Beauty in the Water

Swimming season just ended; I'm starting to miss it already. This season had been a roller coaster ride filled with misfortunes but managed to end with quite some flying colors. Things I've learnt this season:

1. Do not limit yourself because you are more capable of doing more than you think you can. 

2. Trust that there is a reason behind everything, even at times of failure. 

3. "Forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead." -Philippians 3:13

I can't express how thankful I am for everything that happened this season, even for my misfortunes that helped me to view swimming in a different way (when I had to sit out of the meets) and made success taste sweeter than it was. Now it's time for some off-season training! :)

Aka The Most Awkward Photo

Trick r' Treat

Disclaimer: I don't celebrate Halloween. I just like dressing up for the day and of course, getting an endless mountain of candies. 

My costume of a gingerbread man was fun and a lot of people loved it, so I thought I would just post a photo of it here. What did YOU dress up as this year?  

My Friend Patty as Santa & I 

My Little Haven

I have been SO busy with schoolwork lately; junior year is truly what it's described as- wild yet somewhat enjoyable. Because I got lottery #1 (the lucky one!) last year for my rooming choice, I picked out my own room. My room is not enormous, but I spiced it up with my own decorations and made it more cozy. I took a few weeks to put everything in my room together (which was really fun), and here is its final look!

View from my Window- the Front Gate of my School

My Bed & RYB Posters 

A Collage I put together on my Desk to Cheer me up when I'm Doing my Homework 

Apparently, bees love to visit my room... 

My Closet & Full-Size Mirror

My Books & Accessories Shelf

My Little Reading Corner

I've always been interested in how other people decorate their rooms and figure out their personal styles. But to be honest, I don't really know how I would describe my room. What do you think? :)

The Art of Swimming

I've always questioned myself during trainings when I feel like I'm about to drown: why do I swim? This year, I got a golden chance of competing as one of the future swimming captains. I swore to myself that if I did not get the position, I would just slack off in trainings, ignore the coaches, and naturally do my worst at competitions. I lost, by one vote. 

A lot of times I desperately want to quit swimming. Why would I want to be involved in the most tedious and boring sport, experience aching cramps, and develop a masculine body shape? Yet however much I hate swimming sometimes, I could never imagine my life without it. 

Swimming is not just a sport; it's a part of my life- it is art! Although I swim countless laps every training, every movement, every swirl and twirl, is unique. Believe me or not, the prettier my stroke is, the faster I am. As I touch the water and glide through it, I feel the freedom that can't be experienced in other ways. I am a good swimmer, but without the typical body, I know that I can never be a great swimmer. Yes, I like the attention I get when I lead my heat, and I like it even more when I occasionally; but what I like most is the way I can express myself through swimming. 

And now, I think it's safe to say: I actually, really, truly, love swimming.