“The most important coach in the world is yourself.”

Out of the blue, I blurted this line in the pool. He was puzzled. I insisted it wasn’t nonsense. It’s perhaps a paradox? Something that seemingly contradict itself but could be true.

In this pool, I learned how to swim. In this pool, I conquered my fear of deep end (after almost drowning in a hotel pool about 4 years ago). In this pool, I made up my mind to one day be able to swim so well I would swim and float in the middle of the South China Sea. And beside this pool, at the bar, I decided for sure I want to play the ukulele

No one forced me to. I didn’t go for classes. I just really wanted to do it. So I learn. I practice. I take baby steps. And one day, I can!

Next challenges (in order):

1. Learn to float
2. Stay underwater for 30 seconds
3. Swim deep underwater (not near the surface)

Then, I’ll swim in the middle of the sea!

***

Thanks to the Internet, most things can be self-taught. Of course, having people to help you achieve something helps tremendously. But what is more important is your determination to learn. I believe that there is no better coach and/or cheerleader than your curious, determined and motivated self.