On a recent vacation to Big Sur I joined a couple of my friends as they decided to take diving lessons.

It was a crazy decision. Although I love the water, I’ve always been afraid of it.

Many years ago when I was still living in Thailand I almost drowned. On a vacation at a resort in Pattaya Beach, a riptide carried me far into the sea. As luck would have it I was saved by three Angels who seemed to appear out of nowhere, never to be seen again once they transported me safely to shore (more on that in my memoir Unveiled).

Yet here I was, facing my fear and about to jump into the Pacific Ocean. To dive of all things! That was scary.

My heart was pounding and I had that “I am going to die today” feeling. I convinced myself that we all have to go one day anyway, so why not just enjoy the ride.

The weather was extremely cold and there was a strong wind blowing. I tested the water, walking sheepishly and taking baby steps. The water felt warmer, thank God. I looked at the ocean and it seemed to go on and on as far as the eye could see.

The reality of what I was going to do suddenly hit me. I was scared. Very scared. My two friends were already three steps ahead of me, and cheering me on.

My instructor walked to me, and holding my hand he said, “Don’t think. Just feel the water, imagine you’re in a giant bathtub and enjoying the warm water and just let go.”

“I am scared, I don’t think I can do this.”

“Are you sure? I have been teaching diving lessons for 15 years now. Worked with people who have never been near the water. Haven’t lost one person. Don’t worry. You are safe.”

“I can’t do it. What if I drown?” I said.

“I will be with you all the time. I will lead you. I’ll hold your hand and we can go in together”, he replied, “Sometimes all you need is to have faith and let go”.

I took a deep breath. It was scary. I knew if I didn’t do it now I would always feel like a failure.

“Fine, let’s go.”

My instructor secured my mask, tested my gear and held my hand.

“Feel the warm water and just look ahead.”

What happened after that defies all explanation. I went from feeling like I was going to die and praying fervently under my breath on my way down, to feeling like I was transported into a world of magic and incredible beauty.

It was an experience I will never forget.

Sometimes to overcome our fears we just need a push. Fear can drive us away from experiencing something amazing.

Feelings of anxiety, insecurity and fear are normal and mean that there are still obstacles and limitations in our beliefs. To change these beliefs and remove them takes much inner work.

Meditation can help. When we meditate, we contact the quiet, secure and peaceful nature of our self. This conscious contact exposes the false sense of separation that compromises our beliefs. Consciously and consistently exposing these limitations will help dissolve the obstacles and boundaries around the belief.

Surrounding yourself with those who believe in you and cheer you on no matter what is also key to gaining the confidence that you can rise above any setbacks that generate fear in your life. People who share your values and have your best interests at heart will lift you up to give the best of yourself.

Is fear holding you back from achieving your highest potential? Are you yearning for a change but waiting for someone to give you the green light?

It is time to wake up and take charge of your life. Embrace your journey here on earth and know that you are in control. You are the one in the driver’s seat and the wheel is in your hands.

Have faith. With faith you can let go and trust that you will be Guided, and the right people, the right circumstances and events will appear to assist you.

“Keep walking, though there’s no place to get to.

Don’t try to see through the distances. That’s not for human beings.

Move within, but don’t move the way fear makes you move.”

~Rumi