Another fear to conquer..

Being in the ocean...lol Hear me out first and then you can judge, if you want. LOL I grew up in a fishing town in Port Clinton, Ohio in the summers. I was fishing and swimming before I was walking. Lake Erie really doesn't have anything that will eat you. You may get attacked by a perch, but that's it. We don't even have venomous snakes in Ohio. The deer are over populated because they have no real enemies in Ohio, so swimming in the ocean for the first time was terrifying. The only time I am ever clingy is when I'm in the water and something touches my foot or leg. lol I want to be able to relax in the ocean and not feel like I'm going to have a panic attack. I've swam in the Gulf and love it, it's much calmer. But the ocean isn't so calm, though it has its moments where it is and I've been in that water. I've also been in the water when the dolphins are out and the manatees too. But, I want to be able to relax and just be like everyone else in the water and not worry if something is going to chomp on me. lol I also want to be able to be in a small boat in the ocean and not freak out, though that one is way down the line. I want to learn to canoe and kayak and not freak out. I have panic attacks around water at times, but not in Lake Erie. I grew up in that lake and never once freaked out, but I feel so small compared to the ocean and the gulf and I think about all the things with teeth that will bite and eat me. Then there are the things that bump into you. I usually leave the water and sit on the shore. lol Yep, I freak out that bad. Being in Saint Augustine, is awesome and finally going back into the water is a terrifying thought. Almost as terrifying as looking at myself in a mirror trying on shorts. Yes, something I will also conquer and I will also buy a bathing suit as well. lol Baby steps, teeny tiny infant steps. LOL Thanks for reading my ramblings. TTFN, Justine