Pool Life Lessons – by Robin Gorman Newman

I’m so proud of Seth.

He passed the deep water swim test at camp this week, and it meant so much to him and all of us. We’re going to go out for a celebratory dinner tonight. He didn’t pass the first time, and I so admire his persistence and desire to make it happen. I don’t think he ever doubted that eventually he would get there. He has the right attitude, and I hope he can ultimately apply it in all areas of his life.

We’ve been spending a lot of time at our local pool, in addition to him swimming at his day camp, and he’s made huge progress. It’s amazing to watch his development. From one day to the next, things he wouldn’t do last week, he’s now doing without fear, projecting total confidence. It’s an inspiration.

I am learning to do laps myself this summer. Working on my breathing now, which has been a challenge. But, I know I’ll get there.

Yesterday in the pool, I was speaking with a veteran swimmer who comes religiously the same time each day to swim for at least half an hour. I watch him with awe and aspire to follow in his swim strokes one day. We don’t usually talk because he swims as if on a mission. But this time, we chatted a bit as he came up for air, and we got on the subject of kids and how it’s ideal to learn to do certain things when you’re young. Granted, not that I’m old at 48, but as he pointed out, the older you are, the more you might be riddled with fear. And, he’s right. I don’t have a comfort level in the deep water, though I’m working on it. And, I don’t envision ever jumping off a diving board….though I never say never.

But, it’s not just about swimming.

It’s amazing how kids fully embrace most new experiences, and as adults, we might sometimes hem ‘n haw over them, wondering how they fit into our expectations of what we think the experience will be like. And, if you’re like me, it’s so easy to over think a situation. And, nothing will instill more fear in you than what you conjure up before even embarking on the experience. You could love it and be totally surprised. If you had asked me a few years ago if I’d ever put my face in the water, I would have answered with a resounding “no.”

I don’t expect to learn to ski at this point in my life. Nor, do I have the desire.

I don’t plan to jump out of a plane.

But, I do still yearn for new experiences. It’s never too late to learn.

Perhaps snorkeling?

Taking an acting class?

Hmmm…what else?

What do you think about learning or trying something new at this point in your life?

One of my single love coaching clients told me this week that she might sign up for a tarot card reading class in the fall.

That sounds intriguing.

The possibilities for learning are endless.

Another mom I know is studying the Torah.

New experiences help keep life fresh.

I’m wondering what’s next on my learning agenda.

How about you?