My Swimming Journey

When the Water Feels Too Deep, October 15, 2025

Swimming has become something I genuinely enjoy, but I’ve realized there’s still a quiet fear sitting beneath the surface.

I can swim now — breathe, float, move freely — yet when it comes to an unknown water body, I hesitate. I think it’s because the pool I practice in isn’t very deep, so there’s always a sense of safety. I know that even if I stop, I can stand. That comfort doesn’t exist in deeper or open water, and the thought of that still makes me pause.

Recently, I visited a place that was perfect for swimming — calm, inviting, and beautiful — but I didn’t go in. I wanted to, but the conscious fear held me back.

Finding My Flow, August 27, 2025

Yesterday felt like a real breakthrough in my swimming journey. I managed to swim 12 lengths across the pool — something that once felt impossible.

I can now float with ease, and my breathing has become much more comfortable. It’s still not perfectly fast or polished, but it’s steady enough to let me swim without struggling.

With every lap, my confidence grows stronger. What once felt like surviving in the water now feels like truly swimming in the water.

This isn’t the end, of course — there’s still a lot to refine — but it feels like I’ve reached a place where progress is no longer just about small steps. It’s about feeling at home in the pool.

Day#30: A Pause at the Shore, July 30, 2025

Today marks 30 days since I started this swimming journey — and with it, I’ve decided this will be my final daily post, at least for now. 

Right now, I’m at a stage where I can swim, though not perfectly. I can breathe, but still need to work on making it smoother. My strokes need refining too. But I’ve reached a point that feels settled — not stuck, just steady. 

It reminds me of the time I was struggling with breathing and then, one day, it just clicked. I believe this phase is similar — I may not be moving forward in big leaps, but I am still progressing quietly, trying out new things, and finding joy in the process. 

When I started this blog, I wanted to track how far I could go in a month. And now that the month is complete, I feel proud. This log helped me stay committed, reflective, and honest with myself. 

From here on, I’ll keep swimming — but I won’t write every day. I’ll return to update when there’s a big leap, a notable breakthrough, or maybe when I can finally say: 

“Yes, I can swim perfectly.” 

 Until then, this is where I pause.

Day#29: Back After the Rain, July 28, 2025

The rain returned today — and with it, a sense of sluggishness. I wasn’t feeling very energetic, just like yesterday. But I still showed up and got in the water. After a two-day break, I was back at the pool today, and I picked up right where I left off. There’s still progress happening, slowly but surely — especially in how I’m understanding the timing of my strokes and breathing. I’m trying to move smoothly and freely, and while I’m not quite there yet, I can feel the rhythm starting to settle in.

Day#28: Rainy and low on energy, July 24, 2025

The rain returned today — and with it, a sense of sluggishness. I wasn’t feeling very energetic, just like yesterday. But I still showed up and got in the water. 

I'm still working on my strokes and especially the breathing — trying to time it right, trying to make it feel natural. It’s not there yet, and I know it won’t happen overnight. This journey is longer than I imagined. But then again, I’ve only just begun.

Day#27: The Magic of Floating, July 23, 2025

Some days, things just don’t sync up — the timing feels off, the body’s tired, the mind’s not fully in it. Today was one of those days. 

But then came the back float. It’s honestly amazing how something so simple can bring me back to myself. The back float isn’t about effort — it’s about trust and relaxation. It reminds me that I don’t have to fight the water — I can rest on it. 

When everything else feels a bit messy, this one skill resets me. And today, it did just that. I let go, floated, breathed, and came back with calm.

Day#26: Chasing Smoothness, July 22, 2025

Today felt like a repetition of the recent days — but with purpose. 

I’m trying to get everything just right: the breathing, the stroke, the kick, the rhythm. It’s not there yet, but every attempt brings more awareness. I kept my strength, stayed patient, and focused on finding that smooth, effortless glide I’ve been chasing. 

It’s not flashy progress, but it’s honest work. And that’s how real skill is built.

