I had another post scheduled for today but with recent events I think this is more entertaining. I’m in the process of figuring out my life so please feel free to chime in. I made it right after I committed to quitting so I could remember everything I wanted to say. ;)
I know this was a hard decision for you–not necessarily in that you felt it was the right thing to do, but that you followed through with it, in spite of expectations and rationalizations and such. It’s hard to follow your gut. And you’re wise to do it at this age–any time you get that uneasy feeling in your heart and in your gut, go with it. I will never fail you.
I did something very similar in college. I lost scholarship money over it. And a huge part of my identity. But it was consuming SO much time (2-3 hours of practice, recitals, master classes, juries, etc) and knew I wanted more out of my college experience. I quit for an entire year. I still don’t play at the same level, but I can enjoy music again. And at the end of the day, I wasn’t going to teach or play professionally, so it was the right decision.
Love you!
I totally understand that feeling when you are SO done with swimming and I agree that it is bittersweet. As ling as you are happy, it’s all good
I think it’s good that you’re doing what is best for you right now. You can be lolzthatrun (notswim) – though you probably want to eliminate swim from the title if you were to change it! If you’re not feeling it mentally or physically, and it’s been that way for a while, I can see why you would move on now. You still have such a great future in running ahead of you, so it’s not like you’re giving up as an athlete! Plus swimming will always be there for you and you will always be better than me (and the majority of the population) at it.
Like I said on DM I think you made the right decision! As soon as you’re not enjoying something anymore….its not worth it!
I truly am happy for you and I know you are doing what is absolutely best for you! Following your heart is the most important (as cliche as that sounds) but it’s so so true. It’s interesting, my friend goes to Union and is a senior and just quit swimming yesterday too after committing her soul to the team for the last 3 years and swimming her entire life basically. She simply cannot take it anymore and she is not much happier now… I am thrilled for both of you
Such a respectable decision! Why put all of your time and energy into something that you don’t have passion for anymore. Go find new passions and further explore the ones you already have! Your shoulder will love you, your mind will love you, your sleep schedule will love you, and I will still love you. Duh.
Definitely admiring your courage here… and hey if you’ve lost the passion for it, or just when you know you’re done, then on with your life!
No rush on decisions, but have you considered using your swimming fitness to compete in local triathlons? You are so fit you would easily dominate in events like that. It’s good to switch up your sports and find what you feel passionate about. Looking forward to hearing about your new adventures!
Your right there’s no point in making yourself more miserable. If your no longer looking forward to going to practices then giving it up for now was the right decision. Happy that your doing what what’s best for you and what’s going to suit your needs! Wishing you all the best with everything that’s going on in your life at the moment
If it’s making you miserable, of there is no point in doing it. I think you made a good decision as long as you think the same. You never know, maybe in a few years you’ll want to swim again.
As someone who burnt out of swimming – I understand. Good for you making that decision for yourself. I know it’s hard and some times you may feel a twinge of regret, but if it’s what you really wanted, than the good will outweigh the bad.
We can be burn out besties too now. lol.
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good for you making the decision that was best for you! ps andrew just asked “mommy who is that” while i watching your vlog, and I said thats my friend holly. He said OHHH. She’s pretty. haha
Can I ever relate to this! I quit swimming after a one month break after nationals… I had been pondering about hanging it up myself and one day it just clicked. I was spending 3-6 hours swimming/weight training for swimming a day… I’m so glad to see you have such a supportive community here regarding your decision, which is something I cannot say. My parents and my coach couldn’t grasp why I had decided to hang it up. Sure, you’re going to miss it but you made the best decision for you and that’s what matters! Hopefully someday you’ll find the passion and joy in swimming again…not feeling like you’re forced to
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