Hello there, friends! Another delightful time, and let’s dive into my journey of discovering freedom within the confines of human limits. ✨

So, you know how I was talking about reaching that point in life where everything seemed to be falling into place? Graduating from college, building a successful career, providing for my family, and checking off the boxes of societal expectations—it all seemed like a dream come true. 🎓 💼 💵

But there was a niggling thought, a tiny voice in the back of my mind that wondered, “Is this it? Is this my limit? Am I done evolving?” “Eto na lang ba ako?” “Hanggang dito nalang ako?” 🤔

I had everything I thought I wanted—a nice car, a beautiful house, and even a relationship that I believed was going to stand the test of time. But deep down, something didn’t feel right. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that there was more to life than what I had already accomplished.

And guess what? Life has a funny way of surprising you. Picture this: It’s been over a year since the world went into lockdown, and I felt the itch to break free from the monotony of life. So, I mustered up the courage and embarked on a four-day solo trip that would forever change my perspective on what it means to live life to the fullest.

Little did I know that this trip was just the beginning of my venture into the unknown. I found myself signing up for a sport that seemed completely out of my reach out of a desire to push myself and my limits. And let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park.

As someone who had never considered themselves athletic, with a weak body and a history of asthma, the idea of plunging into the depths of the ocean seemed like an insurmountable task. But hey, life loves surprises, and it turns out that my journey into freediving had a few surprises of its own.

On my very first day of freediving in open water, things didn’t go quite as planned. I experienced excessive nasal bleeding, making it clear that this sport was not going to be a walk in the park. And as luck would have it, my second attempt at freediving brought a combination of vertigo and even more nasal bleeding. Talk about a rocky start! Wew!

But here’s the thing: Our limits are often just in our heads. They are mental blocks that keep us from finding out what we are really capable of. I had every reason to think that I would never be able to freedive, but I also knew that I had to face these limits head-on.

Let’s break it down, shall we?

Here are the five major limitations I faced before embarking on my freediving journey:

1. I’m not athletic.

Growing up, sports were never my thing. My weak body and lifelong battle with asthma made me believe that physical activities were off-limits. But boy, was I about to prove myself wrong.

2. Severe sinus problems

Equalizing underwater is a crucial skill in freediving, and my sinus issues posed a unique challenge. But I wasn’t going to let that stop me from exploring the depths of the ocean.

3. Lack of confidence

Doubts and anxiety had always been my companions. Confidence? Yeah, not so much. But I was tired of holding myself back, and I knew that facing my fears would be the first step towards building the confidence I yearned for.

4. Playing it safe

I have always been one to err on the side of caution. Exploring the unknown? Yes, but I would do a lot of pre-planning and research. It was time to leave my cozy bubble and experience the thrill of taking chances.

5. A mind in constant chaos

My thoughts were a whirlwind, with my inner critic forever nagging at me. Serenity was a distant dream, and multitasking? Forget about it. But I was prepared to turn off the chatter in my thoughts and discover inner tranquility.

Now, here’s where the magic happened: Freediving opened up a world of possibilities and shattered every preconceived notion I had about my abilities. Who would have thought that I could hold my breath for a staggering 3 minutes and 20 seconds? Or that I would descend 65 feet below the surface on a single breath? Certainly not me!

But freediving wasn’t just about breaking personal records; it was about finding freedom in the most unexpected places. I had the chance to reconnect with myself and have never before experienced solitude while living on an island for six incredible months. (I will share more of this island adventure on my next blog!)

And the people I met? Talk about a breath of fresh air! Freediving brought incredible individuals into my life—athletes, mentors, and newfound friends who shared a passion for embracing the unconventional. These connections enriched my journey and showed me the power of supportive and like-minded communities.

You can see that this isn’t just about freediving. It’s about finding out how much potential we all have. It’s about understanding that the limits we think we have are only the beginning of our journey. It’s about being brave enough to leave our comfort zones and open ourselves up to the unknown.

Freediving gave me the confidence to face my fears, to believe in myself, and to redefine what I thought were my limits. And in doing so, it opened the door to a deeper connection with living my faith, a renewed appreciation for life’s wonders, and a vibrant tapestry of relationships that continue to shape my path.

Although I’m currently on a hiatus from freediving as I work towards my Advanced certifications, the impact of this journey still resonates within me. I’m grateful for the experiences, the personal growth, and the calm it has brought to my soul.

So, as I sit down to type all these while I sip my coffee and reflect on this incredible adventure, I raise my cup to all the friends, mentors, and acquaintances who journeyed alongside me. I celebrate the unconventional, the fearlessness, and the triumphs we found within ourselves.

And to you: trust yourself, embrace the uncertainties, and remember that your journey is uniquely yours. Your potential is limitless, and there’s a world of opportunities waiting for you to explore. So let go of the notion that you’ve reached your limit and dive into the depths of your true potential.

Oh wow! You’ve made it to the end of my blog—so here’s one last exciting thing before you go!

If you’re ready to explore the underwater world, I highly recommend Apnea Philippines (@apnea.ph)—because my best friend Chi is a coach there! Of course, I vouch for my bestie! 💙 And let’s not forget my incredible freediving mentor, Marese Secades—you’ll be in the best hands with her. Just send me a message so I can personally refer you!

If you're passionate about ocean conservation, check out CNSRV PH (@cnsrvph)! Coach Jomer is an amazing Freediving Instructor—you’ll learn so much about marine conservation while diving at their HQ in Tingloy, Batangas.

Both of these freediving schools will not only teach you to fall in love with the ocean but also connect you with amazing mentors and lifelong dive buddies. 🌊✨

Thanks for joining me on this incredible journey! Keep exploring, keep growing, and keep embracing the amazing opportunities that life has to offer. You’ve got this!