Day#25: One More Lap, One Step Closer, July 21, 2025

Today I added one more lap to my count—now it's five. 

It may seem small from the outside, but to me, it's a big sign: I’m moving forward. I'm still learning, still refining, still trying to get things just right. There's plenty of room for polishing, but I'm seeing results — and feeling the confidence build, bit by bit.

Day#24: A Tired Body, A Floating Spirit, July 19, 2025

Last night was incredibly difficult — we spent it at the hospital after my wife’s father was admitted due to complications. We only got home around 3:45 a.m., and I barely slept at all. 

Naturally, I wasn’t at my best today. I was drained, both mentally and physically. Swimming under those conditions? Far from ideal. But I still showed up. That alone feels like a small victory. 

I didn’t perform like usual — and that’s okay. What mattered today was that I tried. I did manage something that made me proud: I practiced back floating, and for the first time, I felt like I could float confidently and calmly for as long as needed.

Day#23: Four Laps and a Full Heart, July 18, 2025

Out of six tries today, I managed to complete four laps — and I’m feeling genuinely happy. 

There was a time not long ago when the breathing issue felt like an unmovable wall. Everything had paused because of it. But now? I’ve crossed that wall. I’m not saying it’s perfect — it still needs polishing — but the hard part, the breakthrough, has happened. 

And it feels amazing to see that progress isn’t just a hope anymore — it’s real, and it’s happening.

Day#22: Breathing Room, July 17, 2025

After taking a break yesterday due to heavy rain, I returned to the pool today, and something just clicked. 

For the first time, I felt like I truly got the breathing right. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked. I could swim without panicking, without holding my breath too long, and without breaking my rhythm. That one missing piece finally felt like it was starting to fall into place. I swam three laps—a big jump from the one lap I managed before. Not just more distance, but better form, better flow, and better feeling. 

I think I’ve found the right direction. Now it’s time to polish, refine, and keep practicing.

Day#21: One Lap, One Win, July 15, 2025

Today, something big happened — I managed to complete one full lap without stopping. 

It wasn’t perfect. It wasn’t smooth. It felt like a constant effort to hold everything together — kicks, strokes, breathing — and the synchronization just didn’t flow. But I did it. I reached the other side. On my own. 

Even with the struggle, that one lap means everything. Because I’m not just trying anymore — I’m doing it. And I believe I’ll get better by doing it my way, through practice, persistence, and patience.

Day#20: Lessons from the Screen, Practice in the Pool, July 14, 2025

Another day, another gentle step forward. 

I’m still learning mostly from YouTube, picking up tips, techniques, and little insights I try to apply in the water. Some things make sense right away; others take time to understand — and even longer to feel natural in motion. 

But I’m okay with that. The progress is slow, but it’s real. Every practice adds something new, even if it’s small.

Day#19: Floating Toward the Goal, July 12, 2025

A quiet one, just like yesterday. Still working, still showing up, still enjoying the journey. 

Today I added a new little challenge: trying to float on my back. It’s not easy, it feels like giving up control and trusting the water completely. But even trying it made me feel braver. 

Swimming properly is still the target, and I haven’t lost sight of it. No rush. No pressure. Just slow and steady progress.

Day#18: Still Swimming, Still Smiling, July 11, 2025

Not much new to report today—except the most important thing: I’m still enjoying this. 

Swimming properly is the goal. I know I’m not there yet. Maybe I’m far. Maybe it’s slow. But it doesn’t matter. 

I’m showing up. I’m learning. And one day, I will get there.

Day#17: Progress isn’t always in distance or speed — sometimes, it’s in clarity, July 10, 2025

Today I realized something important: I need to go back to the basics — especially when it comes to breathing. 

I’ve been trying to push forward, combining strokes, paddling, and movement, but without a solid grip on how to breathe properly, I keep hitting the same wall. It’s time to stop forcing progress and start reinforcing the foundation. 

Maybe I need to slow down, focus on just breathing drills, float practice, and timing — the very things I skipped over or rushed through in the beginning. 

