They are self inflicted.
I just spent three days going through life guard testing 🏊♀️. I failed it 3 times in high school because I didn’t know how to dive. I was told that if I didn’t end up with bruises by the end of this testing that I didn’t do it right.
Diving is no longer acceptable with life guarding however, I had severe anxiety that I would not be able to pass the Red Cross “brick test” all week. Paul kept telling me I would pass it just fine, I didn’t believe him. I almost crapped out in the middle of the 300 yard swim and Paul’s sister was there (coaching her swim team) and shared some gentle words of encouragement for me to keep going and finish. Her and her husband, Greg, May or may not have known those words got me to the finish line. My legs felt like noodles, my body shook for 10 minutes after I pulled my body out of the deep end over the huge gutters.
Some of my peers (from the fitness class that I attend) in the locker room actually said some unkind words.
Not only did I pass, I learned something about myself right before my 50th birthday: that I rely on other people to lift me up or tear me down. Words can help or harm. Choose your words carefully when you open your mouth 👄 to speak.
Lesson learned: I need to trust my capabilities and instincts. I need to make sure I am more positive and the people I surround myself are more positive.
Next phase for winter: I will be teaching aqua yoga at Allegan Aquatic Center starting in October and in the summer we will be hosting yoga 🧘♀️ sessions on the farm in the lavender this summer! Stay tuned