I’d swum across College Creek many times before without any problem.
This time felt different.
There was a strong rush of current a few feet below the surface, and I could tell it was fast. It scared me. I didn’t want to put my feet down—I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to tread water if I got pulled under. So I stayed on top.
But the current was strong there too. I kept swimming and swimming. I started to get tired. Then I got more tired.
I thought, if I go under with the current, I might not come back up.
So I cried out for help.
Some college kids on the shore heard me and talked me through it. I wasn’t far from where I could stand, but I was so tired my brain didn’t realize it.
I thought I was going to drown. But I didn’t.
I walked back around the creek to get back.
I’m still here.
— From the Story Keeper
Pause here. Breathe.
What part of this story speaks to something you’ve carried or survived?
Feeling overwhelmed? Try this grounding tool:
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can touch
- 3 things you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
This can help bring you back to the present.
If you need a break, you can also try breathing exercises here.