Life is Like a Swimming Pool

Yesterday morning I went for a run and then decided to take a dip in the pool to cool myself off. Since it was only 9:00 in the morning, I knew the water was going to be chilly. I slowly eased myself down onto the ladder and hung my legs over the side. Yep, it was cold. I sat there for awhile just relaxing into the coolness on my legs. I knew I wanted to take the plunge, but I needed a bit more time. After a few more breaths, I dove right in.

Life can be just like a swimming pool.

The pool offers something refreshing and fun. We seek the weightlessness. The ease. The coolness. The stillness. The joy. The playfulness. The quiet. The serenity. We know the pool is going to be cold and a little uncomfortable at first, but after those first few moments it is going to feel wonderful.

For most of us, there exists the same thing in life. There is something out there for us that is enticing us, just like the pool. Something idyllic. Something that will refresh us and be fun. Unfortunately, in order to get to that something we have to pass through a little fear and bit of discomfort.

We pause and wonder, “Do I really want to swim?”

You know you do.

• Are you going look at the pool and just think, "This is silly. Why bother?"
  
  
• Are you going to sit and watch everybody else in the pool, but be too afraid of putting on your bathing suit and being “seen” to go in?
  
  
• Are you going stand at the side of the pool, dip in a toe, and walk away?  
  
  
• Are you going to ease yourself in slowly? First a toe, then an ankle, then to your knees, to your thighs, to your waist, to you chest, and then stop.
  
  
• Are you going to walk in to your waist and then dive in?
  
  
• Or, are you going to walk up to the side, take a breath, and dive in head first?
  

It’s Your Life. Live It Boldly.