This must be one of the oldest proverbial sayings in history. The meaning behind it basically implies that old dogs (or old people) learn less well than younger versions of their species. After the time I've spent here on this grandiose planet of ours I've quickly figured out that this is simply not true. Even Myth Busters proved it wrong and man if Myth Busters proves it wrong, well....
But ladies and germs, let me tell you this! As of Friday, July 6th, this girl right here (yup, I'm talking about me) also proved this theory wrong. And there is never a better feeling than proving something or someone wrong (that's probably wrong of me to think like that but don't even bother trying to prove it!). After 38 years - 2 months and a few days I finally mastered the back float (in swimming). Yup for reals. I could just never 'get it'. Nothing I did worked. I even paid close attention to the boys when they took swimming lessons to hear if the teacher explained it in a way I'd understand so I could practise in the privacy of my own friend's backyard. I vaguely remember the instructor giving them a tip that was sure to make them successful but only after having discovered this all on my own on Friday. Then it all came rushing back to me.
Wanna know the trick? Most of you probably already know it, but humour me will you? You have to make sure your ears are submerged in the water. I always fought this theory and it resulted in my continued failed attempts. So here's the trick: You lean back in the water arms out like a star, legs out like a star. Crotch area pushed up to the surface of the water and ears submerged and VOILA! A perfect back float. I'm total pro at it now, I could so totally do lessons. I even made Eric take a photo of me floating around for long periods of time in my perfected float. Take a look at the form! It's beautiful.
So the lesson of the day peeps? Don't ever give up on your dreams, even if they are as silly as perfecting the back float! Hold on to those little things in life that make you smile.
Bravo! It's been so long since I've been in a pool or the ocean that I probably couldn't even dog paddle now if I tried.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I had a fear of water growing up, took a class in college to learn to swim. Got the strokes figured out, but still struggle with having fun in the water. It scares me to not touch bottom or to get dumped upside down. But this old dog is fighting the fear and doing it anyway! Just came up with a great blog post as a result of my thoughts about your post! Thanks!
ReplyDelete*clap clap clap* It's so nice to hear I've inspired someone to write their own story!
DeleteVery Interesting....as I will never forget going over and over and over a billion times the back float with Roan way back... Now, you both have it down pat...yaaaay! :) now you can float together.:)
ReplyDeleteAndrea
He's too busy doing canon balls to back float the afternoon away. :)
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