Anyway, while hiking up the mountains (which took hours and hours ....and a few days) I did lots of thinking. Once the trek was over I sort of felt that if I can achieve the trek then I really can achieve anything I want to :shock: So.......my aims were to learn to swim and gain confidence in the water which I have a fear of. The other one was to learn to ride a bicycle!! Yes, yes I know!! For those of you who can ride a bike you are wondering how on earth someone cant ride one. Well I am 46 and never been able to ride one. It may have something to do with the fact that as kids we never had bikes .....aawwwwwww ..and then later on ...well it just never really happened.
Well, I have now begun my swimming and doing brilliantly in fact!! At our last lesson we did backstroke :shock: ..and the instructor gave each person (except me) tips on what to do better with their stroke, legs etc. She never made any comments to me so my first thought was "OK - I am just beyond help so she can't even be bothered to tell me what I need to improve on" (negative I know). SO... on leaving the lesson I went to her to ask how can I improve. She said to me " Well... your stroke was more or less perfect! so all I need to say is practice and try to go faster" I nearly fell over!
Next was a bike riding lesson! That was yesterday - and I was riding without any assistance within 25 minuts!! I was well pleased. I was riding away with a huge grin on my face - I never knew riding a bike could feel so good. In fact I nearly cried as I really never thought I would ever be able to ride one. I need to practice starting off on my own though but am sure I will manage that.
Last night, my 18 year old son said to me "you know Mum I am so proud of you doing things you were scared of." He even said that he told his mates about what I was doing and how proud he is of me. He knows my fear from water comes from when his dad (my ex I have to add) tried to drown me once during one of his violent moods!! Last night my son also said " Remember Mum, that when you go under the water you are in control and no-one else. You dont have anyone holding you down and anytime you want to take your head out of the water you can" OMG - was I nearly in tears or what!!
OK - so I am conquering (and doing very well
) two of my lifelong fears!!! I feel on top of the world now. I really think it was about having faith in myself.Has anyone ever overcome fears - and did it feel good for you too
ops: did have one last night but first in 12 weeks).
