Just Like a Swimming Pool.

[changing]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Very inspirational Louise......I am new here and just starting out and I am out of my depth.... Thanks so much for posting this.....changing

[betty boop]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Fan, you always manage to make me smile ....

but don't tell anyone....

Paula xx

[Ilex]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

I love this analogy too! :goodjob:

I x

[Paddyoverseas]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

I'm only new here ....this analogy hits the spot so well...no wonder there have been so many positive responses.
What really strikes me about it is that WE( drinkers ) are so used to running wild on dry land that ( ironically) we are so scared of the water !( incredibly I have only just started to swim in real life at 50 years of age and I can really relate to the metaphor)
I think you have painted the picture so well .....it IS a learning curve ....not just a challenge to be overcome.
What has always put me off sobriety and swimming is that I could not believe that I could be comfortabe enough to enreally enjoy life at the deep end. I have been happy enough to paddle at the shallow end....envious of those who swim and play so gracefully in the water ...and anxious to get back out of the pool and binge on solid ground.
I'm sure life at the deep end has so much to offer I have to believe I can learn to swim ....and I will take lessons from wherever and whoever will offer ....because otherwise I will drown on dry land

ps. Your metaphor made me proud to be Irish right now( if I am allowed say that )

[irishlady]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Hello Paddy,

Yes, you hit the nail on the head Paddy, we feel safe on dry land, its familiar, but do something scary like getting in the pool when you can't even swim.....But, believe me, just have the confidence in yourself to do it...I make no promises, its not easy, but thats what makes it so rewarding when you do make it to the deep end, and you know something, when you do get there its so bloody wonderful, the only regret you will have is that you didn't have the courage to do it earlier....So don't waste any more time, jump in and start learning how to swim.....

And I'm happy that you are proud to be Irish, Ha Ha...

Take care,
Love from Louise xx

[Paddyoverseas]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Does it become "so bloody wonderful" simply because you are not getting yourself into the trouble you used to when getting 'pissed' and the inevitable recriminations that that brings .....or do you start to 'learn' to live your life differently ? I think part of my problem has been that I am not naturally an extrovert or social animal ( not a natural deep end swimmer) and so I compensated by getting 'false courage' quickly....and of course the demons take over then and it becomes difficult to stop.

Do you learn to become a "deep end swimmer" or develop new techniques to accept your limitations ( e.g. in rea life I do actually use a snorkel to overcome my difficulty with breathing....but it means I can swim for exercise which I could never do before) Is it the same with "swimming sober"? Can you give some examples or insights ?
PaddyO

[irishlady]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Hi Paddy,
You have an insight into all this Paddy, I can tell from the type of questions you are asking.....It becomes wonderful because you do have to learn to live your life differently...You have to make the effort to build a large bonfire and take all your old bad habits and negative thoughts and just throw them on that fire and watch them burn, gone forever...... Make the time for yourself and just sit quietly in a chair, close your eyes, breath slowly in and out and relax your entire body, starting from the head and gradually work your way down to the feet.....this takes about 5 or 10 minutes, then imagine that large fire, picture yourself throwing all the negative things and habits right into the centre of the flames.....Its a type of internal cleansing, now those negative things have to be replaced because nature abhors a vacuum, so this is where the hard but challenging work begins....Yes you do have to learn to live your life differently, you have to be more positive in your life.....You say part of your PROBLEM has been you are not naturally an extrovert or social animal, Paddy you are YOU, you don't have to be a social animal, have the confidence in yourself to be what you are and enjoy it.....I can relate to you so well, in the past when I forced myself to go out and socialise I would have to drink almost a bottle of wine just to get myself through the front door, I hated it, it just wasn't me, when I gained the confidence to stop doing it, the relief was wonderful.....

You wonder if we develop new techniques to accept our limitations,
Paddy, THE ONLY LIMITATIONS WE HAVE ARE SELF IMPOSED ONES...
Yes, we do have to learn a lot of new techniques, but only to take us on to the next level.... You see we build and inhabit our own prisons, we lock ourselves in there, some of us cry, even scream to be set free, but we forget something, and do you know what that something is???
WE HAVE THE KEYS TO FREEDOM IN OUR POCKETS ALL THE TIME!!!!!!!!
Use those keys Paddy and set yourself free....

Good Luck,

Louise xx

[irishlady]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

:bump:

[lucky 2.0]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

That irish lady with the lime helmet sure is wise. Who da thunk it from her pix? At least she is putting her lime on her head in not in margaritas now.:H

[obzpodboy]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Louise,
Just read your 'Pool' piece.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
A.

[Saint Jude]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Louise, This is a wonderful analogy! I just love it! You do have a way with words Irish Lady. Although I must admit, I do prefer the river, to the pool, for kayaking... I'll definately be hanging around for friendship, support,... & to check out the "Life-guards"!

Thanks for the wonderfully written words... looking forward to the book!

:l Judie

[irishlady]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

You know Jude, the river could easily be incorporated into this analogy just for you....
Once you have reached the stage at the deep end of the pool when all fear has gone, then you are ready for the river which will in time take you right out into the ocean, and from there you can go wherever your heart desires.....

[Saint Jude]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

:goodjob: that'll work! We need a little "gal in a boat" icon!:H

[nlynch]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Hey Louise,
I was so impressed with your swimming pool post and have just read all of the wonderful responses. I am at the point that my ankle is in the water and the whole pool looks absolutely massive. I can't believe I can have such control over every other part of my life except this bloody alcohol crap. I keep coming back to MWO and hope to reach the goals of all of you guys. I know it takes lots of determination. I have everything now including the topa.
You are fab and this website is too.
Thanks for your amazing support.
Niki:goodjob:

[irishlady]

Just Like a Swimming Pool.

Hello Nik and welcome to MWO...
Please don't be daunted by the size of the pool...It took me almost ten years to take my feet of the bottom and learn to " swim "...I can only think that all the other times I tried I just wasn't ready...At least you have an ankle in the water, but, instead of looking at the whole pool and feeling scared by the size of it just concentrate on your own little piece of the pool for now and build your confidence up slowly, after all, you have the tools now to help you, so, as you begin your swimming lessons may I wish you good luck for YOUR future, and remember keep on posting and reading on here because that really helps....

Take care, Louise xxxx