It's been quite a drama. I was 5 years old and my adventurous parents had taken me on a road trip through California (US). During four weeks we called a nice camper our home, visited the most amazing national parks and slept at camping sites close to rivers, lakes and forests. It was a dream of a holiday - until we were supposed to visit a water park. That plan was my personal nightmare, but I couldn't find any valid excuse that was able to convince my parents to not take me with them. At that point in time there were few things on earth I detested more than water. The idea of riding down a water slide, then jumping into a swimming pool and finding my head unter water was worse than everything I had ever imagined. Not even tears helped me out. My parents were merciless in that sense since they thought it might be a good lesson for me to overcome my fear and try the slide against all odds. They thought it'd let me grow... Well I can tell you that the only thing that grew inside myself was: panic! Haha! Now more than 30 years later I'm looking back on that experience and smile: many things have changed since then. Yet, it wasn't a water slide that converted me into the water addict I am today. It was the underwater world I discovered by chance during a diving trip in 2008. First I was in doubt if diving would be a good idea for someone who was even unable to snorkel (you know: the head-under-water-problem). But then one of the guides took me on a test dive and what I found there changed my connection with water forever. Nowadays, I can't get enough of the Ocean, spend every free minute catching waves, and on some days I drink more sea water than sweet water. It's fascinating how things can change, when you discover an opportunity to grow. Yet, as this little excursion proves: it has to come out of yourself. Nobody can force you to overcome a fear you're not ready to face. It's your life after all, so you decide. Thanks for your time, steemians! Much love, Marly - PS: Thanks for the #gathering tag, 