Being a swim mom or dad is a wild ride. Swimming is a sport like none other. And while it appears on the surface to be an
individual sport, it very much is a team sport; a team sport that is comprised
of swimmers, coaches and PARENTS.
As a family, we began our journey into swimming 12 years
ago. At the time, I had no idea what I
was getting into! I was the mom of 4
young children, none of which had ever swum any stroke but the doggy paddle,
let alone on a team. I had actually never even been to a swim meet!
My kids wanted to be a part of the swim team, what was a mom
to do? I lived in a fabulous, active
community that had an amazingly fun, vibrant swim team, but I was hesitant to jump in.
So I decided to “just
show up!” I showed up with a desire to
have fun with my kids. I showed up with a willing heart and able body. I showed up with an open mind and a longing
to connect with my new neighbors and community. It was the best decision of
my life!
Personally I have gained so much by being a part of the Sea
Dragon swim team for 12 years. My best
friends are swim moms and dads from this neighborhood. Friends that have helped us raise our
children. Friends that I would have
never met had I not “just showed up.”
A national blogger that I follow recently wrote about
volunteerism and one’s hesitation in doing so.
His article resonated with me as I lead the Sea Dragon Swim team for
another season. It takes many volunteers
to run a swim team. Sometimes parents
are hesitant to volunteer because they feel they are either, inexperienced, under-qualified, or that they lack time.
The reality is that we are all busy, and we are all inexperienced and we are all under-qualified at times, but that is how we learn! Joshua Becker wrote in his
article “Just Show Up” that we can accomplish many things and contribute to our
organizations if we:
“Just become available. The experience will come. The talent
will grow. And the opportunities will increase.”
Please consider how you can engage this season, you won’t
regret it!
-Just Show Up, Written
by Joshua Becker http://www.becomingminimalist.com/show/
Laurie Williamson