Sports and athletics are interesting to me also. In terms of participating, it’s humbling that I can’t make my getting older bones rock like they once did. And since they can’t, I don’t get the same enjoyment. I’m finding adjustment and tough decision making is called for in an area that was once carefree.
As per watching sports, i’ve noticed a “been there, done that” dynamic. I don’t get the same joy of spending an afternoon on the couch, watching multiple games and soaking up all the action and analysis. The names and numbers and colours change, and yet I’m struggling to resolve the repetition.
Your note reminds me of something I missed in the piece. If one is raised to see sport as a blessing in the rest of life, sport is a gift. If one is raised with the pressure to be a sports success, the blessing perhaps becomes a burden especially if there is no gold at the end of the rainbow 🌈
Thank you dad for not ever making me feel I had to be more than I was.
Some athletes can’t compute their diminishing abilities and hang up their skates, they choose to “go out on top.”
Others take a different approach and adjust how they see themselves and their expectations of what the sport can provide.
And to add to the complexity, some of this is externally driven (how will people remember me) and some is internal (I.e. personal standards of performance).
If I could dine with anyone this evening about these concepts, I’d choose Gordie Howe.
That first story about being jilted by your so-called team is a real gut-wrencher. I've witnessed the thrill of winning team championships but also the heartbreak of being betrayed and left out of a team. The anguish is not unlike being dumped from a romantic relationship. May that never happen to you again.
Great story Bob. I'm a few years younger than you but can relate to a lot of your experiences. For me it required a somewhat serious health issue to move competition to comradery. The old habits are a bit hard to break but I'm now inspired by the skip of my curling team who is 94 years young and going strong. Yes he uses a stick but drives himself to the rink, is sharp as a tack, makes a lot of good shots, and rarely misses a game. It is not about the goal now but all about the process.
Wow 94 and still enjoying sport Very inspiring Thanks so much for your story!
I loved it all and especially “kick my assets.”
Sports and athletics are interesting to me also. In terms of participating, it’s humbling that I can’t make my getting older bones rock like they once did. And since they can’t, I don’t get the same enjoyment. I’m finding adjustment and tough decision making is called for in an area that was once carefree.
As per watching sports, i’ve noticed a “been there, done that” dynamic. I don’t get the same joy of spending an afternoon on the couch, watching multiple games and soaking up all the action and analysis. The names and numbers and colours change, and yet I’m struggling to resolve the repetition.
Your note reminds me of something I missed in the piece. If one is raised to see sport as a blessing in the rest of life, sport is a gift. If one is raised with the pressure to be a sports success, the blessing perhaps becomes a burden especially if there is no gold at the end of the rainbow 🌈
Thank you dad for not ever making me feel I had to be more than I was.
Some athletes can’t compute their diminishing abilities and hang up their skates, they choose to “go out on top.”
Others take a different approach and adjust how they see themselves and their expectations of what the sport can provide.
And to add to the complexity, some of this is externally driven (how will people remember me) and some is internal (I.e. personal standards of performance).
If I could dine with anyone this evening about these concepts, I’d choose Gordie Howe.
E tu?
Bob
That first story about being jilted by your so-called team is a real gut-wrencher. I've witnessed the thrill of winning team championships but also the heartbreak of being betrayed and left out of a team. The anguish is not unlike being dumped from a romantic relationship. May that never happen to you again.
Thanks Bill I think I am good now but you are right in that when you are a kid, the hurt is real
Great story Bob. I'm a few years younger than you but can relate to a lot of your experiences. For me it required a somewhat serious health issue to move competition to comradery. The old habits are a bit hard to break but I'm now inspired by the skip of my curling team who is 94 years young and going strong. Yes he uses a stick but drives himself to the rink, is sharp as a tack, makes a lot of good shots, and rarely misses a game. It is not about the goal now but all about the process.