Yesterday I posted about Diana Nyad’s amazing challenge to pursue her Xtreme Dream of being the first person to swim 103-miles from Cuba to Key West without a shark cage. While I wrote, she was somewhere in the Florida Straits at least 22 hours into her incredible journey.
While many of us slept, Nyad was pulled from the water after 29 hours at 12:45 a.m. local time. Although she mentally had the spirit to push forward, Mother Nature blew 5 to 10 knot winds creating less than favorable swimming conditions and her body physically gave up. First her shoulder, then her asthma.
Nyad told those on the boat that pulled her from the water, “It felt like this was my moment. I don’t feel like a failure at all. But we needed a little more luck.”
What have I learned from her swim?
No matter how big or impossible it seems, accept the challenge.
By not accepting, you’ll never know if it can be achieved.
Know when to ask for help.
I’m the first to admit, I hate asking for help as I perceive it as a sign of weakness. Gradually as I age, I realize it’s a sign of strength and wisdom to reach out for help.
Age is a Number
Apparently, “you’re only as old as you feel” is true. Nyad is 61-years-old and attempted to swim 103 miles. I tried swimming just over 1.5 miles and failed. And I’m 20 years younger than she! The woman has guts and determination.
So yeah, 29 hours and halfway to Key West from Cuba is pretty Xtreme in my book. Congratulations, Diana and thank you for your inspiration!
Be sure to check out:
Nyad’s blog (http://diananyad.com/blog)
www.diananyad.com
Twitter.com/diananyad
Facebook.com/DianaNyad
