Yup. I’ve got the fever.
Olympic fever. And I’m counting the days ‘til Rio.
My favorite event? Synchronized swimming.
I don’t think it even shows up in prime time – it’s not a big fan favorite – but watching those ladies swim in synch actually makes me…gleeful.
I tried it once, you know.
My friend Lynn and I decided we’d give it a shot.
Good grief. Whatever were we thinking.
We selected the hyped-up music, created a dazzling routine, donned the colorful swim caps, and performed for a group of friends in a hotel swimming pool. Wearing nose plugs.
It wasn’t pretty. Not at all. {Of course, we couldn’t stop laughing and that made it difficult to catch a good breath before going under. And then we had to hang on to the edge of the pool and keep rewinding the cassette tape in the boom box every time we had to start over. And I still can’t believe I CHOSE to perform in a swimsuit in front of people that knew me.}
I love watching this sport.
Besides the fact that this event doesn’t include any high dives or parallel bars that are too nerve-wracking to watch and which create an I’ll watch the replay moment for me because, really, someone could hit their head on the platform or fall of and break something …
This activity involves a partner. You can’t synch swim alone.
Kind of like life.
I think of all the times I try and do life alone. It just doesn’t work.
My days can get filled with trying to keep my head above water while wanting to grab something that will provide the support I need to propel me forward, or create the harmony and beauty my heart wants…but I don’t. Because I’m choosing to try and not bother and be self-sufficient and do it alone.
But life is a do-it-with-someone activity.
We were created to listen to the music and find the rhythm with each other. Find our friend’s ankle or hand or arm under the surface which will move us forward. Stand on her knees or shoulders while she gracefully lifts us up and supports us. Locking arms so we can both stay afloat and create something magical.
I’m sure those synch swimmers have moments when they get water in their nose. Or their muscles are strained. Or the music can’t be heard. Moments when everything is off and there is no synch in their swim.
But they always show up the next day. Because they are committed to each other. They can’t do it alone.
So…
For the rest of this summer? Let’s synch.
Swim suits not required.
