The day I jumped off the top board
A ‘One day’ story
It was maybe 1980, 45 years ago, and yet as I think about it, I can still feel the anticipation as I walked back and forth on the board.
During swimming lessons on Wednesday, someone said we could jump off the top board.
I found my way up the steps. Once up there looking down, I was terrified. Yet I had seen others jump, and something within me wanted to. I paced backwards and forwards, looking over as I reached the edge. It seemed to last a while, but suddenly, my body jumped, and I was in the air, then quickly in the water. I was exhilarated.
I have found my way back to that board many times since, although most often in my mind. When I am feeling extremely nervous, I am back on that board, and I am reminded that I was anxious then. Then that jump occurs, and I have gone from being nervous to whatever I am supposed to be doing.
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