To see if my technique and form are correct, I recently watched a video on the mechanics of the flip turn. The instructor described the flip turn as the most efficient way for a swimmer, once she reaches the wall, to turn back and swim toward the other wall. Not only does it retain energy, but it’s the best way to maintain momentum.
The flip turn is one of my favorite things to do in swimming and, according to the online swim instructor, I’m doing it correctly.
I don’t think about mechanics while I’m in the water. For me there’s an ethereal quality. It’s a different world beneath the surface. I tuck, turn a somersault and gaze up at a crystal ceiling. Then, pressing my feet against the pool wall, I flip over and catapult myself in the opposite direction.
In a few months I will retire from my day job. In my younger days I viewed retirement as the end to real life where I would sit on park benches and feed the birds or languish in front of the television in a vegetative state.
Nowhere is either of those activities part of my plan. My first novel debuted last week. The sequel is due to be released in December. I’ve begun work on a third novel, the last part of the trilogy.
For me the flip turn is not only an enjoyable part of swimming but also a metaphor for my life. I’ve come to one end of the pool. With renewed vitality, I tuck into a ball, press my feet against the wall, flip and catapult myself into life’s flow.
Available from W & B Publishers
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And for those of you who want to know what a flip turn looks like:
Good luck on your retirement 🙂 and carry on swimming or flip turning!
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Dear Ladyleemamanila,
Not to worry, the swimming and flip turning will most definitely continue.
Thanks for paddling by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Good analogy. Carry on.
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An apt comparison, Rochelle. I know you won’t be just sitting around, although perhaps you and Jan can fit in a motorcycle trip or two.
janet
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Dear Janet
I will have to watch the “sitting around” in front of the computer. The upside is that I will be able to swim more often. And, yes, I’m sure we can fit in a ride or three.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations Rochelle on your retirement and book release!
I wish you luck with both. Somehow, I don’t fit in the category of the typical. I once heard a famous newslady/journalist say on on TV about what people are doing in retirement, as though it were less important. Possibly, because she hit her stride during the middle years, old age was a time to sit.
I look at it completely different as an adventure til I die never knowing what blessings or opportunities I might find.
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Dear Gardenlillie,
I started writing my novel in my early 50’s. To tell the truth, I didn’t have the discipline or the life experience earlier. I can’t imagine just sitting around watching the grass grow. As long as I have the stamina, I’ll be swimming and staying active. 😉
Thank you for stopping by with your best wishes. It’s much appreciated.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations a hundred times over for your book that just got published and congratulations on your upcoming retirement. I see that you have a busy and fun filled retirement planned. Swimming, writing, motor cycle riding, writing, traveling, writing… be sure to get plenty of rest!
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Dear Joy,
Phew! I’m winded just reading your comment. 😉 I’m looking forward to not punching the time clock every day.
Thank you for the lovely wishes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations on the release of your first novel, Rochelle! I am incredibly excited for you!
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Dear Gina,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read and comment. I’ve been running a full gamut of emotions and excitement is definitely one of them.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I retired this last year and now I am busier than when I ws working but I am doing what I enjoy. you will too, I’m sure.
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Dear Susan,
I’ve heard this same story from other retirees. We’re not ready to be put out to pasture, are we? I can hardly wait.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle
A great comparison and it will be interesting to see where this new ‘flip turn’ takes you.
I think you may provide a new definition of retirement…busier than ever!
Best wishes
Dee
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Dear Dee,
I’ve been told by another author who retired last year that he doesn’t know when he found the time for a full time job. As it is, my ‘days off’ are full. I’m glad you caught the comparison.
Thank you for your sweet comment.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Congratulations both on your upcoming retirement and your books. I wish you the best of everything for all. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Thank you, Suzanne. 😀
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I am so looking forward to reading all three books.
What an amazing inspiring achievement and what a wonderful inspiration you are personally to all would-be writers, but especially those of us who have clocked up half a century and are looking forward to what life could offer if we dare follow our dreams.
Enjoy every minute of your success – you truly deserve it!
Miranda
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Dear MJ,
I was almost taken by surprise by the writing. It seems that what I thought was a defense mechanism, ie going inside my head and creating another world, turned out to be a greatest tool as a writer. I’m fond of telling younger folks it’s never too late and if you’re too old to learn order the hearse.
The first book is available. 😉 The second is due out in Dec. 2, just in time for the holidays.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Flip-turn of life…good metaphor. Here’s to many more flip-turns during retirement…
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Dear Adam,
I find so many great metaphors in swimming. 😉
Thank you for paddling by.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I like that picture of yours with your book. 🙂 A big congrats on the release of your book Rochelle.
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Thank you, Norma. 😀
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Fabulous fabulous metaphor!!! Having been in academia for my entire career, with degrees in communication, worked with young and old on “using their words” for expression — the power of words in terms of creating will, action, self-esteem, perceptions etc……when I retired in December 2012, I chose “rejuvenatement” rather than “retirement.” Someone once told me I should start a movemet of rejuvenators! 🙂 Your “flip turn” metaphor is too too perfect!
SO glad I logged in this morning 🙂
Swim away, enjoy the new tide!
lillian
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Dear Lillian,
Rejuvenatement. I like that. Count me into your movement. 😉 I am so looking forward to the new tide.
Thank you for swimming by my blog and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A) I’ve never learnt to do a flip turn, but I will try now. B) I am seven years into retirement, I have yet to pause on a park bench and I watch much less TV than I used to while working. C) Congratulations on your publication, the kindle edition should be loading on my iPad now.
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Dear Hilary,
When doing a flip turn it’s important to expel the water out your nose while turning. 😉
I don’t watch much TV now so I doubt I’ll watch much then.
Thank you for your comments and I hope you enjoy my book.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle, I have not had much time to write lately but I am soooo enjoying your book and savouring every word:) I put it up on my blog:)
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Dear Oliana,
These are words I’m sure every author savors. 😀
I went to your blog and didn’t see it. At any rate, I appreciate any feedback and publicity. 😉
Thank you and Shalom,
Rochelle
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You have to clink on any post and you can see the side bar
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Thank you. What a lovely thing. I took a screen shot.
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Dear Rochelle,
This is a great metaphor for life and way of looking at things as turning a corner or making a flip and continuing on. Now that I’ve hit a new decade of life, I must admit I’m struggling with that idea (as I notice myself slowing down, which is more than a little scary at times).
On another note, how exciting! Congratulations on the publication of your novel, Please Say Kaddish for Me; take that, naysaying agents who think ‘it’s been done before’ as you wrote in a past post!
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Dear Leigh,
I smile at your remembrance of the agent who told me my story was “too much like Fiddler on the Roof.”
I’m so looking forward to the changes ahead in less than five months. (But who’s counting?) Each decade brings changes. I remember when I turned fifty feeling so terribly old. But it was at that point I discovered my ability to tell a story. Suddenly I’m at the age where soon I’ll be able to collect Social Security. 60 seemed much older when I was 30. I think I’m healthier than I’ve ever been at present and enjoying life.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope you’ll be reading Please Say Kaddish for Me. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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A aonderful post and metaphor for life, how very exciting, to time your retirement with launching your career as a writer, bonne continuation!
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Dear Claire,
Thank you for such a lovely comment. Another commentor called it rejuvenatement rather than retirement. I think that’s the perfect word.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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