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As I mentioned in an earlier post, I went off island May 19-20 with friends on a trip to the BVI. Todd was our designated photographer and I just got the pictures from him today. The picture above stopped me in my tracks. This is a photo me jumping off the Willy T.
As a bit of background, you may remember from a posting in January that the Willy T is a ship off Norman Island that serves drinks & food to those who pull up alongside the boat and climb on board. It is noteworthy because it has a tradition of people jumping off the ship into the water (historically ladies without clothes in exchange for a free t-shirt, but those days are over, probably because giving away all the shirts cut into their profits). Whenever one mentions that they went to the Willy T, the listener invariably asks if they jumped off. So, taking the big leap off the Willy T made my list of things to do before leaving the islands. The jump, by the way, is made from standing on the top rail of that banister you see on the second deck. And the water is so clear that you can see the ocean floor.
When I came across this picture I instantly became a little emotional and was taken aback by how symbolic it is of my time here. It’s one of those photographs where a picture is worth a thousand words. I am going to use a few of those thousand words to try and convey the thoughts that flooded my mind as I saw this snapshot...
I look and can hardly believe that’s me.
Thirty year-old me.
In the gorgeous British Virgin Islands.
Jumping off the Willy T, into the water down below,
with a crowd of swimmers and friends shouting my name.
Who is this woman? The woman in this photograph exudes freedom, security, confidence, playfulness, happiness... I want to be like her. I want to live wide open like that, unafraid. I want to be one who jumps bravely into the unknown. And as I’m looking at the photo I recall the words, so fresh in my mind, of a 40 year-old woman I met just last night who cried out, “Look at you!! I want to be you! You are out here on your own, doing what you love. I would never be able to do what you are doing.” And I finally start to internalize these sentiments, which echo what many have told me before. I start to believe that I did in fact take a courageous leap - feet first - just in coming here. How hard it is to break the cycle of inertia and make a change for yourself. I was uncertain what would become of me. And now look at how I ended up: stronger, more outgoing, more secure, more adventurous, wiser, not to mention more tan :). And as I gaze upon the clouds, lush greenery, and water in this photograph, I am confident that this world is a beautiful place. And that woman flying through the air looks like she can make it in that world. Oh how I hope she does...
As a bit of background, you may remember from a posting in January that the Willy T is a ship off Norman Island that serves drinks & food to those who pull up alongside the boat and climb on board. It is noteworthy because it has a tradition of people jumping off the ship into the water (historically ladies without clothes in exchange for a free t-shirt, but those days are over, probably because giving away all the shirts cut into their profits). Whenever one mentions that they went to the Willy T, the listener invariably asks if they jumped off. So, taking the big leap off the Willy T made my list of things to do before leaving the islands. The jump, by the way, is made from standing on the top rail of that banister you see on the second deck. And the water is so clear that you can see the ocean floor.
When I came across this picture I instantly became a little emotional and was taken aback by how symbolic it is of my time here. It’s one of those photographs where a picture is worth a thousand words. I am going to use a few of those thousand words to try and convey the thoughts that flooded my mind as I saw this snapshot...
I look and can hardly believe that’s me.
Thirty year-old me.
In the gorgeous British Virgin Islands.
Jumping off the Willy T, into the water down below,
with a crowd of swimmers and friends shouting my name.
Who is this woman? The woman in this photograph exudes freedom, security, confidence, playfulness, happiness... I want to be like her. I want to live wide open like that, unafraid. I want to be one who jumps bravely into the unknown. And as I’m looking at the photo I recall the words, so fresh in my mind, of a 40 year-old woman I met just last night who cried out, “Look at you!! I want to be you! You are out here on your own, doing what you love. I would never be able to do what you are doing.” And I finally start to internalize these sentiments, which echo what many have told me before. I start to believe that I did in fact take a courageous leap - feet first - just in coming here. How hard it is to break the cycle of inertia and make a change for yourself. I was uncertain what would become of me. And now look at how I ended up: stronger, more outgoing, more secure, more adventurous, wiser, not to mention more tan :). And as I gaze upon the clouds, lush greenery, and water in this photograph, I am confident that this world is a beautiful place. And that woman flying through the air looks like she can make it in that world. Oh how I hope she does...
4 comments:
Wow - what a great picture, and a great metaphor! I'm proud of you. -Melanie
That picture is awesome. It is indeed worth more than words can elaborate. Thanks for sharing! I think that your experiences in the tropics have been an amazing gift and it's been fun to read about your escapades! Looking forward to seeing you sooner than later!
I knew you could become free, you just had to let yourself go. Great!!!!
YOUR FRIEND ALWAYS
MARGO
Thank you all so much for your comments on the blog, email, and phone that are so supportive, especially of this posting. It's the loving support of you all that creates a space in which I can grow. I am forever grateful.
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