What Scuba Diving at 51 Taught Me About Fear, Failure, and Finishing

At 51, I pursued one of my boldest dreams—getting scuba certified. It was a terrifying test of my courage and commitment.

From Panic to Power: How I Got My Scuba Certification at 51

A scary dive, a near accident, a bold comeback- and learned I’m more powerful than fear.

A few weeks ago, I chased one of my boldest dreams yet: getting my scuba diving certification—at 51.

It wasn’t a lifelong dream. It was something daring, something that scared me, something I just had to try.

I thought it would be a fun weekend adventure. I was wrong.

It turned into one of the most terrifying yet transformative experiences of my life.

The First Dive

It started okay, but during my second dive, things spiraled.

At 32 feet underwater, I panicked.

I forgot my training. I lost my sense of orientation. I ripped out my regulator and started shooting up.

What I didn’t know until later was that I could’ve died.

My instructors had to physically hold me and slow my ascent. I was unknowingly holding my breath, which could’ve led to an air embolism—deadly at that depth.

When I finally surfaced, I was shaken. Exhausted. Embarrassed.

And I failed the certification.

Back on Land

I thought I was done. But something inside me said: Not yet.

I gave myself a week.

I researched how to deal with panic attacks underwater. I practiced “Stop. Breathe. Think.” I mentally rehearsed every step of the dive. I worked on my breathing every day.

The next weekend, I went back.

The instructors were surprised. The main owner even warned me bluntly: “You could’ve died.”

But I had to finish. I needed to know I could face my fear and own it.

The Comeback

This time, I stayed calm.

I was still scared, but I didn’t let the fear take over. I stayed in charge.

I remembered: I have air. I am okay.

And dive by dive, I did it.

I completed all my requirements. I passed. I became a certified scuba diver.

And when I came up for the final time, I wasn’t just certified—I was transformed.

Why I’m Sharing This

Because too many women over 40 think it’s too late to chase something big. That their window for bold, daring dreams has closed.

It hasn’t.

I teach this in my Goal Mastery course: it’s never too late to want more, to go for more, to become more.

This scuba certification wasn’t about diving. It was about proving to myself that I could face fear, rise from failure, and finish strong.

And so can you.

👉 If you’re ready to reclaim your confidence, direction, and boldness, join me in my free workshop for women 40+: Reclaim Your Life – Sign Up Here

You’ll get tools, mindset shifts, and support to go after your version of a scuba certification—whatever that may be.

Let’s rise.

With heart, Edlyn

Categories: : inspiration