Am I finally getting it?

[farmgirl]

I went swimming today. I got in the water, paddled around, did some underwater somersaults, swam a bit and had a lovely time. I like the water, and I like how I feel in the water. I don't like how I look in a swimsuit, but I just decided I was going anyway. Nobody pointed, giggled or ran away.

I think I'm going to try and swim often, just for fun, just for me. I get some exercise while I'm in the water, but mostly I just want to go and do something I really love to do. The water is really relaxing and refreshing, all at the same time.

I almost skipped it - I am off work for a few days, catching up on some odds and ends. Hubby and I are remodeling a shed into the ultimate chicken palace (we have five hens), and that is taking a lot of time. I also mowed about an acre today (two down, three to go!!), did some laundry, cooked, did a little cleaning, etc. It would have been easy to just stay home. In my heart, I know that if I had, I would've treated myself to some sort of food 'reward' for having worked so hard today. Instead, in spite of my achey spots, I took a shower, got ready, and went to swim for a while.

It - was - wonderful.

I keep hearing that I have to take care of me. I never seem to know how - I'm always looking for a result, like 'I'm going to take care of me and lose __ pounds.' or 'I'm going to spend some time at home and paint the kitchen.' Well, I think that swimming is a great way for me to just do something I love to do. I can swim for free at the apartment complex where my in-laws live, at least until the end of August. So, I think it will make it a part of my routine. I could swim three days a week without too much effort. I think that's what I'll do.

So, no major epiphanies or breakthroughs. Just that I did something I love to do that didn't include eating. Woo hoo!

-Laura

[zoth]

Just had to comment that you're a natural :fishy! There must be something to be gained from practicing in this :bowl!

:muhaha

Enjoy your time - you deserve it.

[Kensington]

Gotta love the idea of a "chicken palace"! I'm picturing little hens wearing tiny crowns & laying their royal eggs. :yay

You sound like you're doing well, hon. Mowing an acre is bigtime exercise. I have been thinking lately how much I miss being in the pool myself. I think it's just human nature to long to be in cool water during the summer & it blows that the idea of being too fat for a swimsuit gets in the way. It's encouraging to hear you say it went so well for you.

Congrats!

[spiral]

Laura, I love the water too! Being totally immersed feels like going home to me. When I lived in Florida there was a small pool right behind my apartment building. That's about the only thing I miss about that place! I think it's a GREAT thing to do, just for you. And I love the idea of rewarding yourself with a swim. It's so relaxing.

Since the pool near my apartment was a little small for swimming laps, I used to tread water, do somersaults and handstands in the water... I felt like a little kid just playing. It was wonderful.

Splashing around with you in spirit!

[farmgirl]

:hugonZoth:hugoff I hadn't thought of that - too funny!! Thanks for connecting that for me!

:hugonKensington:hugoff Er, I was on a riding mower, so it wasn't all that much effort. However, renovating a lowly shed into a chicken palace IS hard work. We will finish re-roofing tomorrow. Once the interior walls are up, I plan to paint murals in there for the girls - from the dawn of chickenhood (chicken petroglyphs) through to the present - I will even include 'famous chickens through history'. It should be fun. I may even tackle the 'which came first' question - I'm thinking of a Sistine ceiling-mood - God's finger touching a wingtip (or an eggshell!)

We swam again today and it was still good. My in-laws are moving back to Hawaii at the end of August, so I have two months of free swimming privileges. Heck, no one checks anything at the complex, so if I get to be a 'regular', I may continue going after they move out - it's a big complex, so I doubt anyone would know the difference. We'll see - I will have to think about that, and see if it is a moral issue.

:hugonSpiral:hugoff You pretty much described exactly what I do in the water - I love to just sorta paddle around, treading water, and do a somersault from time to time. I'm glad I'm not the only one!!


-Laura

[zoth]

Farmgirl

You are doing great - stuff morals, if you aren't preventing someone else that is genuinely entitled and you aren't being asked to leave then swim on. You won't be doing any harm and you WILL be doing yourself so much good!

By the way, I love the idea of 'interior design' for chickens! Why the hell not!!!! :muhaha The first smile I've had on my face today....

Keep up the good work :happy