Just Keep Swiming

 

I've recently made some big personal and professional decisions that have required a huge leap of faith, and trusting my heart.

While speaking with a new Tri friend, I was asked how I was doing with the changes, and I responded that even though I was optimistic, there is still some discomfort in the unknowns…

He related this period of my life to an athlete's first time in open water. He said it can be scary, daunting even - You can't see the bottom (or even 3 feet in front of you in Texas water!)

But despite the vast unknown of the open water, you trust in your ability to stay above it. You focus on your swimming, your breathing, and you believe in your ability to finish what you started.

I thought about this throughout the swim at Ironman Waco, every time I caught myself thinking about how far I had left to go (or what might be touching me in the water - I couldn't see other swimmers in front of me until I was touching their feet) But I never doubted my ability to get to the finish, and I trusted myself more than any of the fears that tried to creep into my mind about the unknown or the uncontrollable factors surrounding me.

Fear only exists in your mind, and the only power it has over the outcome of your journey is determined by YOU and you alone. As long as you trust your ability to stay above the water, you will get to that finish!

Headwinds

 

Sometimes in life you will get to experience the exhilaration of riding full speed with a favorable tailwind. Other times you will be giving it everything you've got, but into some of the most unrelenting headwinds that we occasionally (but temporarily) face. 

And sometimes you will just be cruising along when an unexpected gust comes out of nowhere and tries to blow you into oncoming traffic! 

The only thing you have control over in all three scenarios, is your perception of the circumstances and where you choose to focus your thoughts and your energy.

Once you learn to enjoy the tailwinds to the fullest, appreciate the adaptability you are building when faced against heavy headwinds of life, and recognize the strength you are gaining by staying firm against unpredictable gusts trying to knock you down - You will undoubtedly not only see that "finish line" goal, but you will cross it a more confident (yet humble), resilient, and disciplined individual.

Whatever winds you are facing today, just remember that they are either blessing you with an experience to cherish, an opportunity to grow, or a lesson to learn... And regardless of their persistence today, they are almost always guaranteed to shift and change tomorrow.