It’s not a step back. It’s a step wiser.

Day#16: Rainy and a little uninviting, July 9, 2025

Missed yesterday’s swim due to the rain — and today, the sky was still grey. I did go, but the water didn’t feel as warm or welcoming as it usually does. Maybe that’s why I didn’t enjoy today as much. 

Still, I tried something new. I swam without breathing, just to see how far I could go on one breath. Surprisingly, it worked — I managed to travel farther from my starting point than before. It’s not a long-term solution, of course, but it gave me a small sense of progress. 

I know I still need to figure out the breathing. That’s the real wall I need to get past. But for now, I’m trying to find my own way through it, one small experiment at a time.

Day#15: Knowing vs. Doing, July 7, 2025

Still in the same stage — stuck at the breathing part. 

I’ve been watching so many YouTube videos, absorbing every tip and trick I can. On screen, it all seems simple. In my mind, it makes perfect sense. But the moment I dive into the water, that knowledge just… doesn’t click. The timing’s off. The breath doesn’t come. The stroke breaks down. 

I know what I’m supposed to do — but not quite how to make it happen in motion. And that’s frustrating. 

Swimming without a trainer definitely makes this a longer journey. There’s no real-time feedback, just trial and error. But I’m still showing up. I’m still trying. And I still believe I’ll figure it out.

Even when progress feels invisible, I know it’s happening. Quietly. Slowly. Below the surface. 

Day#14: The Breathing Barrier, July 5, 2025

Today felt a lot like yesterday. I continued practicing strokes and paddling, but it’s clear what I need to focus on next—breathing. 

Until I get the breathing right, I know I won’t be able to move smoothly or go much further. It’s the missing piece of the puzzle. And while it’s tricky, I’m not discouraged. I’ve come this far by learning one step at a time, and this is just the next challenge.

I’ll get there. Slowly. Patiently. Breath by breath. 

Day#13: Learning to Swim, One Stroke at a Time, July 4, 2025

Another day in the water, and another step forward. 

I’ve started adding hand strokes into my practice now. It’s still far from perfect—sometimes a little uncoordinated, sometimes unsure—but it’s progress. I also know I need to work on my breathing technique, which still feels like the trickiest part. But that’s okay. 

Every day I’m learning something new. It may be slow, but it’s steady. And most importantly, I haven’t lost that sense of joy and hope that keeps me coming back.

Not perfect — just improving. And that’s more than enough. 

Day#12: Twice the Distance, Twice the Pride, July 3, 2025

Today was all about endurance, and I can feel myself getting stronger. 

Yesterday, I managed two rounds in the deeper part of the pool with the kickboard. Today? I did four. That’s double! It wasn’t easy, but it felt amazing to push myself and see it actually paying off. My legs are getting more used to the rhythm, my breathing is more in control, and my confidence continues to grow — quietly but surely.

Little by little, I’m becoming the swimmer I imagined — and I’m enjoying every stroke of the way. 

Day#11: Into the Deep, July 2, 2025

Today felt a lot like yesterday — steady progress, more confidence, and a growing sense of comfort in the water. 

But there was one exciting difference: I went to the deeper part of the pool using the kickboard. Not only that — I managed to do nearly two full rounds! It felt like a big step, and honestly, it brought a quiet kind of joy. 

I'm still working on technique, still far from perfect, but moments like this remind me how far I’ve come.

Day#10: Confidence in Progress, July 1, 2025

Another day in the water—and I can feel the difference.

Today, I practiced combining hand movements with paddling in my own way. It wasn’t perfect, and I know there’s still a lot to improve. But I did it. And more importantly, I felt confident while doing it. 

That confidence—even more than the technique—is what satisfies me most right now. I’m not afraid, I’m not stuck, and I’m not giving up. I’m learning, growing, and becoming more sure of myself every time I show up.

Day#9: Back in the Water, Moving Forward, June 30, 2025

After a short break, I was finally back in the pool today—and it felt really good; everything went smoothly. The movements, the water, the energy—it all came back naturally. The best part? Today, I added something new: hand movements. It felt like I’m one step closer to actual swimming. 

