Blog

In the center of every respectable camp lake is a floating dock. Set far enough out to be a destination for competition and paddling goals, its placement represents a different benchmark to those who view it from the safety of the beach. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, it appears to float a mile away. If you long to demonstrate to everyone how much better a swimmer or diver you are this season, it fits in nicely with your plan to show off. For those in between, it presents a dilemma. Being unsure about your ability to reach a destination can cause fear. Fear can cause paralysis. Paralysis, well you know. You are going no where fast.

The truth of the floating dock? You will benefit from it if you trust your ability, even mediocre skill, to swim. Your mind plays tricks both ways. When you first see the dock, you know you can’t make it that far. Then you ponder it and devise strategies that could get you there. Maybe going slowly will work. Maybe wearing a floating jacket will help. Your mind is starting to sway you. Eventually, you may be fully convinced that you can definitely make it as far as the dock. And then you start to think about getting back, and the doubt creeps back in all over again.

The testimony of camp counselors attests to the real life thing that happens when campers start swimming toward the dock. We make it all the way. Once we start the process, even when pressured, we watch that dock as it very slowly comes closer into our view. The rough part is surely at the start, especially when we are closer to the beach, but when we turn away and keep our eyes on the dock, mysteriously, we are moving forward. In fact, while we have been trying to figure out if we will be disgraced by turning back, we have been making progress in the other direction. The perceived halfway spot becomes a new point of no return as we realize that there is a possibility of getting to the dock. Then, we tire. Understandable and maybe even natural at this point. But once our brain reminds us that we are close enough to make it with a little extra power, we convince ourselves that the unthinkable outcome has a chance. We sail those last few yards to the dock, wearily pull ourselves up and enjoy the triumph of accomplishment. Our beliefs have adjusted about ourselves. A glance back at the beach tells us that the trip back will be easier; you can even walk those last few yards. Plus, it doesn’t seem as far as it did before. Maybe the dock moved.

Where do you need to swim out? Isn’t it better to just jump in and paddle first, adding some strokes when you get accustomed to the water? You could float a while with the current if one comes along. You will make it. And you will come back triumphant too.