Soggy Lessons from the Swim Chicks @soggyswimchicks - Tumblr Blog

You look different with your clothes on!

Yes, that is what we say to one another when we see other swim chicks away from the pool. Or, sometimes we express a similar observation even before we actually get wet. The other day a fellow swim chick said to me "you're blonde!" Perhaps, it is because she usually sees me with my swim cap on which is purple. But, this funny phrase got me thinking today ... how does our "usual" environment factor into how others see us (or how we see others)?

For instance, if my exposure to someone is only through work, and the work attire is very professional, how does my perception of them change if I see them at the grocery store with their sleeves rolled up to reveal a well-inked arm? Does this change how I truly "see" that person? Do I discount it? I think it would allow me to see the actual person in a more revealing way, yes?

I guess the point of this post is to consider how environment affects how we see people. It might be for the good or it might have a negative connotation. And, maybe this is just another way that we all look different which could actually make us look the same.

Too philosophical? Maybe.

Stay wondering my fellow swim chicks,

SC2

#philosophical #howwelook

A Little Myers-Briggs Humor

SC2: Let's have a race to see how long we can go without taking a breath.

SC1: Underwater or on top of the water?

SC2: Uh ... underwater. Ok, ready, set ...

SC1: Gliding or kicking?

SC2: Uh ... kicking. Ok? Ready, set ...

SC1: With just feet or hands also?

SC2: Uh ... both. Ready, set, go!

This short conversation perfectly illustrates the great difference between a "J" and a "P". The biggest problem in this dialogue, for me (SC2), was laughing so hard that I couldn't take a deep enough breath to even make it mid-pool. So, clearly, SC1 won on many counts. We both laughed about this for quite a while.

#myersbrigg #poolhumor #myersbrigghumor

Swim Chick Loofah Hands

For years, SC1 has been using those loofah gloves ... like these

And, for years, I didn't understand SC1's fascination with these shower implements. I had been using that standard shower poof and was fine with that. Until one faithful day at Whole Foods that I spied a sale on the loofah gloves. What the heck, I thought, I'll give them a go. And, my shower poof did need a rest.

WOW! These gloves are fabulous. If you haven't tried them, you must. Not only are they wickedly exfoliating but they also are amazing at getting to all those nooks and crannies (mostly my back) that are harder to reach. Highly recommended!

So, yesterday in the shower, I had to confess to SC1 that I never did understand her love affair with the LG (loofah glove). But, now I do and you will too!

Here's to great exfoliation! SC2

Funny things you hear in the locker room

Fellow Swim Chick (FSC): Hey, your butt is looking much smaller.

SC2: Hey, thanks!

FSC: I can't believe I just confessed that I was looking at your butt.

SC2: No worries. I'm actually flattered

(In context -- SC1 and I have been working hard at our weight loss ... albeit SC1 is working harder than I am. So, that comment was nice to hear.)

Life is too serious to take it seriously.

#Daily Love #Life Lessons #Good Quote

Dealing with relationships

Last night's swim was tremendous. Not only did we have our Comedian Lead Swim Chick (CLSC) as our instructor but we also got to swim the long course. Whew, that is a completely different workout.

And, our conversation post-workout was just a tremendous. Not as fun but pretty heavy duty. It was all about how to deal with relationships that may not be the best for you and what to do and how to move forward.

So, if you are brave, then have that heart-to-heart conversation and let the other person know how you feel. Be confident and love yourself. Or, as a fellow swimmer said passing by in the locker room -- there is a lot of room for beauty in this world and we are all beautiful. So, believe in yourself, your unique ways and stand up for how you feel.

Or, if you aren't so brave than I would endorse lying -- not a hurtful lie mind you (although, purists might say that all lies are hurtful but I would disagree). For me, the lie is all about getting out of a bad situation without a lot of drama. I definitely endorse a strategic lie. Yes, call me a coward but if the lie results in a good move for you without inflicting major injury on the other party, then go for it. And, thankfully, in this situation, SC1 is supportive of the lie that I'm envisioning. Mind you, SC1 is brave and wouldn't resort to this technique so I might work on her to be my Cyrano in this situation.

