Winnie Poaty - Congolese open water swimmer. Mental Wellness Advocate.

Winnie shares her story in such a joyful and happy way, you can't help but smile listening to her talk. You can hear the passion she has for getting outside and getting in the water.    Winnie starts by taking us back to her childhood in Pointe noire, in the Republic of Congo, where she was the second eldest child of eight. Winnie talks about spending her early years playing outdoors, however, she was not allowed to swim in the sea which was seen as a taboo by her family and the local community.    During this episode Winnie goes into more detail about her life, and how she ended up living in the Lake District, 10 mis from Lake Windermere. You will hear how she learned to swim and how it has helped her to mange her mental health. Winnie, provides great advice and top tips which will inspire you to step outside your comfort zone and to give open water swimming a try.    New episodes of the Tough Girl Podcast go live every Tuesday and Thursday at 7am UK time - Make sure you hit the subscribe button so you don't miss out.    The Tough Girl Podcast is sponsorship and ad free thanks to the monthly financial support of patrons. To find out more about supporting your favourite podcast and becoming a patron please check out www.patreon.com/toughgirlpodcast.   * Please note during this episode we talk about depression and mental health   Show notes Growing up in a big family Living by the sea Spending a lot of time in the outdoors Not being allowed to swim in the sea Why the sea was taboo Black people not being able to swim Growing up in a close community  Not being academic Not knowing what to do with her life Being bullied at school Going to college and learning English Being send to South Africa to study in 1997 Moving to Manchester, England with her partner Deciding to move to the Lake District Suffering with deep depression Ensuring her daughters could swim Being taught by her girls Being scared to go in the deep end at the swimming pool Wanting to jump in! All you have to do is blow bubbles Wanting to go and swim in the lake Going through a tough time in 2018 Deciding to go swimming in winter! Thinking she was going to die Finding peace in the lake Being part of a friendly and supportive community Advice for women who want to get into outdoor swimming Wanting to inspire other Black women to get into swimming Not getting hung up on hair Her journey of self care and self love Putting herself first What she does to make herself feel better The benefits of swimming Encouraging other women to love themselves Sharing a happy memory - going Ice swimming Her role model in swimming The power of a hello Coping during Covid Meeting awesome women swimming  Meeting Eden - The Transgender Swimmer & Rhiane from Black Girls Hike Let's do a Swim meet! Final words of advice to encourage other women to get into swimming  Top tip - "Once you are in, it's a Win"     Social Media   Instagram @winniepoaty     Business ILOVEMEMOST   Website - www.iluvmemost.com    Instagram @iluvmemost     Facebook @iluvmemostboutique