Previously, I was never able to take the plunge. Physically, mentally.

Always scared of the height of the diving platform. Always frightened of smashing my forehead on the bottom; still anticipating further descent. Full-force and blinding. A bloody nose, a concussion, my cerebral fluid "shaken, not stirred." A shocked system. Now, I'm ready to dive right in. The water is fine. Nose unplugged, lifeguard off-duty.

I run towards the edge.

Cannonball.