Why do some moments shift us forever, and others change nothing despite all our effort?

There was a time in my life when I was in a lot of pain, actual physical pain. For four years, the entire left side of my body hurt so badly that I could barely sleep at night.

It was difficult to bear, but the mental pain was worse. I would lie awake, haunted by the thought that something was seriously wrong with me, that I might even die from it.

Even though part of me knew this probably wasn’t true, the thought still made me anxious and heavy with dread.

I saw all kinds of doctors searching for answers. But no one could find a cause. Eventually, a specialist told me it was “all in my head.”

That made me furious! It felt like he was saying it wasn’t real.

I tried so many things to feel better — painkillers, cognitive behavioral therapy, walking, osteopathic treatment — you name it. Some of it helped, but nothing brought lasting relief.

And then, quite unexpectedly, the pain disappeare...

Dear Reader,

I hope you're having a wonderful summer wherever you are. Here's a little story about change ...

I spent my first 11 years in Florida☀️🌴, and I’ve been terrified of the ocean for as long as I can remember. 😨 🌊

Walking along the beach, no problem. Immersing myself in the salty water with waves slapping was almost always a "no thank you."

I tried to make myself get in so many times, but enjoyment is another thing entirely. So, I didn’t consider changing it this late in the game.

The fear belonged to me and who I am—or so I believed. Surprisingly, I spent hours every day last week swimming in the ocean.

I’ve got these nerdy kid goggles, white-rimmed with large-looking glasses. They suction to my face perfectly. Once I’ve rubbed off the mascara that gets on the inside, I can see everything. 🥽 🏊

Last year, I learned to love looking around underwater in the pool when I started swimming laps to reduce my anxiety and panic attacks.

Underwater in the ocean, I feel like a me...