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How swimming anchors me through life changes - Los Angeles Times

Andrea Cañizares-Fernandez

Op-Comic: Swimming anchors me through life changes — like quitting my job

A montage of an underwater scene, some waves, a calendar, a california state map, and a swimming pool.

By Andrea Cañizares-Fernandez

Jan. 9, 2023 3 AM PT

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amid an L.A. heat wave. I am eager to go swimming. water has always been a refuge from my brain. I just resigned from my job.

what took me so long. a community pool, shedding chains by quitting. swimming in the pool.

I am home swimming off the coast of Ecuador. I'm not thinking about how I feel chubby in my swimsuit.

I'm in Austin TX, Mami and Papi are separated. Here I float. time expands as I do cartwheels in water.

I'm in the bay area, swimming at my best friends' house.

every day I do laps in the water. I say 1 1 1 over and over in my mind. I try not to spiral in grief.

I borrow friend's keys to pool in koreatown. I watch kids and parents, think about my own Papi.

I'm in the ocean off St. Croix, the water is warm. I snorkle and see a fish faster than I expected

the sunset is purple and orange. I feel full. I'm going to quit my job. I lie on my back and stare at sky

Andrea Cañizares-Fernandez is an Ecuadorian-American artist, actress, writer and climate justice organizer. She grew up in many places, but mostly Austin, Texas, and now lives in L.A. Instagram: @byandreacf