On Parenthood
Being a parent is the most difficult endeavor I have ever commited to. It requires love, faith, compassion, patience, discipline, dilligence, strength, dedication, humilty, sacrifice and so much more. I am often sleepless so someone else can rest, am dirty so someone else can be clean and am uncomfortable so someone else can be content. In the moment these efforts usually go unrewarded but in time the experience gives back in ways only a parent can understand.
Like a parent, an athlete works tirelessy only to see the fruits of her efforts in glimpses. Both mom and athlete have to give everything, expect nothing and have faith that what they are doing is the right thing. Success is the goal but not certain.
When people ask me how to get faster in the pool I always tell them they have to be able do one hundred percent of what the job requires without exception. As a mom, I can tell you parenthood is no different so when I say parent how you train and Swim Like a Mom, I mean just that.
Parent with all you've got and swim with all you've got. In the end knowing you gave everything is the real satisfaction.
- Amanda Beard
