Ambitions are cultivated by a stream of audacious and consistent actions. Actions that propel us beyond, self-imposed limits. And accelerate us past the fringe of our imaginations.
Personally; I fear nothing more than potential; untapped and ambition; undiscovered. And through this conversation, I’ve discovered that the attainment of what – once – may have seemed outlandishly impossible, is done so by nurturing an imaginative optimism.
Meet corporate accountant turned ultra-endurance swimmer Emma France.
Emma and I have operated within the same professional domain for decades. Though our physical paths have never crossed, I’ve always wondered if this mythic of the English Channel – this superwoman of swimming – actually existed? And, oh yes. She does.
This conversation explores waters unchartered. We discuss Emma’s entry into competitive swimming and cover many nautical miles of cross channel swim adventures. We also discuss the complex human relationship with water. The importance of recovery, from sleep to nutrition and self-kindness. This conversation is a glimpse into everything that is Emma.
For Emma; To swim is an act far more than propelling oneself through a body of water. To swim is to embrace risk. To conquer fear with compassion and to quell diffidence with resolve. But – above all – to swim, is to remain buoyant and loving in the face of unfathomable challenge.
To be successful you feel like you need to be in control of everything. And you can’t be. Those that are successful are those that can let go of that control.
Emma France
This is a conversation that reminds us, that accomplishment is a measure – not of success – but one of choice and failure. And failure is not a measure of choice, but a willingness to cultivate dreams.
The message in this conversation is humblingly simple. Develop and aspire wildly audacious goals. And cultivate those goals within community. Yet even more simply; just be more Emma. An embodiment of a courageous and perpetual energy, with a potency to propel us beyond the limits of our bounds.
I loved this exchange and I hope this conversation leaves you, as inspired as me, to nurture an imaginative optimism.
Blessings and love,
RESOURCES
Emma France: Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Twitter | Email
Paddlefish Panda: Facebook | Website
Paddlefish Pools: Instagram
Website: Dover Channel Training
Documentary: Kim Swims
Wiki: Captain Matthew Webb
The Guardian: The women who finished the world’s hardest swim
Website: A history of the swimming baths in Shrewsbury and Quarry Park
Ham&High: Actor Gary Oldman on his chilly baptism in Hampstead ponds
Bonnie Tsui: Instagram
Book: Why We Swim by Bonnie Tsui
Kim Chambers: Instagram
Sarah Thomas: Instagram | Website
BBC News: Sarah Thomas: Woman first to swim Channel four times non-stop
Book: Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker
Man Behind The Lens – Bob Greaves: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook | Email
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