Facing Fear When Swimming

Yesterday was another day for our swimming lessons. My two daughters, 13 and 10 years old already shifted to the deep end side of the pool. For me I am still in the intermediate level.

However I notice myself moving forward and backward when swimming. My feet doesn’t touch the ground when swimming but when I swim in the deep end, I still feel the fear and nervousness.

Before, the muscles around my back, thighs and legs were very tensed and tight. I couldn’t really relax in the water. But now with consistent practice and patient, the muscles started to loosen up and let go in the water.

Also throughout this interesting experience, there is this relationship that you get to develop with the water. For me initially it was very shaky and unstable. But then with trial and error, consistent practice and following the instructions and guidance from my coach, things started to shift for me. I started trusting the water more. My nervousness, panic and quick movements in the water reduced.

Still I am not 100% relaxed in the water as I should be. But I trust the water will carry me when I work with it instead of against it.

Yesterday when I swam towards the deep end with the coach next to me, I felt the fear. But then I said: Hudham keep moving. Keep going. Just move and kick. It is ok if you swallow the water accidently. It is ok if the water splashes into your face. Keep going and pushing.

I can’t forget my coach words when she said: You already can swim in the deep end. It is just your fear that is delaying you.

At the end, I am not sure is it just me facing this fear or is it a character that most sensitive people often have. But what I deeply know is the amazing inner feeling you experience after you finish a swimming lesson. I am not sure what can you call it. Pride, excitement, happiness, confidence, strength or what. But it is fun to experience this feeling after facing your fear and struggles.