As we go through life, we settle into familiar routines. We divide our time between work, exercise, family, friends, meals, sleep, hobbies and of course, reading articles about celebrities on the internet. (Which you're doing right now! How's it going?)
But if you repeat that routine for too long, a sense of ennui grows around your soul like mold. The world is full of amazing experiences to sample, so why just stick to one corner of the buffet of life? You could travel to another country, check out an event outside of your comfort zone or learn how to do a new activity.
On Monday, singer John Legend revealed that he's learning how to swim at age 40. "I can’t really swim," he tweeted. "Today I took my first swim lesson since I was like 5,. My dad learned in his 60’s so I feel like I’m ahead of schedule."
Some people might be embarrassed to admit they don't know how to swim, as it's a fairly common activity, and frequently a requirement in school gym classes. (At least, it was where I grew up.) However, Legend is the youngest person and first African-American to EGOT - win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. That's such an impressive accomplishment no one can ever make fun of him again! (Except for his wife, Chrissy Teigen, when she compares him to the animated aardvark Arthur.)
On social media, fans loved Legend's honest admission and sent messages of support. "I learned when I turned 30," shared one Twitter user, while another stated, "Navy rescue swimmer here, John. You are stronger than your mind lets you think. Sounds self-contradictory, but it's not." And one young woman tweeted, "I once taught a man who was in his 40's to swim on his back for the first since he almost drowned as a child. Such an incredible feeling seeing the pure joy he felt at that huge accomplishment. Way to go, John!"
One fan asked if the Love Me Now singer was taking swimming lessons with his kids, two-year-old Luna and eight-month old Miles. He replied, no, "They already started months ago!"
Another fan called Legend out for the lyrics to his song All of Me, where he sings, "My head’s under water, but I’m breathing fine / You’re crazy and I’m out of my mind." "Was it all a lie?!" the Twitter user jokingly asked. John replied, "All. Lies. Hahaha." (Wait, so that song is fake new? Hopefully the Recording Academy doesn't take his Grammys away!)
Well, if John Legend can learn how to swim at age 40, and his dad learned how to do it in his 60's, then let that be inspiration to shake up your regular routine. You too could learn how to swim, or skydive, or ride a horse. But please, don't stop reading articles about celebrities on the internet.
