Knowing vs. Doing

Still in the same stage — stuck at the breathing part. 

I’ve been watching so many YouTube videos, absorbing every tip and trick I can. On screen, it all seems simple. In my mind, it makes perfect sense. But the moment I dive into the water, that knowledge just… doesn’t click. The timing’s off. The breath doesn’t come. The stroke breaks down. 

I know what I’m supposed to do — but not quite how to make it happen in motion. And that’s frustrating. 

Swimming without a trainer definitely makes this a longer journey. There’s no real-time feedback, just trial and error. But I’m still showing up. I’m still trying. And I still believe I’ll figure it out.

Even when progress feels invisible, I know it’s happening. Quietly. Slowly. Below the surface.

Back on the Streets with a Sketchbook

After a couple of months, I finally joined a sketch meet today — and it felt great to be back. There’s something special about standing on the street, sketching from life, surrounded by the energy of the city. 

I did three quick sketches in a short time. Nothing fancy, just loose, spontaneous lines — and a lot of joy. It was refreshing, grounding, and reminded me how much I enjoy this practice.

The Breathing Barrier

Today felt a lot like yesterday. I continued practicing strokes and paddling, but it’s clear what I need to focus on next—breathing. 

Until I get the breathing right, I know I won’t be able to move smoothly or go much further. It’s the missing piece of the puzzle. And while it’s tricky, I’m not discouraged. I’ve come this far by learning one step at a time, and this is just the next challenge.

I’ll get there. Slowly. Patiently. Breath by breath.

Learning to Swim, One Stroke at a Time

Another day in the water, and another step forward. 

I’ve started adding hand strokes into my practice now. It’s still far from perfect—sometimes a little uncoordinated, sometimes unsure—but it’s progress. I also know I need to work on my breathing technique, which still feels like the trickiest part. But that’s okay. 

Every day I’m learning something new. It may be slow, but it’s steady. And most importantly, I haven’t lost that sense of joy and hope that keeps me coming back.

Not perfect — just improving. And that’s more than enough.

Twice the Distance, Twice the Pride

Today was all about endurance, and I can feel myself getting stronger. 

Yesterday, I managed two rounds in the deeper part of the pool with the kickboard. Today? I did four. That’s double! It wasn’t easy, but it felt amazing to push myself and see it actually paying off. My legs are getting more used to the rhythm, my breathing is more in control, and my confidence continues to grow — quietly but surely.

Little by little, I’m becoming the swimmer I imagined — and I’m enjoying every stroke of the way.

Into the Deep

Today felt a lot like yesterday — steady progress, more confidence, and a growing sense of comfort in the water. 

But there was one exciting difference: I went to the deeper part of the pool using the kickboard. Not only that — I managed to do nearly two full rounds! It felt like a big step, and honestly, it brought a quiet kind of joy. 

I'm still working on technique, still far from perfect, but moments like this remind me how far I’ve come.

Confidence in Progress

Another day in the water—and I can feel the difference.

Today, I practiced combining hand movements with paddling in my own way. It wasn’t perfect, and I know there’s still a lot to improve. But I did it. And more importantly, I felt confident while doing it. 

That confidence—even more than the technique—is what satisfies me most right now. I’m not afraid, I’m not stuck, and I’m not giving up. I’m learning, growing, and becoming more sure of myself every time I show up.

Back in the Water, Moving Forward

After a short break, I was finally back in the pool today—and it felt really good; everything went smoothly. The movements, the water, the energy—it all came back naturally. The best part? Today, I added something new: hand movements. It felt like I’m one step closer to actual swimming. 

I’m eagerly waiting for the day when it all clicks—breathing, paddling, strokes—and I can swim on my own from one end to the other. That day doesn’t feel too far now. 

Bit by bit, splash by splash — it’s all coming together.

Sangser, Kalimpong 2023