Monday, June 1, 2009

Courage in Water

Greetings Happy people!!

Okay I admit it!! I consider myself to be a late bloomer. I got my driver's license at 20. I been on a plane the first time at 27. I had my first drink at 30. Out of all the late blooming experiences I had. The one I felt that I took the huge courageous step in is actually learning how to swim at 32. For those mathemeticians out there, I will turn 34 on October 29th.

Yes, that would make it about a year and some change ago when I first took my steps in the water. The one person that really help encourage me to get into the drink was my girlfriend Dana. She was amazing in helping me learn how to swim. Grant it I still have a long way to go before I become the next Michael Phelps - but at least I am learning how to paddle my feet pretty well while wearing a life-jacket.

There are people that learned how to swim when they were 7,8, 9 or even younger. My excuse for not learning was never having an opportunity to swim. Coming from a Navy brat, that seems pretty odd.

Last year, I was at my apartment complex with Dana. We decided to go to the pool to cool off that Summer. First letting my fears get to me, I admitted to her that I never swam a day in my life. She looked surprise at first, but was willing to help me out.

Of course, the first thing to do in learning how to swim is to get in the pool. While Dana was able to dive right in, I was taking my entry via the ladder saying "Ooooh" everytime my feet hit the water. Then without further delay, I went in the shallow section of the pool - you know the part that is 3 feet deep. It was pretty nippy at the time.

My first attempt in the water, I swam like a rock!! But with encouragement from Dana, she showed my different ways to swim. I tried the dog paddle- did not work. I tried the back stroke - no avail. Minutes later I learn the basics in paddling with my feet, while she guided me. It was a learning process.

Let's fast forward to Memorial Day 2009. We were at the Lake Mead Marina and I had a chance to get into the cold water. When I got in there, I still needed the life jacket. However, I am still paddling with my feet!! Again this took a lot of courage to do.

Somewhere in the world, there are people trying something new for the first time. Whether it is learning how to swim, climbing a mountain, or being on an airplaine, all it would take is that first step to go out there and do it!! Like me learning how to swim at 32, it is never too late to learn something new. Imagine if people if have not tried these things for their whole lives. Plenty doors of opportunities would remain closed for them. It is always a good thing to learn something new for you will be floating ahead in life and become better for it!!

That is all I have for now. Take care and thank you for your time and attention.

Jesse I-I-I

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

dude, wow i thought i was bad when i forced to learn in high school as part of physical education.. thanks for sharing ...

Bob h

Rich said...

Congrats Brother!!!
Proud of you keep it up...

Rich Wilson

Anonymous said...

You are AMAZING!!!!! Do you know how much I love you? I expect we will have many more days in the water during your learning process. One "step" at a time. :)

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