I survived a stroke during an ocean swim. Here’s what I’ve learned about fear
After his stroke in rough surf, Graham Russell embarked on an unexpected journey into fear. Three lessons helped him return to the joy of the ocean
TL;DR
- Graham Russell suffered a stroke during a rough ocean swim, leading to a profound fear of the water despite physical recovery.
- He realized that fear, for him, was not a physical challenge but a draining exhaustion.
- Three lessons helped him overcome this fear: patience with himself, building resilience by acknowledging and sitting with fear, and embracing relationships and asking for help.
- He found support through conversations with friends and fellow surf lifesavers, viewing it as 'counselling via community'.
- With the help of a friend, he gradually returned to swimming in the ocean, finding his confidence grow.
- Twelve months after the stroke, his fear dissipated, and he trained to become a surf lifesaving jetski operator, symbolizing his ability to do things he couldn't before.