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View Full Version : Hi! I'm Maggie Merpuff...



maggie.merpuff
06-20-2015, 05:23 PM
And I just joined the network. I've turned back to my love of fins after years away from the water. I used to be very active when I was young, and did lots of free diving and swim competitions, but I became disabled as a teen and ended up landlocked and in an unfortunate marriage. I gained weight. Lots of it. I also gained a whole nasty slew of self image issues, and as my disabilities became chronic and mounting lists of conditions, my hope just... blew out. I had a terrible scare while free diving in the Bahamas and ever since then, I couldn't swim in deep water without having a panic attack. My breath support went from around 3 minutes to less than 30 seconds due to pure panic.

Now I'm in my 30's and I'm fighting back. I've moved into a healthier life with better people. I left my bad marriage and moved to a small island in Florida, where I started swimming regularly. I've lost 40 pounds and gained some of my breath support back. I still panic when I try to stay down longer, but I am an excellent swimmer even if I don't have my prior breath support. Now I swim in my own sewn tails and am about to embark on a new adventure- teaching disabled children of all ages to swim. My new husband and I are currently starting the process of small business and certifications to teach swimming lessons. We are also getting ready to schedule swim events at local snorkeling points of interest to help raises money for our swim pod school! I't's all so exciting, and I'm excited to continue to get healthier by helping others with disabilities, fears of water or traumas in water recover and discover what they are capable of!

Thanks for letting me join up here. I hope we can all have some fun.

Maggie
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Moonchild
06-20-2015, 05:29 PM
Welcome Maggie!!! Omg yours is such an inspiring story!! I am so glad you are happy now and have so many projects in mind <3

I am pretty new too (I joined a few months ago but I've been super busy and I haven't logged in much so... I still consider myself a newbie hahahaha)

Lots of love!!
Xxx

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maggie.merpuff
06-20-2015, 05:47 PM
Thank you very much! I'm hoping it all works out. I'd be lying if I didn't say that I was terrified!

Merman Jamie
06-20-2015, 09:41 PM
Welcome. Wish you all the best with your projects you are starting.

Keiris
06-20-2015, 11:50 PM
Welcome to you Maggie! Sounds like you have some WONDERFUL things in store and congratulations on turning your life back around!!

ShyMer
06-21-2015, 12:03 AM
Welcome to mernetwork! Thank you for sharing your story, I found it inspiring as well <3

I hope you enjoy your time here!

maggie.merpuff
06-21-2015, 12:24 AM
Thanks, everyone. I'm happy to finally join up.


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OceanWhisper
06-21-2015, 12:59 AM
Welcome! It sounds like you've got a wonderful journey for yourself in the future! Best wishes towards your goals :) if you need anything, we're all here to help a Mersister out :D

Lotus the Mermaid
06-21-2015, 07:56 AM
You have an incredible story. I'm so happy for you and proud of you for never letting anything keep you down! You're going to be such a huge blessing for those kids! If you ever have any questions or need any help, please don't hesitate to let me know! I'll be praying for the utmost success in your endeavors!

Oh, and welcome to MerNetwork!!! :D <3

maggie.merpuff
06-21-2015, 01:07 PM
Thank you all so much! There is still so much to do and learn. I am pouring into this forum and eating up all the great info. Thank you.


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Mermaid Wesley
06-21-2015, 04:16 PM
Welcome to the forum!


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Ginger
06-25-2015, 08:26 AM
Hi Maggie! I just joined this forum myself and noticed you and I have some similarities. I have suffered from thalassophobia for many years, it came on for no apparent reason, though I am a strong swimmer in a pool. I am working at overcoming my own fear as you are. Seems you've made great progress. You can read my intro, I don't want to take yours over, but I am very interested to know how your business goes for you, it sounds just wonderful. I would be very grateful if you would talk with me from time to time about it. Perhaps we could offer each other some support. I have been considering seeking out opportunities to talk about my phobia and overcoming it and have considered working with children to teach water safety, though in my case the idea is still new and I don't have any plans to start a business doing this. Again, I don't mean to hijack your thread, but please do let me know if there is anything I can do for you and please keep me posted on your personal and business journey, if you are comfortable doing so. I would be happy to PM with you about this, or you can post whatever you like on my intro thread. Hope to hear from you soon Maggie!

maggie.merpuff
06-25-2015, 08:47 AM
How wonderful! I would be more than happy to chat with you. Do you have a mermaid Facebook profile?


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Ginger
06-26-2015, 11:32 AM
Sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, Maggie. I don't have a mer facebook account! But I will work on setting one up as soon as I can later today and I will give you my info as soon as I do. Thank you!