Swimming in the ocean I am alone and embraced by risk and trust | Anna Sublet

I was scared, out of my depth in the water and out, but I was there. The hope and the welcome propelled me along

On my morning walks, I used to look at the older, pink-capped women swimming in the ocean and project myself decades into my future.

One day I'll be a mermaid," I hoped, as I watched the Morning Mermaids swimming group in the golden light. I'll live near the sea, and throw myself into it. I'll leave behind my self-conscious shame, I'll be me, I'll be at one with the watery world." Coming from a non-swimmer, this was quite the fantasy.