My dad should have been Yoda.
Yoda and I.
This is no exaggeration as his mantras are not only a regular part of my life, but are heavily scattered throughout this blog. On paper, they sound like 100 percent cheddar cheese, but when they’re coming from my dad, it’s nothing but authentic dad-isms.
I thought I had heard them all, but recently I was in a bit of a sticky situation and called my dad to get some perspective. I was ready to give up and he laid it out straight, “You can either be a baby or a warrior. You choose…It’s a choice that you will have to make every day and the good thing is that you get a choice. Now make it.”
It was a little tough love, but it was exactly what I needed to hear.
That day, I chose to be a warrior and it’s that same cheese-ball mantra that carried me through my first open water swim of the season.
I arrived at the lake early to ensure that I could get in and do my drills prior to the group swim. I squeezed myself into my wetsuit for the first time this season and slowly waded into the water to start finding my anxiety-free place.
I started by going completely under water.
Then putting my face in the water and blowing bubbles.
I proceeded by doing breaststroke to the open water swim lanes, took a deep breath and told myself, “You’re either a baby or a warrior. Choose one.”
And then I swam, talked to myself, and swam a bit more.
No anxiety.
I popped my head up after my quick warm-up and knew that I had made my choice and everything was going to be ok.
I soon met up with the group and proceeded to swim the entire open water workout without any anxiety, constantly reminding myself of my new-found favorite mantra.
Whether it’s open water swimming, clipping in, standing up for what you believe in, battling illnesses, or facing your fears, my dad reminded me that we are given an incredible gift every single day and you get to choose the outcome: are you going to be a baby or a warrior?
Once you’ve chosen your answer…the rest is easy.
Happy Swimming.
Nice Job!!
Way to go! I’m up early to run 18mi….and it’s been MONTHS since I’ve run distance like this. I’m going to keep this in mind. 🙂 Tell your dad, ‘thanks!’
I love this post. Good for you!
That’s great! I may have to borrow your dad-ism for Eugene next week! Nice job on your swim 🙂
Your dad sounds awesome!
Glad that the open water swim went well!!! You are a WARRIOR!
My dad just tells rabbit jokes. Here’s one:
What do you call a line of rabbits jumping backwards in a row?
……
A receding HARE line.
Happy Saturday!
Your dad’s words just made it on my “inspirational quote board”. And now I shall suck it up for my long run tomorrow. Thanks for sharing, your dad sounds like a special guy!
Awesome! How did your long run go?
oh go dad! My dad rarely lays down much tough love anymore…but I think I’m generally my own tough love sergeant 🙂
I really, really love this mantra. Your dad is a smart dude!
Yay for your swim! I’ve not dived (ha!) into any plans to do a tri but every time I read your blog I can feel myself getting closer to saying yes!
Awe – thank you! And yes, make the jump! You won’t regret it 🙂
I have seen a lot of people struggle with open water swimming. I wish I could send them all to read your blog! You are conquering something that keeps so many from the joy of triathlons! Rock on!
I enjoy your blog. Thank you for sharing. I am thinking I will do my first IM 11/2014. This year I am focusing on my second 70.3 distance.
Great job on your swim! And thank you so much for sharing: this is wonderful advice! 🙂
Nice work, girl! Dads are the best! Love this mantra and just may need to use it during my first open water swim of the season 🙂
Great words! Dad’s give the best advice.