Can I Swim?

[1Cor2:9 193]

Yesterday I decided to go for a swim at the local public pool. I had gotten a new suit and towel and no on could tell me I was not ready. I look at the schedule for the pool to see when open pool times were. I knew it was a public pool, so I did not expect anything fancy. When I got into the building something dawned on me as I looked at those whom were in the pool- mostly children. Since I went during the day it makes sense that most of the people that would be at the pool would be children. Some were rowdy, but they all looked like there were having fun. I tried to swim far from them because I was not trying to get splashed or hit with a ball. Last thing I need is to "sit down" someone's child. After awhile I finally decided to swim on the deep end of the pool since less kids were over there. I had a fairly good time. I was able to do laps mostly without being bothered. After maybe 30 or 40 minutes pass the life guards yelled that open pool time was over. I got out the pool and some of the more Enlightened youth decided it would be a great time to make fun of my and my still somewhat large frame. I decided to ignore them again I don't want to have to "sit down" someone's child. But it made me think when we as obese people do nothing to improve ourselves we get shamed and when we attempt to do something about our plight we get ridiculed. We just can't win. Having said all that before somebody writes, "hey they were just kids" let me say few things. One, as a teacher I get made fun by students (children) on a regular basis. Two, they are just emulating behavior they have seen adults do. Three, no my feelings were not deeply hurt. Four, it is still wrong to ridicule someone who is just trying to swim like everyone else there. Also, I did have a sense of discomfort that it was primarily children. I would prefer to swim when most adults are present, but I am not when that would be because it appears that open swim times seem to occur when most people would at work. Fifth, I am mostly glad that I went. I always liked swimming. I know that I have worked hard and continue to give my weight loss journey its due diligence. That will not change just because some kids were rude. Will I go back? Yeah.

[Futureplans 14]

Congrats on finding your confidence. You may not have seen it but I am positive you inspired someone to get moving. Good for you that you will continue. It has been hard not to hide in the past for me.

Sent from my iPad using the BariatricPal App

[4MRB4PHOTO 3,900]

Keep up that positive attitude. It is a shame that those children were not raised better. I hate to imagine what they will be like when they are adults.

As Dory said: "Just keep swimming...." and keep up the great work.

[walkermy 86]

You are so right, they are emulating what they are taught. Keep going, and kudos for finding your strength and confidence.

[magoosmom 115]

Keep your head up and keep going. As a fellow teacher, these kids could be raised by wonderful parents but then get around peers who weren't and emulate them. I see that happen a lot, especially with middle school ages. I have lost thirty pounds but I still have a big gut, huge arms, and a fat neck. Don't care, still gonna swim lol. If someone doesn't like it, they can look away!

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[#9grammy 274]

I was told to wait 6 months before I could even sit in a bath tub! With colder weather coming on I had to miss out on our hot tub also.

Not now, I go in all the time :-)