You're never too old to learn a new skill.
As a child, I was conditioned to believe that swimming wasn't for me. It was a skill that I hadn't learned as a kid and so I was just out of luck. If only I stayed away from lakes, rivers and pools, everything would be all good. It was a great plan until I realized how many opportunities I missed out on by not knowing how to swim. Summer parties by the pool, day trips to the beach, or floating down the river were all events that I missed out on with friends because of my inability to swim.
I know that I couldn’t be alone in this predicament, either. According to the Red Cross, only 56% of all self-described swimmers can perform all five of the basic skills that could save their life in the water. The statistics become even more alarming when broken down by gender, race or even socioeconomic status. Swimming is more than a leisurely hobby, it's a skill that can save your life.
It was through the opportunity presented by Miller Swim School, that I first took the plunge and enrolled in my first adult session. Making the decision that my fear would not determine my destiny was pivotal to a successful experience in my classes.
It all began with a splash...or a belly flop. It depends on your perspective.
From my nervous first steps onto the diving platform to weeks later successfully diving off the diving platform into the deep end, the teachers and staff of Miller Swim School have supported and cheered on my swimming journey every step along the way. Throughout my eight-week session of swim lessons, I learned how to properly breathe under water and how to navigate across the pool on both my stomach and back. I even gained confidence in the deep end of the pool through treading water and completing knee and standing dives.
The best part was that the confidence that I gained from my swimming lessons transferred into other areas of my life. I could see how my every day confidence and body image began to rise with each and every passing week of classes. Every time that I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, I was rewarded with reaching new milestones in my swimming journey.
Learning to swim doesn't have to be a scary experience, if done in a safe and welcoming environment. If you have ever wondered if it was too late for you to learn how to swim, question no more. Join a session of adult swim lessons and check this life skill of your to do list.
Remember: You can only experience growth on the other side of your comfort zone.
