I’m doing this for Flash

It’s been an overwhelming day…

I started to conquer my fear of water this lunchtime, and whilst watching Marley and Me this evening, the reason behind why I’m learning to swim hit me hard.

I don’t want to carry on with any fears. I want to use 2018 to my advantage, and overcome something I’ve always wanted to overcome.

Yet, 12 years ago, my four-legged best friend and brother, Flash, stopped me from committing suicide. Death was upon me then, and death was upon me at the age of 4, during a near drowning tragedy.

I’m combining the two. I’m using Flash’s heroic actions, as my way to overcome my drowning fear. I thought about him tonight. I thought about him at my swimming lesson. I thought about why I’m fundraising for an animal charity next July (swimming challenge and charity to be confirmed in December), and it’s to say thank you.

I want to say thank you. I need to say thank you. Flash saved my life. He kept me going. When I was down, his warm nature turned my frown upside down. I smiled at the end of today’s swimming lesson. Who would have thought that? Who would have thought I’d even consider taking on a swimming challenge?

The 11 challenges next year are opportunities. Opportunities to grow. Opportunities to learn. Opportunities to conquer. Add that to a story, and it’s a powerful message. An opportunity has a purpose. Learning with Wessex Swim School is a blessing in disguise. Not only will I learn to love water, I’ll be commemorating my best friend’s life by giving more people an opportunity to have a furry companion in their life.

Next week, I’ll share with you what happened in lesson 1, and if you haven’t already, give ‘No More Fears‘ blog post a read to find out more about why I’ve stayed away from the pool.