How goggles taught me acceptance (Uketamo)

photo of an athlete swimming underwater

I think I cursed myself with yesterday’s post. I went to the pool trying to ignore all the signs (which is impossible, I swear there’s more now). And when I was swimming, something that had never happened before happened.

My goggle strap split.

I had to abandon the swim then and there. I probably could have gone and asked for some spare goggles, however that would involve getting changed, and also, Japanese goggles don’t go well with my Caucasian nose (I recently bought some only to find they didn’t fit).

So, I accepted the situation for what it was, swam 100m head-up (waterpolo style) to finish my set, and got out.

I was shocked and disappointed. But I know that when you’re in a situation like that, it’s very easy to make things worse for yourself if you can’t control your emotions. When there’s truly nothing you can do, it’s best to Uketamo, to accept the situation without fuss, and move on.

But now I need a new pair of goggles…

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Sakata City, Yamagata, Japan 

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