The Story of My Biggest Fear

Hi everyone! 

Have you ever had any big fear? I know I had! My biggest fear used to be swimming. When I was in kindergarten, I went swimming with my class. I was at the edge of the pool with my legs in the water. Then I slipped into the pool and almost drowned. I remember I drank a lot of pool water through my mouth plus nose. The lifeguard pulled me out of the water, but I still struggled to breathe. I don’t exactly remember why they didn’t give me a life jacket. They called my parents and told them about the incident. My parents took me to the hospital, the doctor said I was fine, but I had a fever the next few days, we weren’t sure if it was because of the pool water I swallowed or the anxiety and stress. Anyway, after what happened I was terrified to go into the water.

My parents enrolled me in swimming lessons for two years even after what had happened. I got mad at them a lot, obviously, why would I want to go swimming again! I was fine in a very shallow pool, but I refused to go any deeper. My parents were very supportive, especially my mom. She kept on motivating me to play in the water and would take me to the beach, hoping that I wouldn’t be scared.

I tried to overcome my fear, but it wasn’t easy. I listened very carefully to what my instructors said. I would practice after classes (normally practice would mean “play in the water” but still), and I would convince myself to try harder. Trying is what really helped, though. I eventually got over my fear of swimming after two years. That day my mom’s eyes were full of tears. She gave me a big hug and said, “You did it! You are such a brave girl, I am so proud of you!”

I was so proud to have gotten over my fear, and because of all the hard work and dedication, I am an advanced swimmer! I learned that it isn’t possible to get over fear if you don’t try. My message is to try, try, try and try again even if you want to give up, it worked for me! 

Do you have any big fear? If so, please write that in the comments!

“Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will”

– W. Clement Stone