Opinions Are Like…..Pools….

There’s one in every backyard and they’re full of…….leaves..

Life Lessons from the Pool

I had the entire pool to myself tonight doing laps, enjoying my solo aqua time- as usual, when a tall thin Chinese Olympic swimmer came in with her colorful braided hand woven chindi tote bag. As she stylishly pulled her swimming cap over her shiny dark pixie-cut hair; she placed her “eyewear” onto her delicate eyes to protect them from the savage chlorine and chemicals. I knew for sure that she was an Olympic swimmer, which is why I can confidently state- after the fact. – because she grunted every time she bobbed her head up between perfectly timed strokes.

So I did what any insecure middle age overweight person would do and stopped my pathetic slow motion strokes I had been doing (more like flabby arm belly flops) and took my pink floaty & went in the deep end and did scissors! Yes! My legs were my best quality so I’ll show her how precise my leg splits are 🏊🏅🏋. I was enjoying my dives down under until I got mixed up between the air and water locations and took a breath of water when I shouldn’t have.

As I tried to silently cough and sputter my way back to life; choking out water, chlorine and who knows what other chemicals, along with enough DNA to match 10 evidence tests; Miss Precise walked elegantly and choke-lessly into the hot tub & did a water aerobic tai chi ensemble.

Tired of my own ego- antics, I laid on my back and watched my belly float in the water as I contemplated the meaning of life.

Who was I?

What was my purpose?

Just the day before I had been told I’m a doormat by a co-worker. I was also told-THE VERY SAME DAY that I’m an amazing woman and an inspiration. So which do you think I focused on? Who do I Believe? Which words did I ruminate on as I lie in bed trying to sleep?

I don’t deny or discount any one persons opinion of me. They have a right to their perspective based on what they know OF me.
But I also don’t feel the need to explain my story and my struggles to someone in order to change their opinion of me.

Yet, here I am today feeling the same depreciating thoughts of not being enough as I explored in this post.

I have to remember that not everyone gets me or cares to, nor do they have the time for my shenanigans and that’s ok.
I can relish in the beautiful souls that compliment mine.

And, as Max Lucato says:

Proverbs 16:5 says, “The Lord despises pride.” So, get over yourself!

An elementary boy came home from tryouts for the school play. “Mommy, mommy” he announced, “I got a part. I’ve been chosen to sit in the audience and clap and cheer.” When you have a chance to clap and cheer, do you take it? If you do, your head is starting to fit your hat size.

Demanding respect is like chasing a butterfly. Chase it, and you’ll never catch it. Sit still, and it may light on your shoulder. The Bible says in Proverbs 27:2, “Don’t praise yourself. Let someone else do it.” Does your self-esteem need attention? You need only pause at the base of the cross and be reminded of this: The maker of the stars would rather die for you than live without you. And that’s a fact!

From Traveling Light- Max Lucado

It’s ok to not be the star, or the Olympic swimmer. It’s ok to be Ordinary.