After starting swimming in January, it has been easy to stay where things feel comfortable. Not pushing further, not testing the limits. But this week, as I walked toward the aquatic centre, I said to myself, today is the day. 20 laps. 1km.

 

I arrived full of motivation only to find a swimming carnival had taken over the pool. The wind came straight out of my sails. I went home wondering how I would rebuild that motivation, and for a moment, I considered not going back at all.

 

But that afternoon, I put the swimmers back on and told myself, it is okay.. just see how far you can go. Lap after lap passed, and before I knew it, 1km.

 

It was an incredible feeling, especially after the failed swim earlier in the day. My body was tired, and by the final laps I was slowing down, but that was okay. It was not about going 100 percent, it was about finishing.

And maybe that is a little like life. We spend so much time pushing at full speed through work, life, and everything in between, but sometimes it is okay to slow down. Sometimes giving 50 percent is enough, as long as you keep moving forward. Because reaching the end, no matter the pace, is what makes it all worth it.