We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto!

As I stood on the pool deck Saturday morning watching my kids warm up for their first swim meet, I became acutely aware of how far I have come in letting go of my swimmer identity and its grip on how I view the world. I did stroll briefly down memory lane, but not in a missing and empty sort of way. I was warmed by my happy memories (and the 100 degree weather) and was able to enjoy watching the kids and their experiences. Through all this I was also watching myself from a third-person perspective. I was happy to see that the feelings of missed dreams and wistfulness for my past life didn’t creep into the mix. Not once did I feel the need to delve into some old “when I was an age group swimmer” story nor did I have to wage war with my inner coach to keep from trying to make my young ones Olympians…tomorrow! Nope! I was in the moment. Cheering when they swam and sharing in their excitement over their ribbons and performances.

I sure don’t miss that sense of missing out and loss… the muddling through and avoidance of all things swimming that I have done for so long. Instead, I am grateful for my swimming career and that it helped me become who I am today. I use the strengths that swimming helped me develop and hone on a daily basis to create an exciting and purpose-filled life.

Next up? Watching the Olympics. You know… this time, I think I will really enjoy them!

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