting my escape in case we capsize. As much as I would love to travel to Europe and Australia...I am too afraid to fly over oceans. The One really wants to go on a cruise...yeah, I DON'T THINK SO!! I'm no moron...I saw Titanic!!

I've thought long and hard, but, I don't remember a specific event that might've triggered my fear. I've even thought a little on past lives. I don't know if I really buy into that idea, but I did read a good book on it called, Only Love is Real.

I went so far as to do a craniosacral therapy session with the owner of the yoga studio I used to work for, to address headaches, jaw pain, TMJ, and my fear of water. He did some guided imagery taking me back to times where I began clenching my jaw and holding onto pain. And, more than a few times, water came up. Images of raging rivers kept popping into my head. An image of a pond that I visited frequently as a child came to mind. I envisioned myself sitting next to it, at night...the moon was reflected off the water, which was dark and ink-like. Very eerie! These images weren't necessarily memories, but, they might've been.

Anyway, this weekend, I faced my fears and went boating with some of our good friends. Now, getting my ass on a boat is one thing...but, skiing and wakeboarding and tubing...that is just ridiculous! Why in the hell would I want to be drug around the lake...white knuckling every second of the ride, until my fingers give out, or the sadist driving the boat goes fast enough, or turns hard enough to throw me off!! Sounds like a blast to me!!!

I discovered that all it takes to conquer my fear, is a little Red Bull and vodka. Okay, a little more than a little. Fine...A LOT of Red Bull and vodka is all I need to face my fears!

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Would you just look at my face...can't you see the terror!!

9 comments:

Kameron said...

Good job on getting in the water! Lakes and the Ocean always freak me out just becsause I can't see what's under the water. I can go swimming in water where I can see my feet. I sometimes go in the ocean and if something touches my feet or ankles I freak out and have to get out immediately!!

Tina said...

Great job....looks like you had a lot of fun.

We love the lake and spend lots of time camping.

I know what you mean about a cruise though....I can't wrap my arms around not being able to see land.

Alicia W. said...

Your face is PRICELESS! I love that you got tanked then jumped on a float being pulled by a speeding boat. You go girl!

So proud of you.

Heidi said...

Looks like so much fun. Can you send over some Red Bull& Vodka today? I am in need!

Musings of the Mrs. said...

Redbull and Vodka does make you into a superhero. Just look at you on that tube. Good going!

Brooke said...

Isn't there slogan "Redbull gives you wings"? Yep, wings of courage. I love that stuff, especially with vodka.

I have a fear of dying a slow, painful death by drowning. Could be the awful ordeal when I was a kid and a friend of mine was trying to teach me to swim in the deep end....long story short, she drowned and was rescued right before my eyes and spent a week in the hospital. Yeah, even swim lessons with a professional after that didn't help me.

Kel said...

looks like it did the job! I love going on the lake but cant remember the last time I i was.

Rob said...

Looks like the Vodka and Red Bull worked. Hopefully you will be able to try it again without the drinks :)

Just a thought.

heidi said...

WOoohooo!!! Go you!!!!