Swimming

I recently started swimming again after many years of avoiding the pool. I had forgotten the feeling of one's body gliding through water, the comforting all-over ache once the swim has finished, the completely self-driven exercise, the wet solitude of repetitive motion whilst you keep up a rhythm, back and forth, back and forth, alone with your thoughts and the water. The wonderfully satisfying, all-over tiredness that comes from a brilliant workout. 

I'd forgotten how much I love swimming. 

I'd told myself it was too much effort to get the costume, the goggles, the earplugs etc. together. I'd told myself it was too much effort to make the trip to the pool, or the beach, or the lido... Told myself my bathing suit didn't fit right.... That I couldn't afford to pay the £5, and even decided I had a chlorine allergy (I don't, as it happens)... 

I'd forgotten how much I love swimming. 

I made a million excuses - privately, to myself- for not doing something that I really, really enjoyed as a kid, and which now (finally having gotten back into it) makes me feel great! 

I'd forgotten how much I love swimming. Have to say, I'm really glad I've remembered! 

It's a terrible shame to talk yourself out of doing things that you enjoy, and which you are perfectly capable of going out and doing… Why make life less enjoyable? What have you told yourself you "can't" do?