In 1997, I was standing in the middle of a boxing ring in Augusta, Georgia getting the first ever Women's National Amateur Boxing Championship belt placed on my little waist after fighting & winning my preliminary bouts for 3 days straight and then facing off a very tough opponent on the championship night under very challenging circumstances.
"Agua Dulce, Agua Sala," (Sweet water, Salt Water) is a metaphor for life...In that moment in 1997, I felt both. The feeling of giving it my all, having my trainer say he was proud of me & the inner satisfaction was definitely "Agua Dulce!" Not having any of my family members there, not knowing if I would ever feel this way again and not knowing what the future holds was "Agua Sala."
Well, quite a few years later, I continue to have many days of both "Agua Dulce & Agua Sala," but have been blessed with the maturity to see and accept the true meaning of each experience. Each wonderful Marathon (15 in total)that I have completed has taught me never, ever to give up and taught me that with a strong mind you can will yourself to do anything! With each boxing match, I have learned that my dreams are worth fighting for and each triumph brings me a little closer despite the obstacles that always seem to present themselves. Every person that has come into my path has taught me a valuable lesson about myself & life even if those people are no longer in my life.
So, these days, "Agua Dulce" is the opportunity to welcome each day with a run, workout, prayer and gratitude. "Agua Dulce" is the being thankful for the very special people in my life and appreciating their qualities & contribution to my life. "Agua Dulce" is all the adventures I get to experience, face my fears & live my dreams & have no regrets.
Life is all about balance and you can only appreciate the sunshine that much more after rainy days, so of course there must be "Agua Sala" which to me means tears, moments of sadness and trying days. I have definitely experienced my share of "Agua Sala" during injuries/illnesses, not so great performances, failed relationships and disappointments.
I deal with my "salty water" days the best way I know how & that is relying on faith, prayers, strength & determination and realizing that each "salty water" day has a good purpose in my life & will teach me a meaningful lesson.
My wish for my loved ones, friends & supporters is for more of those beautiful days of "Agua Dulce" where you feel like you can fly and reach new heights and for those "Agua Sala" days to be eased with comfort in knowing that after each storm, the sun will shine and with enough faith, things will always get better!
"When one door of happiness closes, another opens; But often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us."
Helen Keller
Much Love,
Patty Boom Boom
www.patriciaalcivar.com
