Currently, if I could only pick one form of exercise to engage in for the rest of my life, it would be swimming.

Unlike taking piano lessons, going to the gym or engaging in Chinese tuition, swimming is an activity that I actually like and maintain. In the pool, besides having to watch out for other swimmers, other sensory distractions are eliminated. 

When swimming with my preferred breaststroke, I can go at my own pace and clear my mind of worries, letting me plan on what to do upon heading home later. When I want to push myself further, I switch to the front crawl. Regrettably, I have forgotten how to swim the butterfly stroke, but I should relearn it in light of rediscovering my interest in swimming.

Indeed, after I had learnt how to swim several years ago, getting some accreditations along the way, my activity in the pool sharply dropped. Without the need to go for lessons, coupled with my natural disinclination towards exercise, I stopped swimming. Rediscovering this interest was due to a belated awareness on the need for physical activity and a decision to try what I’ve known for years- that exercise helps to combat stress and depression.

Since I have a bad left ankle, a joint-friendly activity like swimming was the natural choice. If I can make swimming a self-sustaining habit, then I have achieved yet another significant victory against the forces of laziness and complacency. Such wins will serve as motivation for other long-term aspirations.