The swimming teacher’s instructions were clear. Step out and off the block, surface, tread water for one minute, then swim to the side of the pool and climb out. I was last in line, and the preceding learn-to-swim student had just climbed out of the pool.

It was my turn.

My seven-year-old legs trembled as I stood on starting block one. The “big deep end” of the Olympic size pool seemed bottomless as I gazed down from this height.

With judgement clouded by fear, I aimed to get as close to the safety of the side of the pool as possible, and instead of stepping out and off, I turned and jumped towards the side of the pool.

It must have been a mighty leap because whamm!! My chin struck the edge and I sank like a log. I recall the sickening pain as I gazed up and saw a hand reach down through the water and grab me. I can’t explain how I didn’t lose teeth or break my jaw. I was bruised and sore, but I would be okay.

Aren’t we all like this little child sometimes?

We feel led to step out in a particular direction, but then allow fear to convince us there is a better way, a safer way, a more comfortable or quicker way.

I’ll be honest. I feel like I’m up on the starting block right now. I have a little counselling business all set up and ready to go. The website, business cards, professional registration, insurance etc are done and I have a home office space just requiring a few final touches. 

But it’s so scary staring into the deep waters of the unknown. It takes time and effort and putting yourself out there to build even a small business. My introvert self is inwardly cringing at the thought that if I go ahead with this, I might actually need to network. Cringe. 

“You’re ready to launch!” says the university lecturer I have kept in touch with.

“You’ve got the empathy and skills”, says my professional supervisor.

“You’ll be great!” say my family.

But my 50++year-old legs feel rather trembly.

Once my current job finishes at the end of this year, everything within me wants to jump toward the safety of finding a new paid position (with job security and predictability).

Yet I’m precisely up here because during cancer recovery several years ago, I felt it was time to finally get the formal qualifications in the area I have always felt drawn to… counselling.

Lord, thank you that when we step out, whatever that looks like for each of us, You’re always there cheering us on.

What’s your scary thing right now?

🙂

©️ Quietly Roaring. 2025.