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.

• 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 medicine
• A 10-degree lake became her way back to the outdoors, easing pain, rebuilding confidence, and reconnecting with her body and mind.
• Community over competition
• The 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 worth
• Instagram can be frustrating, but breaks, boundaries, and real-life connections matter more than algorithms.
• Rejection doesn’t mean your story doesn’t matter
• Years 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 true
• Publishing a book was a lifelong dream, but the reality came without fanfare – just the question: “What now?”
• Boundaries change everything
• Learning to say no, choose better people, and set limits helped her finally find the right kind of support.
• Dare: stop hiding your work
• If 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!

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