The beginning of this school year did not start well. Getting the kids back on track from the summer left me discouraged, disgruntled and frankly, rather hopeless. The teacher's strike here didn't help either. I had to hear how awesome these teachers are, how patient and kind, how endlessly wonderful in every way. Yada, yada, yada. How come I couldn't even teach my own 4 children (2 not in school yet)? Was I that much of a failure? I sure felt like one. The needs seemed overwhelming, the resources seemed rather lacking.
But, I got the golden ticket. I went swimming. Actually, my husband said, "I think you need to go swimming." When he says that, I obey! It had been over a year since I'd been swimming laps, and the lacks (or laps!) were showing. In actuality, I have only been swimming a handful of times since I became a mother, due to all the stresses that come along with babies and logistics. But, when I do, that same spark comes back in me. I come alive. I feel hopeful. I feel refreshed.
Back in my single days, I swam pretty much every day. As you all probably know, I worked at 4 different pools over 8 years, which gave me plenty of free swimming. One time, I was in a really grouchy mood and my sister Amy told me, "you probably need a swim." I denied it and went on with my grouching. Finally she said, "I'm driving you to the pool and you'll go take a swim." I reluctantly went, and when she came to pick me up, I was singing a chipper, rather cheesy song (no word of a lie), "Beautiful Sunday" (Cristy Lane, remember her?) Yeah. It worked. It still works. After my swim last week, it's been good days all week. The circumstances haven't changed, but my attitude did.
So, last night I went swimming laps once again. About halfway through, I was feeling almost bulletproof. You know those bumper stickers that say, "No Bad Days"? I actually considered getting one. For reals. I typically hate those stickers. I have far too many bad days, even when I try not to. That's what swimming will do to my brain. I'll take it!!
