Embracing Comfort: A Journey Through Water and Experience
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Chapter 1: The Essence of Comfort
The exhilarating sensation of swimming in open water is unmatched; however, participating in a triathlon introduces a completely different atmosphere. On race day, I found myself engulfed by a chaotic mix of 65 splashing competitors in the salty, murky waters of the Pacific Ocean. My anxiety surged as breathing steadily became a challenge amidst the commotion.
Despite the chaos, I successfully completed the race, securing the 28th position out of 66 participants, and ranking 9th among 29 female competitors. Notably, I was the first woman over 29 to cross the finish line, while the eight women ahead of me were aged 12 to 29. I proudly claimed first place in my age group, F50–54. This triathlon marked my second event of the year, with the ocean swim representing a new and thrilling experience, distinct from the pools I was accustomed to.
Triathlons compel me to step outside my comfort zone, allowing me to embrace the thrill of novel and intimidating experiences.
Section 1.1: Nature’s Rejuvenation
A few days post-race, I decided to cycle through the forest on a bright morning. After a 45-minute ride, I hiked to a stunning 90-foot river pool. The initial shock of the frigid water took my breath away, but within seven minutes, my body adjusted as I glided through the water with a breaststroke.
It was during this swim that I reached an exhilarating state of bliss, floating effortlessly in my happy place. I spent thirty minutes in the refreshingly cold river, my goggled eyes surveying a school of fish as I swam toward a waterfall and rested on a boulder.
This triathlon experience brought me immense joy; cycling, hiking, and swimming at my own pace without the stress of competition, culminating in a serene waterfall rather than a stopwatch. The ride back home was smooth, filled with the energy of nature, contemplation, and movement.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Comfort of Relaxation
A calming shower and a cup of hot herbal tea rounded off a wonderfully fulfilling day, leaving me enveloped in gentle comfort.
Section 1.2: The Stages of Comfort
I derive joy from all three phases of “comfort” through water: pushing my limits in a triathlon, enjoying the sublime numbness while swimming in the river, and savoring a warm cup of tea after a refreshing shower. Each experience teaches me invaluable lessons and deepens my appreciation for the journey.
Chapter 2: Insights and Gratitude
The following video explores the concept of holistic comfort and its significance in various aspects of life.
The next video delves into Katharine Kolcaba's Comfort Theory, shedding light on nursing care and its impact on well-being.
I extend my gratitude to Ellie Jacobson for guiding this enriching “Comfort” prompt, as well as my co-editors Sandi Parsons and Vidya Sury from Collecting Smiles for their continual support with the Six Word Photo Story Challenge publication. — Mary Chang, story writer, creator & editor of SWPSC, open water enthusiast, and fitness lover.