Have you ever felt like you were drowning—not in water, but in life's overwhelming challenges? That suffocating feeling when bills, expectations, grief, or addiction seems to pull you under?

Swimming becomes the perfect metaphor for life's journey in this deeply personal exploration of recovery and healing. From childhood trauma at the hands of a well-meaning uncle to the symbolic power of shallow versus deep waters, we dive into what it truly means to stay afloat when life feels overwhelming. The SWIM method—Surrender, Watch, Inquire, Move—offers a practical framework for navigating those moments when you feel like you're going under, transforming this acronym into a life preserver that keeps you from drowning.

We explore how trauma teaches us avoidance rather than resilience, keeping us in life's shallow end—those predictable, comfortable spaces where we feel safe but cannot grow. While shallow waters may temporarily protect us, life inevitably pushes us into deeper currents through unexpected diagnoses, relapses, or loss. It's in these depths where we discover our true strength through courage, community, and consistency. For BIPOC communities, the swimming metaphor extends further into generational patterns that echo through families and cultures, requiring intentional healing in spaces characterized by honesty and compassion.

Recovery isn't about erasing deep-end moments but developing tools to face them with confidence. Through deep breathing exercises, body scanning, and visualization, we can find calm even in chaos. Whether you're personally struggling or supporting someone who is, remember that recovery isn't a sprint—it's a swim. And no one should have to swim alone. Share your story of finding your lifeline when life's waters pulled you under. Your experience could become the encouragement someone else needs to keep swimming.

Share your story with us at [email protected] 

If you or someone you love is struggling, you are not alone. Here are some resources that can help right now:

• SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Free, 24/7 confidential support for individuals and families.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Dial or text 988 for immediate connection to trained counselors.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine – 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text “HELPLINE” to 62640.
• Celebrate Recovery – A faith-based, 12-step recovery community available in many local churches nationwide.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) / Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – Peer support groups that remind us: one day at a time is enough.

The SALT Talk with Rev. Jermine Alberty
Service. Affirmation. Love. Transformation.

Thank you for tuning in to The SALT Talk, where we inspire transformation through honest conversations about faith, healing, and purpose.
Be sure to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone who needs encouragement today.

To learn more about the SALT Initiative or to book Rev. Alberty for training or speaking engagements, visit www.jerminealberty.com.

Until next time, remember:

Serve with humility, affirm with compassion, love with courage, and live a life of transformation.