Fake it until you make it and keep moving forward (or, keep swimming forward),

SC2

5 posts!

#5 posts #tumblr milestone

Ask for what you want

That's some life advice from SC1's Aunt Helen -- a very wise and smart lady!

It's also in line with this quote that I found from actor/comedian Jim Carrey from a commencement address he gave:

“The decisions we make in this moment are based in either love or fear. So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised as practicality. What we really want seems impossibly out of reach and ridiculous to expect so we never ask the universe for it.”

And further in the speech: “I learned many, many lessons from my father, but not least of which is that you can fail at something you don’t want, so you might as well take a chance doing what you love.”

When I'm afraid of doing something, mostly out of fear of failure, I try to think, "What's the worst thing that could happen? And the second worst thing? And the third worst thing?" Once I've imagined each of those possibilities and what it would feel like if they came true, then I realize that it's OK if any of those things happen. I'll live. And I'll have this new and awesome thing out of the whole experience. But, quite honestly, 90% of the time, none of those things actually come true and I just have an even more amazing experience than I first imagined.

Jump in. The water's great!

SC1

Disagreeing

Yikes, my post from our Wednesday swim didn't actually include any advice or conversation gleaned from our swim/shower time! So, here it is...

The conversation had by SC1 and I centered about how to disagree with the mucky-mucks at work. SC1 thoughtfully added that some of the communication breakdown that I experienced could be related to gender. Great observation! Not sure what to do about that but as with anything, understanding and acknowledgement have to come first before the problem is addressed.

But, here's the tip that can be used (albeit, as SC1 put forth, it is hard -- I know because I tried to integrate this technique recently but alas, I kept with my old ways) -- when disagreeing use the phrase "Yes, And ..."

Isn't that fab! Our brains are so interesting. I wonder if we are some how programmed to react more favorably to "Yes" vs. my standard method of saying "Although ..."

If you successfully incorporate this into your daily life, let us know! Good luck out there.

Fav line from Saturday's swim

SC1 and SC2: You know how we are always talking in the showers? Well, we started a blog to document our advice and thoughts.

Lead Swim Chick (LSC): Yeah, you two are always talking in the showers ... I never know what to do with my eyes (LSC then looks past everyone with a blank stare.)

Wednesday's Swim and Shower

Well, first and foremost, we have to congratulate Swim Chick #1 (abbreviated as SC1 for the rest of this post) on the first high school graduation of an offspring. I'm not sure if the fun part has ended or is just beginning?

I should explain this blog a bit more -- especially since it came out of our Wednesday swim/shower session. SC1 and I have been swimming together for years and as most who know us suspect what we really look forward to is the chatting after we swim (or sometimes in between laps in the pool.) Our chats begin as soon as we exit the pool, continue through our showers, and sometimes are extended to us loitering in the parking lot outside the rec center.

This past Wednesday, as I asked for advice on how to fix a communication breakdown at work, the topic of writing a blog came up. I think the blog really came up because we have (or really SC1 has) such good insights on the daily frustrations that we face each day.

And, I'd be remiss not to mention that SC1's advice, counsel and support has become even more important since the passing of my (SC2) best friend several years ago. I'm sure I've told her but her non-judgmental ways (even when I'm exposing my innermost, less than stellar side) is really so reminiscent of my buddy. Sometimes I can even imagine him saying some of the things she says. I'm fortunate that my friends, post-unexpected, stupid death of my BFF, have so many of the same qualities that he had. So, thank you SC1 just in case I haven't told you lately.

But, back to the topic at hand ... in the midst of our usual griping's and ruminations, the idea for this blog was born. SC1's husband apparently had suggested this earlier (he is smart or SMRT for you Homer Simpson fans.) And, boy do we have plans for the evolution of the blog. Stay tuned!!!!

All good writing is swimming under water and holding your breath. ~ F. Scott Fitzgerald

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