This last week, my work revolved around focusing on the mental aspect and my confidence, in order to improve my breathing and adjust to my new environment. I not only reviewed some of my video and research, but I also studied my new environment, literally, tested the waters and observed other people swimming in the pool.
I did it! Something I’ve never done before, but have always wanted to experience. I floated on the beach, feeling the gentle waves slowly move me side to side. This week, I have gone in the beach a couple of times, but my purpose was to get a feel of the water and the waves and try to imagine myself lie back on the water and just float. The water was perfect and the waves soft and not intimidating. So on 07/26/15, I made the decision to try it out on my last day there. I must admit, the water was shallow, but for me it was an accomplishment. I was able to stay afloat for several minutes, until one strong wave came over me. I also made the decision to swim, and I did. Again, the water was shallow and swam by flutter kicking and holding my nose. The water was too salty for me, so I didn’t feel confident enough to swim freestyle.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I don’t think I will become a master swimmer, but that has never been my goal. I wanted to learn how to either float or swim freestyle, and I knew it was going to be a personal challenge. I accomplished both. My freestyle swimming might not be technically correct, but for me, for this moment, it is good enough for me. The cherry on top is floating. Yet reflecting on the process I went through with my project, the biggest impact and conquest was on my mindset and confidence. This experience clarified the phrase, “mind over matter.” I gave up on my desire to swim many years ago, but after reading Brookhauser’s book and brainstorming ideas for my project, it aroused the interest once again. I will continue to swim, float and put mind over matter when I encounter difficult situations at work and in my personal life.
I did it! Something I’ve never done before, but have always wanted to experience. I floated on the beach, feeling the gentle waves slowly move me side to side. This week, I have gone in the beach a couple of times, but my purpose was to get a feel of the water and the waves and try to imagine myself lie back on the water and just float. The water was perfect and the waves soft and not intimidating. So on 07/26/15, I made the decision to try it out on my last day there. I must admit, the water was shallow, but for me it was an accomplishment. I was able to stay afloat for several minutes, until one strong wave came over me. I also made the decision to swim, and I did. Again, the water was shallow and swam by flutter kicking and holding my nose. The water was too salty for me, so I didn’t feel confident enough to swim freestyle.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I don’t think I will become a master swimmer, but that has never been my goal. I wanted to learn how to either float or swim freestyle, and I knew it was going to be a personal challenge. I accomplished both. My freestyle swimming might not be technically correct, but for me, for this moment, it is good enough for me. The cherry on top is floating. Yet reflecting on the process I went through with my project, the biggest impact and conquest was on my mindset and confidence. This experience clarified the phrase, “mind over matter.” I gave up on my desire to swim many years ago, but after reading Brookhauser’s book and brainstorming ideas for my project, it aroused the interest once again. I will continue to swim, float and put mind over matter when I encounter difficult situations at work and in my personal life.