months ago, i lost character.

it was in the pool. i had been swimming several successful laps. in the slow lane -- shared with another slow swimmer. early morning swim - 5:00 am to be precise. when all of a sudden.

without my awareness, apparently this woman gets in from the opposite end of the pool. he and i had already been occupying this space. there were several other lanes available to her. yet, she proceeded to enter. no warning to us current swimmers.

eventually we collided. my rhythm was interrupted. mind you, i'd already been swimming for almost a year by this time [over a year now]. admittedly, my ego was kinda elevated at that moment in time (which is a rare occurrence to be honest). there was little to no humility or compassion or patience or tolerance  or anything representing who i really am. immediately i was ah, frustrated.

i gently explained to her where best to enter for her and other swimmers safety. by this time, the lifeguard noticed and came near (more on this lifeguard later in this piece). by that time, i had gained control of my emotions. the woman didn't seem to speak English which seem to have frustrated me even more. i couldn't effectively communicate with her -- well, at least i assumed.

fast forward to recently. more like the past few weeks. over the months i have regained my true self. tolerance, patience, compassion, humility. i see the same woman entering pool from wrong side of pool and i immediately make space for her. if there is three, we can swim peacefully in a circle.

over the past swims, i've took it upon myself to offer assistance. teach what little i've learned about swimming. with same lifeguard looking (and i'm sure listening). the woman is receptive.

from a swimmer who holds on to the rail and spits ever other stroke, to now utilizing a kick board.
securely and confidently kicking and blowing bubbles as i suggested. each swim i show her something new as she improves.

it has given me so much joy to see this woman whom i was for a fraction of a minute irritated by, successfully getting up and down the lanes smoothly.  she's so happy and so am i. English is still challenged but somehow i've been able to communicate information that was useful to her and remarkably make it comprehensible. and we both are getting something from the swim experience we may have never knew we needed.

one never know what kind of relationship or experience they may be fortunate to build or create.