I remember taking swimming lessons as a child. One piece bathing suit, check. Powder blue swimming cap fitting snug atop my braided hair underneath, check. Swimming goggles (I hated opening my eyes in the chlorine water), check. My first lessons were in the shallow end of an Olympic size indoor pool. Holding onto the cool concrete edge, my legs and feet kicked vigorously behind me. Then, with the aid of the swim teacher, I extended my hands to her as I was led gently from the edge of the pool out into the water, kicking my legs and feet behind as instructed. Learning to float on my back was the coolest thing. I can still recall how it felt as the water enveloped and buoyed the weight of my body, it was so peaceful and I felt connected.
As my weekly lessons progressed, I mastered techniques of floating, kicking, breathing underwater, and basic forward and backward strokes. Incorporating all of these as I mustered the courage (and at the prompting of the instructor) to swim into deeper waters. Three feet, piece of cake because I could still feel the pool floor beneath me. Five feet, I could stand on my tippy toes with my eyes above the water. Seven feet and beyond, and without the floor beneath me? I relied heavily on my technique, what I learned, especially the breathing part. lol. But there was one ominous structure in the building that towered over the pool: the diving board. I saw it when I first began my lessons but looking at it, the thought never occurred that one day I would climb those cold metal stairs to the very top and do the unthinkable: jump.
Well, that unimagined day had arrived. There was queasiness in my belly and a clammy coolness to my entire body, not because of the water, but because of the overwhelming nervousness and fear of jumping off that darn thing! But, it was the final and ultimate lesson to the training I received. I had to take the leap and dive into the deep water. Although I cannot recall the height of the platform from which I jumped, it had to be at least sixteen feet, I do remember tears falling from my eyes and great pleading of not wanting to jump. But there was no turning back and the encouragement was there from my instructors at the diving platform behind me, as well as below me, waiting in the water. They all said “You can do this! You are strong! Once you jump, it will be over before you know it.” You mean my life (will be over), I thought!
I counted: one, two, three and my feet lifted from the edge of the platform into the air as my body turned itself to the blue mass below. Swoooossshhh! The impact was swift and my instincts led me to the surface. I did it! As I child, I did not realize how significant that one act would be.
You see, at different stages in life, we all have to make courageous and bold leaps of faith and plunge into deep water. For one, taking the leap may look like pursuing a college degree at fifty. For another, the leap may be moving to a new city to begin a new career. For someone else, it may mean healing from a painful divorce and reinventing yourself. I am there for all of that!
Again, I am joining the ranks of leap-takers, water-walkers and giant-slayers, to launch Grace + Grit Unlimited® LLC! It has long been a dream in my heart that has manifested itself in different ways and experiences to the manifestation of this moment. There is this strong sense of purpose to live vibrantly, to connect with people and their stories, to provide encouragement along the way, and to create spaces of empowerment for them to walk boldly into their purpose.
My first, middle and last names are etymologically rooted with the meaning of grace, picture that! I am a daughter of grace, imbued with power, and a whole lotta grit. I was BORN to do this!
I took the leap to breathe life into Grace + Grit Unlimited® so that it can speak to others about a life that is beautifully abundant, inspired and boldly empowered. We are stronger and better together, so I am inviting you to share in this journey with me. It’s going to be a great adventure of grace and grit. Are you ready? Get set. Let’s go!
Charisse Jones, Founder/Chief Empowerment Officer, Grace + Girt Unlimited® LLC © 2020