Have you ever done something poorly and ended up regretting it? Are you a person that chooses to listen or not listen? You should always think before you do something, especially when you're in an uncertain situation. Sometimes it can be fun, but what are the outcomes?

It was a boiling day on Long Beach Island. We go there every summer. It is a beautiful place. The sand was steaming on my feet, and I gradually walked to our spot. The salty smell of the ocean was pleasing. I was burning from the baking sun, so I had to go in the water. “Lay, wanna come in? You too Jordan.” We walked rapidly into the water.  Time went on. All we were doing was having fun and playing around with our boogie boards.

“Guys, come out of the water right now! I can see the waves getting larger. The current is extremely strong. Come take a break.” I thought to myself, should I ignore her or should I listen? I was walking towards the shore, but I couldn't. So why not just stay in the water?  I thought this was fun, ducking under the big waves. This is what vacations are about, right? Having fun? But as time went on, little by little the water got more choppy and aggressive. Should I try to get out? I couldn't move; the water was pushing me farther and farther from shore! Am I going to die?

I should've listened to my mom. I started to overreact. “MOM!!!”

“Jayde, calm yourself, I'm right here,” my sister said in a soothing voice. But there was no time to waste! We were going to die!

 “Watch out, guys!!!”

I ducked under water; my heart skipped a beat. I could feel the rocks bumping against me. This saltwater tastes horrendous. The worst thing is I don't know where I am! Am I close to shore? Am I going further from shore? I kept rolling and rolling. Pushing and fighting, I was trying to get to shore.

Heart beating, legs running, I finally got a breath of air! I was so grateful. I sprinted up to my mom, frightened that she would be mad at me, but I still gave her a massive hug, showing my enormous love for her. “I feel so guilty for not listening to you! This will never happen again. I will always listen to you.” Little by little I walked up the steaming sand to the umbrella while getting a big sip of regular water. I made sure Jordan and Layla were okay too.

As I now look back at this story, I wish I had listened and made a greater decision, but I'm glad I had a little bit of fun with it. Now I have an experience that will help me choose better results in decision making.  The key is to remember that you are in control and can turn these bad choices into a good outcome.

 

 

 

 

-Jayde C.