a few years ago i was on a diving trip and
i had a chance to look this trait in the eye.

the day had been perfect, the water so clear...
we had seen crazy colors and exquisite ocean life at
every turn of the corner. i felt high, the cells of
all my senses seemed to be exploding.

and then this beautiful sea turtle passed by me ~ she floated
like a kite. i was captured by her movement.
i knew i shouldn't leave the group, but my curiousity
got the best of me. the drift of the current made it easy
to get swept away. i had only drifted for what seemed like a
few seconds, when i realized i was quite a
distance from the group, and had gone much deeper
than i should have.
i began to try and swim back but the current
was so strong ~ i could barely make any progress.
i knew i was burning through my air and and my
strength. i was trying not to give into
panic, but it was definitely tapping on my shoulder.
i felt like i was almost to the point of exhaustion when
the group got close enough for me to rejoin them.
i slowly began to resurface and by the time i got to the boat
i felt like crying. i knew i had crossed the line.
and suddenly, my adventurous personality didn't
seem so impressive.