"Somehow I kept my head above water. I relied on the discipline, character, and strength that I had started to develop as that little girl in her first swimming pool"

In this quote, Esther Williams reviews her ability to stand firm through life's difficulties by drawing upon the qualities she developed during her early experiences as a swimmer. "Somehow I kept my head above water" is a metaphorical expression representing her capability to handle difficulty and not catch overwhelming situations. It paints a vibrant picture of somebody browsing turbulent waters yet handling to endure and remain resilient.

The expression "I depend on the discipline, character, and strength" highlights the idea that these qualities were her foundation in facing troubles. Discipline, in this context, most likely describes the self-discipline and decision she harnessed, enabling her to pursue goals and get rid of obstacles steadfastly. Character talks to her stability and moral fortitude, characteristics important for preserving a sense of self amidst challenges. Strength, both psychological and physical, symbolizes her durability and capability to withstand challenge while continuing to push forward.

When she discusses "as that little woman in her first pool", Williams stresses the developmental nature of her early experiences. The swimming pool is an effective sign of her origins in swimming, where she began cultivating the skills and attributes that would form her life. It stimulates a sense of nostalgia and emphasizes the longstanding effect of her youth training on her their adult years, recommending that the lessons learned in the swimming pool extended far beyond swimming itself.

Overall, Williams' quote encapsulates a journey of individual development, where early experiences were pivotal in crafting a resistant and capable individual. By connecting her adult determination with her youth, she highlights how fundamental experiences can equip people with enduring life skills, strengthening the idea that early advancement plays an essential role in shaping future successes. Her words inspire a recognition of the power of discipline and character, learned through experience and challenge, in maintaining one's course through life's unpredictable currents.