I’m eagerly waiting for the day when it all clicks—breathing, paddling, strokes—and I can swim on my own from one end to the other. That day doesn’t feel too far now. 

Bit by bit, splash by splash — it’s all coming together.

Day#8: Pause Before the Next Splash, June 25, 2025

Today’s swim felt a lot like yesterday — familiar, steady, and full of quiet confidence. I’m still using the kickboard, still keeping my head up, and still kicking strong. I can feel it: bit by bit, I’m building something solid. 

The hard part? Today was my last swim for the week. I won’t be attending classes until next Monday. And honestly, that makes me a little sad. I’ve grown to love this daily rhythm — the movement, the learning, the feeling of getting better. 

But there’s a happy reason behind the break: I’m going on a trip! So while swimming pauses for a few days, life brings a different kind of joy. New places, new memories — and maybe even water I can float in.

I’ll be back next week, ready to swim again. 

Day#7: Confidence in Motion, June 24, 2025

Today felt different—in the best way. 

I felt much more confident in the water. With the kickboard, I practiced head-up swimming and really focused on fast, steady leg movement. Everything started to come together. For the first time, I didn’t feel like I was just trying—I felt like I was doing. 

The water felt familiar, my body felt stronger, and my mind was calm. I know there’s still a long way to go, but it finally feels like I’m heading in the right direction.

Day#6: Letting Go of the Wall, June 23, 2025

Another day in the pool, another small step forward. Today, I practiced paddling again—but this time, I used a kickboard instead of holding the side wall. It felt like a tiny leap of trust in myself. And it worked. I moved. Slowly, steadily. Forward. It’s nice to feel that shift—from holding on to letting go, even just a little. 

I’m definitely improving, and even though it’s still early, I can see the difference.

Day#5: A Little More Confidence,June 21, 2025

Today felt almost the same as yesterday. Same paddling, same breathing practice. But I noticed something—I felt a little more confident. Maybe I’m not swimming perfectly yet, but I’m not scared. I’m more comfortable in the water, more patient with myself, and that feels like real progress. 

I don’t know how long this journey will take, but I do know one thing—I’m really enjoying it.

Day#4: Breathe and Move, June 20, 2025

Today, I tried to move forward in the water. I realized something important: breathing is the key. It's not just about kicking or moving my arms. If I don’t breathe right, everything feels harder.

Learning to stay calm, time my breaths, and not rush. It’s a slow process, but I’m getting there.

Day#3: Still Floating, June 19, 2025

Today’s swim felt familiar—I did the same paddling practice as yesterday. But probably I felt a little steadier, a little more confident. It’s a small improvement, but I noticed it. And that makes me happy. I’m learning bit by bit. There’s still a lot to work on, but I’m moving forward—and that’s what matters. 

Day#2: Tired but happy, June 18, 2025

Yesterday, I didn’t go to the swimming club because of the rain. I thought maybe I should have gone anyway. Today, it rained again in the morning—but this time, I went. 

The lesson was a bit tough. We practiced paddling, and it really took a lot of energy. My arms and legs felt tired, but I still enjoyed it. Being in the water feels good, even when it’s hard work.

I’m learning slowly, step by step. And I’m proud that I went today, even in the rain.

Day#1: Learning to Swim: A New Beginning, June 16, 2025

Today was my very first day at the swimming club—a moment I’ve been putting off for far too long. But I finally did it. I took the step, signed up, showed up, and got into the water. 

It mostly all went smoothly; I learned the basic things like how to float, and I felt surprisingly calm. The water felt welcoming. I could feel myself picking up the basics little by little. Most importantly, I didn’t feel out of place. Walking out of the pool, dripping wet, I felt something else: confidence. I actually want to go back tomorrow. That feeling alone tells me this journey is going to be worth it. 

This is just the beginning, but I’m glad I started. Let’s see where this path leads—one splash at a time.