Integritus Prime

It’s been 6 months since I started swimming, and 3 months since I last wrote about my swimming journey. As it happens, today is Diwali day: October 21, 2025. A time to celebrate light over darkness, and a new start.

So, why am I writing about swimming today?

Well, I thought it would be important to record my latest milestone – because it happened today. But first, I want to recount the process and what no one tells you: overcoming barriers isn’t sexy. It’s hard work.

It’s about discipline.

I’ve been swimming 5 days a week. I have some old injuries that flared up. I have new injuries from being a klutz. I keep swimming. I am relentless.

It rains, it shines. I get cold; I get hot. I have a mini mandala of tan lines and shapes on my back. I’ve gone 50 shades darker and so rich in Vitamin D, I’ve stopped taking supplements.

I swim.

A couple of weeks ago, I started to wean myself off the snorkel. I can go up to 10 meters or so on a good day, doing side breathing. Somehow, it’s the final frontier: being able to swim without breathing assistance. My lack of coordination in the water – that gnarly limiting belief – needs a bit more work.

And? It’s notoriously difficult. At first, it made me so nervous I started taking in water through the nose. I would even swim stiffly with my snorkel on, and get water in the snorkel! Panic is an old friend in this domain. A 38-year-old friend.

I started to tell myself that water in the nose is easy to deal with. I told myself I don’t need my feet on the ground anymore. I can tread water. I float easily. The key is to relax and turn my head.

I swim.

Some days I do well. Other days feel challenging.

Today, after two days off, I went for a swim. My target has been to swim one kilometer before 2025 ends. I had previously swum 800 meters.

Today, despite my injuries and my mind doubting me, I swam my one kilometer.

I finished, as always, feeling like I could swim even longer. I was not out of breath. I am a slowish swimmer – about 35 minutes to swim the 1km. But, it felt SO good to reach my target before the end of the year.

I had a nice snack, did some errands, and reflected that no matter what, I am working steadily toward my goal of being fearless in the water.

What has helped the most? Doing it at my own pace. Being relentless. Receiving moral support from my family. Watching a ton of YouTube videos.

It just goes to show – if you really want something – you will move heaven and earth to do it. I refused to sacrifice exercise due to injuries. Now, I’m a budding swimmer. Life has changed.

And? I love it!