Under the Sea

One of my longtime dreams has been to learn (and be certified) to scuba dive. There’s something about exploring the world beneath the water. I feel calm and at peace in the water, so going deeper seems like the next logical step.

Besides, one of my ultimate dreams (or “bucket list” if you want to call it that) is to do a shark dive in the Bahamas. I came across this dive over 10 years ago when I was a cruise agent helping other people plan their dream vacations. And I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

It’s a two tank dive. The first dive involves just swimming around with the reef sharks. The second tank includes a feeding frenzy. They feed the sharks and you’re just there, in the middle of it all. It sounds crazy to some people, but it sounds magical to me. Just a glimpse into a world that we normally don’t get to see and experience.

Besides, being able to dive deeper with a scuba tank means seeing more beautiful ocean life that you’ll never experience with your own eyes by merely snorkeling. Although I still enjoy doing that as well.

I was talking to an associate who has been diving for years. She told me about several trips they’ve been on with their diving group and all the magical things she’s seen and encountered. I have a feeling this may become an expensive (but worth it) habit.

I’ve always had a fascination with the water, marine life, and especially sharks. I guess you can call me crazy, but I call it adventurous. I’ve swam with sharks a few times so far. I’m not talking about being out in the open with great whites or anything like that…at least not yet. I’m talking about nurse, reef, galapagos, and other sharks that don’t typically attack humans. I’ve been blessed to share space with these magnificent creatures in Jamaica and Hawaii so far.

Education is extremely important with things like this. I’m not going to do anything to startle or threaten the sharks. I just want to be in their world for a minute and observe. I don’t need to touch them. I don’t want to bother or disturb them. Just be there.

Honestly, that might even be a lesson with people. I think we tend to push each other to be what we want and need, rather than just be and enjoy each other. That may be a topic to further explore at some point.

I have a vision board of sorts next to my desk. One of the photos is from one of those shark dives in the Bahamas that I found online. I’ve been planning this trip for over 9 years in my mind. So, I’m putting it out there to you, the universe, and especially myself that I will be certified to scuba dive in 2023 and will make it to the Bahamas within a year of that to swim with these magical beings if I’m physically and mentally able.

There is a trip booked that’s supposed to offer an introductory lesson into scuba diving. I’m beyond excited for that. Nearly everything I’ve dared to dream has become a reality for me in recent years, so why not this too?