by Guest Writer Suzie Cheel
Last week I started swimming with 3 local guys who swim each day, weather permitting, from one end of the beach to the other. One end being Greenmount Beach, the other end being Coolangatta Beach. This is about 750 meters (half a mile) in length.
I have been talking about swimming the length of the beach for several years, but never quite got started. Greg one of the swimmers asked me recently when I was going to start. I said: ” When I get some goggles.”
At the beach the next day Greg presented me with a spare pair of his goggles to try – no more excuses.
I decided to start the next Monday and I would swim Monday, Wednesday and Fridays.
Day 1 I got about halfway and discovered that swimming
the length of the beach was no pushover. Day 2 seemed even more difficult, the sea was also quite rough, to the point that I wondered whether I would even make halfway on Friday. I was even wondering if this was something I wanted to continue with.
I set off on Friday ahead of the guys and surprised myself when I looked up at the halfway point and thought that seemed easy and kept swimming to the end.
I reached the end and there was a slightly nervous moment when I thought the current was going to carry me around the point to the next beach. I was able to swim into the shore, I felt exhilarated.
I was so glad I had persevered.
Time to celebrate and do a happy dance.
What do you know about giving Up?
Jannie Funster says
February 15, 2009 at 3:53 PMSometimes knowing what to give up can be a breath of freedom. Some of my greatest achievements have been setting things loose.
But, when you know you’re working towards something attainable, even if it seems like a crazy dream, knowing when NOT to give up is the name of the game. Effort pays off, boy don’t I know it from personal struggle.
LisaNewton says
February 15, 2009 at 5:42 PMWay to go, Suzie…………..:)
I know how hard it is to first, get started, and then to keep it going. To many times we either give up without a fight or make excuses for not following through.
I know this has happened to me a couple of times, especially when it was something I didn’t really want to do.
However, with the strength and perserverence, any task can be accomplished and even built upon.
Thanks for the reminder to not letting myself get in the way of my success. That feeling of accomplishment is well worth the effort………:)
Suzie Cheel says
February 16, 2009 at 11:29 PM@Thanks Janette for your encouraging words, I like the distinctions you have made.
@ Lisa I like that you like the reminder- something I need to remember more often is not to give up on my own success