I know that if the people around me don’t feel comfortable, it’s mainly because I don’t explain to them why my behavior is so peculiar. It’s been like this for years. I’ve only swam 300 yards and I already slapped two people in the face, touched someone’s derriere (not sure if it was a man or a woman), and hit my head on the wall. Gosh, I hate crowded pools!
But I know that when I go home tonight, I will be proud of myself. For many years I’ve let that sort of discomfort prevent me from doing the things I love, but now I finally accepted to laugh about it. Sure, my shoulder is a little bloody because I swim too close to the wall, sometimes the coach has to single me out to explain a drill, but these are little things, growing pains, nothing more.
Let’s be honest, it’s not crowded pools that I hate, I just don’t like to face my demons. There is a little voice inside me that keep saying: “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry …”. But most of the time I manage to put it way in the background, and all I keep thinking is “you’re kicking butt Charles”.
By the end of the workout I know the people in my lane, some of them seem very inspired. At first I was afraid to look strange, to feel different, now I feel special. I wish I could have learned that many, many years ago. Perhaps I can teach it to other people facing similar issues.
One thought on “A crowded pool”
Seems like you are always teaching people with your great attitude and many accomplishments! I believe that whether you could see or not has nothing to do with your greatness. You are one of those people who inspires everyone and makes the most out of life.