An Extraordinary Story About The Power Of Body & Mind

By: Heather Blanchard

I recently saw a movie based on the inspiring and true story of Diana Nyad, a record-breaking open water marathon swimmer. Her accomplishments include swimming around the island of Manhattan in under 8 hours and from the Bahamas to Florida nonstop over two days in the late 1970’s. But this movie focuses on her greatest feat; which occurred 30 years later at the age of 63. When Nyad celebrated her 60th birthday in 2010 she decided to pursue her life-long goal of swimming from Cuba to Florida after a 30-year break from marathon swimming. It was a swim that eluded her for 36 years – one she attempted unsuccessfully long ago. So this is a story about the power of the body and mind. It’s about willpower, tenacity and triumph.

All too often we take our body for granted. We forget how it serves us daily and underestimate its capabilities. Just think about what we’re made of and how it allows us to tick, think, feel, move and grow. Our bodies have the amazing ability to heal and regenerate throughout life, and we can train them to do seemingly impossible things – from marathons to rock climbing, from racing across various terrains to swimming across a sea. Nyad’s amazing story is proof that when you set your mind to something, your body can take you there at any age.

“Having a superpower has nothing to do with the ability to fly or jump, or superhuman strength. The truest superpowers are the ones we all possess: willpower, integrity, and most importantly, courage.” ~ Jason Reynolds

After a year of rigorous training in 2011, determined to finish what she once started and prove you can do anything you set your mind to, Nyad began to swim off the coast of Cuba towards Florida once again. It’s a dangerous swim due to strong currents and sharks, and no one had successfully made the trek before. Diana swam emblazoned by the unity of her team, including her best friend and coach, a doctor, and nearly 25 people on boats following, recording and protecting her. She attempted the swim twice in 2011 and once in 2012 before being pulled out due to strong currents and stings from deadly box jellyfish. Finally in 2013 she realized her dream by going the distance nonstop over 100 miles with short in-water breaks to come up for small doses of food and water. Her willpower made her unstoppable!

“The achievements of willpower are almost beyond computation. Scarcely anything seems impossible to the man who can will strongly enough and long enough.” ~ Orison Swett Marden

So, as you look forward to 2024 and think about new resolutions, remember this story. You can do anything you set your mind to!

XOXO, Heather