The Essence of Perseverance and the Beauty of Embracing Failure
- Kris J. Simpson
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
I bobbed up and down in the cool water, straining to orient myself as I scanned the shimmering surface for the line I knew was headed my way, though it remained elusive.
Missing that line felt like letting an opportunity slip through my fingers, a chance that would require me to weigh the value of chasing it again versus conceding to defeat. I wanted to avoid that feeling at all costs.
As the spectators of the cottage community gathered along the shore, a palpable energy filled the air. The onlookers were buzzing, their anticipation creating an electric atmosphere. It’s human nature to enjoy witnessing others tackle challenges; we want to see who emerges victorious and who falters. Some cheered with encouragement, while others seemed to relish the idea of failure as if it justified their own hesitations.
To prepare myself, I centred my breath, focusing my mind and body on ensuring all my mental and physical resources were at my disposal when the moment arrived. I had spent the day envisioning this very performance — imagining the moves I would execute, how it would look with the sun glistening off the water, and, most importantly, how it would feel to glide across the surface.
Finally, as the line circled toward me, I squinted into the distance across the lake, searching intently. There it was, cutting through the water like a long, sinuous serpent, a powerful force to be reckoned with — definitely not something to grab at blindly. It was as if the line was reaching out for me, demanding my attention.
Alternatively, I could view it as a lifeline — not one designed to save me, but one that would pull me toward my destiny, to a place I had already imagined being — freedom, exhilaration, purpose.
The end of the line drew closer, and I faced the critical moment: grasp it firmly or let it slip away. With a deep breath, I reached out and seized the line, bracing myself for the impending pull — an exhilarating bout with a force far greater than myself. My posture tightened as I steeled myself against the momentum.
But nothing could have prepared me for the tremendous surge that followed. The line yanked me down, plunging me beneath the surface, and at that moment, I understood I could no longer hold on. Gasping, I released my grip; the line shot away, seemingly lost to the depths.
Taking a moment to regroup, I resolved to approach the next opportunity with renewed determination. This time, I would not shy away from the challenge. I had to muster an even fiercer resolve against a power that was undeniably stronger than I was.
It became a test of courage. As long as I dared to seize the line, to stand firm and show that I was resolute, I believed it would reciprocate, granting me the strength to realize my full potential.
So as I awaited the line’s return, I concentrated with unwavering focus, prepared to make my move. I could see the end of the line again, and this time, armed with the lessons of my past, I steadied myself for the pull that awaited.
When the line made its reappearance, I grabbed hold tightly and braced myself as I heard the unmistakable roar, the signal that the test was beginning anew.
This experience mirrored my first, yet it felt distinctly different. I was ready, fortified by my previous attempts, and I held on with strength.
It was pure magic as I reached that pivotal threshold of success or failure. It felt as though all I needed to do was maintain my grip long enough, and suddenly, I was pulled up from the water, seizing control of this powerful force. In that exhilarating moment, I could finally explore the craft, learning to navigate its complexities while embracing the freedom of the experience.
As I sliced through the water, joy surged within me. I experimented with various techniques, discovering what worked best for my own rhythm. Initially, I felt like I had mastered it with ease, but soon fatigue began to creep in. My muscles strained against the effort, yet I remained resolute, determined to hold on and continue this incredible journey.
Instead of yielding to fatigue, taking a break, and restarting, I chose to will myself onward. However, not long after, I committed my first error, and in an instant, I found myself plunging into the water headfirst, skimming along the surface until I came to an abrupt stop.
Yet, I realized I could take the line again and start anew. There was no shame in falling; in fact, if I hadn’t stumbled, it would have meant I wasn’t fully embracing the challenge — playing it too safe and missing out on valuable lessons.
That day, I not only learned the art of water skiing, but I also discovered the exhilarating essence of perseverance and the beauty of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success.
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