Ride the Wave
I’ve found doing a peaks and valleys activity with clients an incredible tool for self-awareness.
In essence, plot out your life on a timeline from birth to present.
The peaks, and their valence, go above the line.
Likewise, the valleys, and their valence, go below the line.
A lot of clarity is gained from seeing the ups and downs of life in black and white.
Patterns, values, systems, and habits emerge.
Clarity into the yin and yang of life.
There hasn’t been a lot of joy around swimming.
Just kind of showing up.
Going through the motions.
Practices have have felt more of a grind.
Close friends have suggested taking some time off.
Perhaps I’m too stubborn.
Or perhaps that simple peaks and valley activity taught me something about myself.
The ups and downs are natural.
The engagement and disengagement are natural.
The energy and the fatigue are natural.
Like a wave, they’re going to come and go.
The ability to ride the wave — rather than jump off — has been profoundly impactful.
Yesterday felt like a turning point in my current sporting life.
A solid broken mile followed by a successful surprise “afterburner” set from our coach.
I’m excited to go practice today.
Speaking of which, it’s almost 5:30am and I need to get going.
Here’s two tips I’ll leave you with:
Ride the wave
Explore your peaks and valleys
You may just surprise yourself.
Onward.