Courage or Madness? When, as a woman in her mid-30s, you turn your life upside down and decide after a personal tragedy that you shouldn't postpone your dreams.
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, many of us lose touch with our dreams. That was the case for me too. In my mid-30s, firmly rooted in my career and city life, I decided to break free from my routine and try something completely new. But how did this come about?
ALL OF A SUDDEN, LIFE CHANGES!
My personal life had been turned upside down due to a very significant, personal tragedy. At that point, I didn’t want to — or couldn’t — return to my original profession in social work. A vacation in Curaçao then brought about a turning point. I decided to learn how to dive and booked my first course. Well, what can I say… It was incredibly fascinating how diving had such a positive impact on me. It was like meditating underwater: my body relaxed, the focus was on calm breathing, and the swirling negative thoughts disappeared.
THE DECISION: COURAGE OR MADNESS?
After this experience, the idea started to grow in me: learn to dive professionally! I began researching: What would be the best fit for me? Which diving organization, what time frame, which country…? Since I had always been drawn to Africa and I tend toward perfectionism, the Dive Master training in the picturesque yet challenging waters of Tofo seemed like the perfect choice! Was it courage or madness to leave my life behind for several months? I asked myself that question countless times. Fear and self-doubt crept in again and again, but ultimately, courage won out, and I booked the course and my flight to Tofo, Mozambique.
ARRIVAL IN TOFO: PARDISE WITH CHALLENGES
After weeks of preparation and riding the emotional rollercoaster, the tearful farewell came. Tofo greeted me after the long journey with bright sunshine, a warm breeze from the Indian Ocean, and even brighter smiles. The small sandy roads, the friendly locals, and the vibrant blue sea silenced my doubts for a moment. But I quickly realized that this training would be no vacation.
THE FIRST DIVES: A BATTLE AGAINST SELF-DOUBT
The first dives were a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Although I had already learned to dive, the intensive training brought new challenges. Breath control, navigation, and the responsibility for other divers — all of this required a high level of concentration and skill. The Indian Ocean isn’t always calm and crystal clear. You battle currents, run out of breath, make sure the group stays together, and even in poor visibility, you have to keep an eye on everyone to ensure no one gets lost. Add to that the hard physical labor, which I was definitely not used to, and the fact that I wasn’t fluent in English. Time and again, I questioned whether I was up to the task. What had I been thinking with this decision? How could I take responsibility for other divers when I was still learning myself? Could I meet the physical demands and pass the tests? These doubts gnawed at me but also brought a valuable lesson:
Growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
CAMARADERIE AND SUPPORT
Luckily, I wasn’t alone. The other trainees and the experienced instructors formed a community that supported one another. I was quickly integrated into this close-knit group. There were days when we laughed together and moments when we helped each other through tough times. This camaraderie helped me overcome my doubts and not give up.
ENCOUNTERS UNDERWATER: A SENSE OF FREEDOM
The underwater world of Tofo is breathtaking. Encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and colorful coral reefs made my heart race. These experiences reminded me of why I embarked on this adventure in the first place. It was a sense of freedom that pushed all doubts into the background and motivated me to keep going.
THE FINAL EXAM: A MOMENT OF TRUTH
After weeks of intensive training, over 100 dives, intermediate tests like theory exams, swim tests, and many other challenges, the final exam loomed. Demonstrating all 24 essential skills in the pool. The nerves were palpable, but I felt ready. After surfacing, there was a wave of relief. I had passed with flying colors. It was a moment of pure relief and pride. I had done it – despite all the self-doubt and challenges, I was now a PADI Dive Master.
LOOKING BACK: A JOURNEY TO MYSELF
The time in Tofo was more than just dive training. It was a journey to myself, an opportunity to show courage and grow beyond my limits. Today, back in my daily life, I carry the memories and the new skills with me. They remind me that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and that courage to take new paths is always rewarded.
LIVE YOUR DREAMS!
The Dive Master training in Tofo was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. This whole journey showed me that courage and self-doubt often go hand in hand and that true growth comes from facing challenges. If you have a dream you want to fulfill, be brave and take the step – the reward is worth it.
