A man,
this man
likes
to keep fit.

His health
is important
to him
as it is
to others.

One of his ways
of keeping fit
is to swim laps
at a local pool.

Everybody
does it differently,
and no one way
suits all.

His method
is to get in
and swim.

He only stops
if he needs
to adjust
his goggles.

Over time
everyone’s fitness
will improve.

Methodically,
repetitiously,
he goes
to the pool.

On occasions
there are others
doing the same.

The skill levels
vary from plodder
to Olympian,
and everyone
in between.

On this occasion,
another man
is swimming
with the aid
of paddles
and flippers.

He is making
great progress,
and even
a bow wave
in front.

Such efforts
can be intimidating
to other swimmers
in the pool.

After a while
the man
removes his paddles
and flippers
and continues to swim.

In the next lane,
the first man
is still doing his laps.

He had observed
the other man
with his flippers.

He formed
an impression
believing
that the other man
had superior skills
and fitness.

To
his surprise,
his amazement,
and great satisfaction,
he not only catches
the “flipperless” man,
he passes him.

So,
next time
you form
an impression,
beware,
you may be
selling yourself
short.

From
nothing
comes
something.

If even
it is just a smile
of satisfaction
that you are
doing okay!

© Gary Dodd 2006