Empowerment. This photo captures for me what 180 days immersing myself in the cold Atlantic at dawn has done for me. I see a strong woman in that photo taken in dawn's glorious light next to my favorite changing rock that has become my shadow play backdrop. 

In this photo I sense and feel strength, confidence, openness, power and beauty. These things were always there inside of me but I did not see them as I do now.  Over these many days I have unlocked inner doorways that I didn't even realize were closed. I've let in more light, self-compassion and self-acceptance. I've chased away old, deep-rooted fears and beliefs haunting my vision and actions. I see myself more clearly. With sand on my body and kelp in my hair I feel good, grounded, salty, and ready to take the sea and the waves as they come. Some waves may knock me down but I know I will get back up. With others I will flow. And other waves I won't even attempt to engage with and I let them pass by. Perhaps I will just sit with the sea, listening to its whispers and roars, hear its murmurings and immerse myself in its infinite power and wisdom slowly and carefully. I am blessed and kissed by the sea.

I reach out my hand to other women (and men) who also want to see and lift themselves out of the dark mud they may be rolling in to bloom and shine inside and out. You have the key within yourself to unlock your own strength. Going to the sea, helped me find my own.

"The world doesn't need thin women, the world needs strong women."

Paraphrasing dancer Rous Baltrons