Join the Growing Bolder Comeback Tour

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Added: Sun. Oct 04, 2009 9:36pm

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I was a competitive swimmer growing up. I hung up the suit after college and didn’t go near a pool for 35 years. Last year I made a personal commitment to get back into the pool.  I decided to not pressure myself with great expectations or unachievable goals. I simply wanted to begin getting back into competitive shape. I wanted to attempt to slow, if not reverse, the effects of aging. I wanted to reduce the stress of work and set an example for my kids. I wanted to enjoy the company of other masters athletes and eventually, I wanted to compete again.

Last week I did just that. My 17-year-old daughter and my wife accompanied me to the meet. Neither had ever seen me swim but they knew it once held an important part of my daily life. They were anxious to offer their support and encouragement after seeing me get up and head for the pool at 5:00 am, three times a week, for the past 11 months.  

Although I was pleasantly surprised, how I did is unimportant. That’s the difference between now and then.  The pressure is off.  The reward is in the doing. And in two weeks I’ll do it again – swimming in a bigger meet against more competitors.

What inspired me to actually do it? You did. Every week we interview men and women for our website, tv show and radio show who aren’t waiting for permission to get involved. We see their stories on GrowingBolder.com. It’s in their blogs and their videos.  

So now, I’m challenging you to begin your comeback. It doesn’t have to be anything athletic. It can be quilting, or painting, or cooking, or writing. It can be playing an instrument or playing a game. It can be going back to school. You know what it is. This time it's all for you and the pressure is off.

So why not join the Growing Bolder Comeback Tour? Start slowly but stick with it. Be kind to yourself. Don’t get discouraged. Your life will change for the better.

As your comeback begins and continues, write a blog to let us and others know what you’re doing. What your challenges are. What your sucesses are. We’d love to follow your progress and offer encouragement when we can.