Both Feet Wet

Just like the prior week, we started off with bobbing and bubbles, but that’s where the basic lesson ended and the more advanced lesson began. I haven’t decided yet whether our instructor really believes in our abilities or if she just forgets what we covered in our last lesson. Either way, she's really upbeat and positive about it so we just do as we're told. As we stood at the edge of the pool looking down into the deep blue abyss (actually, it’s only 5 feet but that’s still a lot of water for someone who is 5-feet tall), we waited anxiously for our next activity. Our instructor wanted us to jump in and swim freestyle across the pool using our arms, legs and proper breathing techniques. 

Honestly, I thought this was going to be our grand finale to end the summer, but I guess I was wrong. To my surprise, when I just let go and followed her instructions, I found myself actually swimming on my first try. Better yet, I was told that I did really well; what a huge boost of confidence!

I’m realizing more and more that swimming is just as much about using your arms and legs as well as your brain. It’s equal parts mechanics and confidence. In only our second week of lessons, we’ve already done three strokes: freestyle, backstroke and sidestroke.

Apparently, not only are we learning how to swim but also how to take those hang-ups and move forward past them. Whether it's fear of jumping into the water, avoiding the pool for 45 years or constantly negative talking, we’re all dealing with those mental blocks that prevent us from swimming. For the first time in a long time, I’m comfortable and confident being in the water. Before and after every lesson I’ve literally been passionate about getting my technique down and look forward to spending more time practicing what we’ve learned and see how our instructor will find new ways to challenge us in class.