Okay so compared to some of you I am barely wet or a swimmer yet,, but I have started swimming again back in Sept of this year and am going 4 mornings a week. I am pretty proud of myself and can see that this is something I am going to do for life. A. because I like it and B. because I have to for both my physical and mental health.
So as my friends and co-workers realize what I am doing I am surprised that 75% of them think I am crazy. Why would I do that? Getting up so early is dumb? I am never going to keep doing this. I am over 40 so I should be happy with who I am. OMG it makes me crazy:frustrated:. The other 25% might think the early morning practices are crazy but they think what I am doing is wonderful. ( though they would never do it :lmao:)
I just do not understand why people think they can tell me what they think especially when it is negative and really none of their business. My one girlfriend who is in kick A$$ shape said " they are jealous" they are used to seeing you how you are. To know that you are going to change your body and just be more mentally strong makes them realize that they are weak. I laughed but maybe she has a point.
Another wise friend said, " they have not gone through what you have in the past couple of years: Thryoid cancer and a daughter diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa ( degenerative eye disease) so they dont know that you need to do this for you.
I think there is a time in ones life to step it up and really enjoy and push yourself or stay the same and watch your body and mind start to deteriorate. I AM READY FOR CHANGE.
But I just wish people would stop giving me their 2 cents when I never asked for their opinions in the first place.
Please tell me this has happened to others, or I am just lucky to be surrounded by lots of would be Dr Phil's?
Katie
I think she does have a point. It's almost a "misery loves company" kind of thing. Not that they are necessarily miserable, but they are satisfied being out of shape because, for the most part, they are probably surrounded by others who are also out of shape. Hearing that one of their partners in "out-of-shapeness" might be making a change for the better puts a *** in their armor.
I agree with this analysis. People who are overweight and/or out of shape want vindication that they are just "gracefully aging" and you threaten that notion.
People should do whatever they want to do with their free time. If some want to veg out in front of the TV and not make time for exercise, so be it. They live with the consequences. If you prefer to exercise, as I do, go for it and ignore the nay sayers. Unfortunately, some people just cannot bear the success of others, so they are flat out mean. (I was just accused of self aggrandizement for simply wanting to compete in a meet for god's sake.) Do what you want and the others be damned. IMO you are doing something healthy and making good choices. Stay with it!
Also, even the most supportive non-swimming friends can only tolerate a discussion about swimming for brief moments. Probably best to save your swimming discussions for swimming friends, forum friends, etc. Otherwise, you get the glazed eyes.
I think she does have a point. It's almost a "misery loves company" kind of thing. Not that they are necessarily miserable, but they are satisfied being out of shape because, for the most part, they are probably surrounded by others who are also out of shape. Hearing that one of their partners in "out-of-shapeness" might be making a change for the better puts a *** in their armor.
I agree with this analysis. People who are overweight and/or out of shape want vindication that they are just "gracefully aging" and you threaten that notion.
People should do whatever they want to do with their free time. If some want to veg out in front of the TV and not make time for exercise, so be it. They live with the consequences. If you prefer to exercise, as I do, go for it and ignore the nay sayers. Unfortunately, some people just cannot bear the success of others, so they are flat out mean. (I was just accused of self aggrandizement for simply wanting to compete in a meet for god's sake.) Do what you want and the others be damned. IMO you are doing something healthy and making good choices. Stay with it!
Also, even the most supportive non-swimming friends can only tolerate a discussion about swimming for brief moments. Probably best to save your swimming discussions for swimming friends, forum friends, etc. Otherwise, you get the glazed eyes.
