For all my espousing of the virtues of getting outdoors in nature, being out in the green and being near water, I've actually been scared of getting in the water myself for nearly 30 years.
Which is a bit ridiculous, really.
I was a snorkeller and diver as a child and into my teens. My dad ran a dive club, so being in the water was a big part of my life.
Then, somewhere along the way, the fear of cold water took over.
I've always missed swimming and messing around in the water, but as the years went by, it got harder and harder to do anything about it.
Until Good Friday this year.
I'd decided I wanted to introduce a bit more joy into my life and finally do something about this fear that had crept in.
A trip to a spa with friends had reminded me how much I enjoyed being in the water. I even managed a bit of swimming, and it felt surprisingly familiar.
But going to a public swimming baths? That felt like a much bigger deal.
I spent weeks working myself up to it.
I asked a friend who's a keen swimmer about the baths I was planning to use. Knowing what to expect helped enormously.
I chose a day when I wouldn't have work or other commitments getting in the way. I packed my bag the night before so I'd be less likely to talk myself out of going.
And on Good Friday morning, I got up early and went.
Feeling a mixture of trepidation and excitement.
And it was amazing.
The staff were friendly and explained where everything was. Although I'd used those baths as a child, I barely recognised the place.
Once I got into the pool, I found myself surrounded by people of a certain age, merrily swimming their lengths and having a chat.
It felt friendly. Inviting. And I felt right at home.
My technique came back. I was fitter than I thought. I actually managed more than I'd expected.
A bit rusty, perhaps, but it felt like old times.
And I knew I'd be going back.
Looking back, I think what strikes me most is just how much mental preparation went into something that turned out to be so enjoyable.
I didn't suddenly become fearless. I just found ways to make that first step feel possible.
And after nearly 30 years of missing something I used to love, I've got swimming back in my life.
I'm rather pleased about that.
And it does make me wonder what else I've been telling myself I can't do.