30/10/2025
Thursday
I practice writing and go swimming. I’m aging or I am growing. Who knows ? One thing for certain the clock at the swimming pool moves a lot faster than it did a few years ago. The “dads” swimming crew of a Thursday morning is a group of older lads who for want of a better description should be banned from wearing budgie smugglers. They wear them anyway, in some strange sort of a way - it’s a middle finger to slowing down and an inner prayer to chasing faster times of youth.
Formalities, hellos, moans, grunts and groans are only to be muttered after the main set. One of the younger dads call the set. This Thursday was 40 x 50 off 50 for 20 then 12 off 55 then the last few off 60. There’s nobody questioning technique or monitoring your times. There is strength in the silence. Rest intervals start at 5 seconds , enough time to breathe with no time moan about whatever life’s problems are throwing at you this week. That first world problem of dealing with bosses, deadlines, KPI’s etc while the “Fanta filled little feckers” at home are craving more time than the aging clock allows …..
Before you know it, the 40 x 50s are done. You take a few deep breathes. Pull off your silicone hat and dunk your thinning hair in the pool to cool down. The younger ones smile at your beet root coloured face while the typical man jokes flow before those who can add in another set. Strength taken from the after glow of endorphins to face into today’s world of work. No man mentions it - solidarity in the fact - we showed up, went hard - you can handle it, whatever that is.
November, men’s mental health month- with thanks to that ronnie growing charity foundation. In the old days, it was never spoken about & in the new days it’s hidden openly. Folks work harder, lives demand more extravagance and Instagram realities more flamboyance. Things are easier shared even when nothing is spoken. The unspoken connections and commitment to showing up supports the ying and yang of it all.
Dads ….. you got this - time is precious but make time for yourself to refill your cup
Lads ….. you got this. The sun always rises, chat to the dads at training, one of them has probably been through it
See you next Thursday
Maybe I’ll call it TCM Thursdays ❤️🤛🏻 or
Maybe it just is what it is 🤞🏼
