swimming
It was some time ago when I came across an article about ‘Women & Leadership’ in Newsweek (20 Oct 08 issue). It provoked me in different aspects of life.

Dara Torres, Olympic Medalist (a 41-year old women who has joined five Olympic Games in 24 years) once said, “I feel like I’m one with the water, like I was meant to be in the water. Strap some gills on me and I’ll just live in the water. It’s peaceful, serene. I feel comfortable in the water. No one bothers you when you’re in the water. You can think when you’re in the water.”

I totally agree with Dara. You can really think when you’re in the water.

I learnt swimming as late as I was 24 years old, when I moved from Hong Kong to Singapore. In Hong Kong, I have to say there’s not much chance to swim due to the crowded living conditions. In Singapore, I am living in a condominium where there is an Olympic swimming pool surrounded by nice palm tress. I had no excuse not to learn how to swim.

My partner is a good swimmer. He taught me how to swim. At the beginning, I was ever convinced that I would never be able to swim without my favorite dolphin buoy, my 24th year old birthday gift. Somehow I could never coordinate my arms and legs at the same time.

One day, I was sad to lose my buoy and had to swim without my buoy. Surprisingly and slowly, I was able to swim without a buoy, without stopping, for half lap, and then one lap. I thought it was like a magic.

Over the past two years, I finally could swim ‘quite well’. I could swim around six to eight laps every time. I call it a magic.

I am still working on my swimming skills, and am loving it.

I enjoy swimming not only because it’s a healthy, relaxing sport. But when I swim, I am alone in the water. I am alone to think. I am alone to be separated from the rest of the world just for a few moments. I am alone to keep this moment of time for myself. I like thinking about my daily life, my work, my relationship, my dreams and my future in the water. It is a perfect place, perfect time to be yourself, for yourself.

Luckily I discovered the beauty of swimming in my life.

(Article contributed by Sally Yip, a Hong Konger who is enjoying and exploring her life in Singapore)