A Dip in the Ocean

Nervous energy courses through my veins, spurring me on
The tension builds, adrenaline flows
The internal pep talk begins
"You can do this!"
"Step up,"
"It is but a single moment in time."
I approach the beach
The sea is beckoning
Teasing me, enticing me
I gaze out longingly.
I want to do this,
I will do this!
I'm ready.
I kick off my shoes and take flight
Runing down the beach
Generating momentum
Attempting to build heat
Suddenly a pebble grabs my attention
I stop fleetingly before I recognise this for what it is...
A delaying tactic
A chance for my conscious mind to talk me down
I stop and re-focus
Lets do this!
The icy water meets my toes
Ripples emanating from every step
A blanket of never ending circles dancing around my legs
I'm communicating with the sea
I go deeper
It's hard to breathe
My breath comes in gasps
I struggle to maintain a steady rhythm
The power of the ocean is intense, mesmerising
But still it draws me deeper
A wave emerges effortlessly from the infinite turquoise carpet
It's tip building to a bubbling mass of white
Glistening brightly, reflecting the sun overhead
I leap towards the heavens as it crashes down around me
Soaking me from head to foot
I'm done!
I turn and head for the safety of the shore
But as I do, something strange happens
As the cold penetrates the very essence of my soul
An inner longing stirs deep inside
A spark is ignited
A burst of electricity spreads through me
Energy races from cell to cell
Awakening every sense in my body
I gaze longingly back at the crystal clear waters
I'm hooked,
I want more,
I'm going in again.
This time it's easier, warmer
I'm afloat on an inner buzz
I ride the crest of a wave
My first few strokes in the ocean
A smile breaks from my lips
I'm elated, invigorated
Ready for the day
I give myself a pat on the back
"I knew you could do it"
I feel a sense of pride, and if I'm honest, a little flutter of relief rise up inside
I fist bump the air
MIssion accomplished!
I feel a deep sense of completion
An inner stillness
I will be back
Of that I'm sure