Floating

My backpack can’t fit everything I need, so I am already learning that I will have to compromise as I set out on my journey.  I don’t have googles and a cap but I still wanted to go for a swim at Kits Pool while I am here in Vancouver. Summer doesn’t feel like summer unless I have had at least one swim in this ocean side, outdoor, 137 m long pool.

Instead of my usual intense 8 lengths that make up 1.096 km I am stuck to the sides of the pool doing breast stroke, back stroke, elementary back stroke and side stroke.

Relaxing and simply gliding through the water looking at the ocean, the blue ski, the lifeguard watching from her chair, the bandstand beside the pool and the swimmers pushing their bodies hard as they passed, had my mind swirling with memories.

In my early 20’s I was a lifeguard sitting in that chair.

 I had been on dates where we sat in the bandstand at the Showboat stage being entertained.

 I had competed in swimming and enhanced my training by coming to Kits Pool challenging my body to move faster and harder. I had walked around its perimeter watching it get filled, anticipating the time the doors would open to the public. And many times I would be disappointed as another season came to an end knowing I wouldn’t be able to swim until next Spring.

Today as I swam it felt so easy and effortless as I slowly made my way from one end of the pool to the other with strokes that kept my eyes out of the water. This is the best way to explain my life right now. Easy.  I am letting my life be easy, I have no possessions to worry about, no bills to get me down and I am letting people house and feed me.  I am proud of where I am as I am experiencing gratitude without guilt relishing in the time I have with people and the memories and moments we are sharing.

I finish my 8 lengths with no effort and say to myself, “I’m finished already? That was easy. So effortless and easy”.

My hope is that I make it all the way to Newfoundland and replicate these words, “That was easy”