Last Friday night, we were three women left standing, or dare I say, “swimming” in our community centre’s pool out of twelve who had started in “Older Adult Swim One” (very tentative beginners) nine weeks ago.
Like a wet bathing suit, my fear of water still clung to me. But that night, it felt different. The water was warm, almost inviting after coming out of the cold. The pool was all ours. The other classes finished a week earlier. So peaceful, so calm, and under the watchful eye of Andrew, our Gen Z instructor, we got to practice on anything we wanted.
We all tread water for awhile, arms and legs going off in all directions, different speeds, awkward motions with our life jackets on until we tired out.
Then while the others were swimming, I tried to float (again) on my back. I tried everything during these nine Friday lessons. Missing a few didn’t help. I floated with the noodle, that lengthy lifeline.
I tried to float without the noodle still gripping tightly to the pool edge with one hand and then letting go. I tried visualization but this jack knife pose sunk me. I tried positive self talk but I had too much on my mind. I tried to relax but I kept breathing at the wrong time so that water kept going up my nose.
Then I stopped trying so hard and resorted to a silent prayer. “Please if there is a God, let me float even for 2 seconds.” I let go of the edge and I finally felt this odd sensation for first 2 seconds, then again for 3 seconds. Was this floating? I could hear cheers from my swim-mates and Andrew. “You did it!” I did? I did! Funny how moving towards your goal can feel so empowering and motivating even for two seconds. I walked out of the pool wondering when I could get back in again to experiment and try again.
Our “report cards” were displayed on the table as we exited. We should have given Andrew a medal for bravery. He survived teaching adults for the first time. My swim mates perfected their kicking and gliding. We all had our small victories. But as in all victories, it is the journey we revel and relish. We started out as strangers, four generations – Gen X, Y, Z plus Boomer, as equals in a learning environment that made us braver, friendlier, and kinder. #whenweallwinweallwin