 |
| Terri, Sheila, and Johnny 1985 |
What is it about the past, that we just can't seem to leave behind? Is it our previous accomplishments, our youthful glow and energy, or the mistakes we made during our hormonal Jekyll and Hyde stage, that keeps us thinking backward instead of being in the present? I don't know if it's because I'm back in the pool or if it's because my 40th birthday is fast approaching; I have been looking in the past a lot lately. I don't think that I'm the only one either. Throw Back Thursday has become quite popular, this recent Father's Day brought Facebook alive with many pictures of friends, with their Dads, from when they were kids, and I do believe there seems to be an 80's clothing (unfortunate ) revival. I actually saw a pair of Jelly sandals for sale at the mall last week, $40!!!
 |
| Terri and Sheila - Present |
For me, I have been looking back and wishing I had the conditioning and youthfulness of my younger years with the knowledge and wisdom I have now. What did Oscar Wilde say? " Youth is wasted on the young". For myself I have to agree.
From where I stand now, I can see some of the errors of my youth; the mistakes I made, the wrong paths chosen. It sometimes haunts me to think that had I not lost my mind as a teenager perhaps reaching the goal of Olympian would have been realised, amongst other things. Currently, I have the desire and knowledge and the stability of mind (hormones or not) to go for it! To train 8 times a week and see where it would lead me. The only thing is, I have 3 amazing kids, a great career, and a life to live, in the present. Of course I can't forget to add that I am no longer a spring chicken, so 8 times a week is not an option for me, as it is not for most us, at this point in time.
 |
| Sheila- Gold Medal Walkers Invitation I've grown since then |
It is a constant ongoing struggle for me to stay in the present; to refrain from dwelling in the past and worrying about the future. This struggle can sometimes take away my focus on what's most important- what's happening today. There are a few simple things I am practicing to try to keep me present:
1. Turning Lemons into Lemonade--working on finding the positive in a less than ideal situation each day and remembering to think of all the things I'm thankful for.
2. Experience what I am doing-- seriously. An example is: how often when you are swimming laps in the pool does your mind
 |
| Dad and Mom 1987 |
wander to other things, work, kids, bills, how maybe you weren't the best daughter to your mom. I am working on putting all these things aside and focusing on the activity at hand....my stroke technique and the teammates around me. It makes for a much more enjoyable experience. At least it has been working for me.
3. If I can't change it, DON'T- Sometimes things happen that we can do nothing about. Traffic is crazy and we are going to be very late for an appointment. Should we get upset, frustrated and angry? Or simply call ahead and let them know we will be late, turn up the tunes in the car and make the best of the situation we are in. It isn't easy, but letting the tension go can make a world of difference in how the rest of our current day unfolds.
 |
| The Present- Off to Grade 8 Grad! |
Regardless of the new habits I am working to instill, I often think back to the days of old. Some memories are remembered fondly, others I wish I could go back and change. I have scattered a few pics throughout this blog of past and present to share. As I sit here, in the present, I am thankful that my life has unfolded the way it has. I sometimes ask myself the following questions: If I was able to change anything that has happened so far in my life, would I still have my 3 girls, would I be living where I am now, meeting the wonderful friends and acquaintances that I am meeting every day? I don't know what the answers are, and I will continue to touch on the past, but I won't dwell there anymore. I will strive to focus my attention on the present and enjoy each day and experience as it comes.
 |
| The Present-Too Cool Avery Avery wanted to be on the internet, So here she is! |
