How Cold Water Therapy Saved Her Life, Author and Adevnturer Sara Barnes

In this episode of She Who Dares Wins, Michelle sits down with Sara, an author and cold water swim guide who has rebuilt her life through divorce, grief, major surgeries, and a near-death experience on the operating table.From being told she’d never “make it” as a freelancer, to years of rejection before finally landing a book deal, Sara shares how cold water, community, and storytelling helped her find courage, connection, and a new chapter in her 60s.This one is for anyone who feels “too ordinary,” too late, or scared to put their work out into the world.Key Takeaways Life is short – act now, not “one day”Facing heart surgery, failed operations, and grief taught Sara to stop postponing the things that matter.Cold water as medicineA 10-degree lake became her way back to the outdoors, easing pain, rebuilding confidence, and reconnecting with her body and mind.Community over competitionThe cold-water swimming world gave her supportive connection she never found in more competitive sports.Social media is a tool, not the measure of your worthInstagram can be frustrating, but breaks, boundaries, and real-life connections matter more than algorithms.Rejection doesn’t mean your story doesn’t matterYears of “no” eventually led to a book deal – and readers now message her to say her stories helped them be braver.Dreams feel different when they come truePublishing a book was a lifelong dream, but the reality came without fanfare – just the question: “What now?”Boundaries change everythingLearning to say no, choose better people, and set limits helped her finally find the right kind of support.Dare: stop hiding your workIf you want to write, submit something – a pitch, a manuscript, a competition entry. Expect rejection, celebrate small wins, and get your words out of your laptop and into the world.Are you ready to stop dounting yourself and become more daring like our guests? Join Dare Club now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.