On Being A Beginner
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On her very first day of swim team Anna jumped right in and swam four laps, barely stopping.
I'm not sure when the last time you swam four laps without a lot of rest, but it's truly not easy, especially if you don't have your side-breathing down quite yet.
"Swim Team is hard." she whispered to me as she sat on my lap after getting out of the pool shivering.
We all start as beginners. Every single one of us. And often it's hard and scary and uncertain. We all have to start somewhere - whether that's in the pool, on the page, in a classroom, introducing yourself to a new friend, etc.
But man it can be so fun and so rewarding and so life-affirming when we let ourselves be in that spot. Unsure, nervous, uncomfortable - and we do it anyway.
I loved that she jumped right in and I love that she got out when she needed some support.
And so we sat. I hugged her tight all wrapped up in her towel while we watched the other kids swim down and back and down and back. I had no problem just watching and letting her acclimate and asking her if she'd like to try again tomorrow and watching her nod and knowing that she would try it again tomorrow because she's that kind of kid.
Report from Day Two
Last night as I was tucking her in Anna told me, "Tomorrow I'm going to get in the pool and stay in for the whole practice."
She did exactly that and loved it.
And the weather cooperated with beautiful sunny skies.
I won't lie - I kinda hope I have shots like this for many years to come.
And I hope she keeps wanting to be a beginniner.
I hope that for myself. And for you.
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26 comments
You are a very thoughtful mom, just what children need. Anna will love swim team because you and the coaches allowed her to go at her own pace. Congrats to Anna for being brave, trying and being willing to continue. I have a soft spot for these photos as all three of my kids were swimmers, two becoming lifeguards and instructors themselves. Love it.
Replies to Laura_Steingiser
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Looove your message today. And yay for Anna and for you for just letting things happen at their own pace. So smart.
Replies to lkfisher
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I hope that for myself....and for you as well. What a great story! Thank you.
Replies to hgauvin
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Such a great way to tell a story! Thank you for sharing this excellent reminder! GO ANNA GO.
Replies to Afink26
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Anna's gusto and your words, and the beauty of it all went straight to my heart. Tears of joy brimming over. Thank you
Replies to ScrappinMyHeartOut
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I wish that for you. Thank you for sharing your inspiring story. Man, those words.
Replies to mtercha
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Love these words, Ali.
Replies to simplyautumn
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Life lessons in the every day stuff. Love it.
Replies to carriecolbert
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I won't lie- I hope she continues, too. For both of you. Such a gift to share with them, especially in the middle school and high school years.
Loved this, Ali.
Replies to Jennymeyerson
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Ali, I admire your STYLE...your mommy style (every child deserves/needs a mom like you), your strong woman style, and your creative style...you inspire me!
Replies to PamV
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Awesome story. Great shots.
I remember swim team being so hard I would actually cry sometimes while swimming! But it was so fun and it definitely keeps you in shape. My nephew is a fish and I would love to see him get into competitive swimming too.
Replies to papergoddess
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this is so amazing! go anna! go! i have a 10 year old who has high functioning autism and she hates the water. (even washing her face and hair is a struggle. she has to put a wash cloth over her face to protect it) i've tried swim lessons, i've tried private swim lessons, i've tried motivational reward tactics but nothing has worked. she'll get in the water but refuses to get her face wet. i was so stressed back then but today, i've learned to just let it go and to let her do her own thing that she feels comfortable with.
Replies to libbimoore
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Totally reminded me of the FIRSTS Story Kit! It's true, we're always doing something for the first time.
Great photos!
Replies to ximena
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Precious experience for you both. We had an experience in the last week with our 4 year old daughter, who would not jump off the diving board with the rest of her class. I knew she could do it, but didn't want to traumatize her by forcing her before she was ready. Every day before her class, we would watch the other kids jump and talk about how fun it looked, and how the teacher caught the kids every time. I encouraged her but never forced her. Last night, without hesitation or a single tear, she decided she was ready and did it twice! (One of the teachers basically dropped her off the board, but that's of little consequence to me.) Thank you for sharing your story.
Replies to patowle
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All of our kids swam competitively and yes they were all beginners at one time. When they got the first ribbon in their hands they were hooked! Go Anna!
Replies to nightmer
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Yay! Anna. I'm so impressed that you went back to swim team and tried again. You are dynamite.
Replies to jennie
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Beautiful words and sentiment Ali, thanks.
Replies to JenHart
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Goodness!!! She is getting tall!
Beginning / starting over IS hard. In everything in life it's a challenge at times. Are you OK, Ali?
Replies to Roxanne24
I'm awesome!
Yes!!! YES you are!!! Much love friend!
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Thanks ali. Lovely story
Replies to Northrigg
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#goannago Great to hear about a motivational Mum who isn't screaming at her kids to try harder in sports. Lovely story Ali - very inspiring.
Replies to NatashaP
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