This week I got to enjoy one of the perks of working in higher education and attend a conference by a locally, if not nationally renown psychologist. My office is in the Mirenda Center for Sport, Spirituality and Character Development that houses the Athletic Department and the Institute of the same name (ISSCD). The YouTube video inviting peeps:
And it was so awesome- first of all, I would be remiss if I didn't thank TBone for moving mountains and taking off from work to help me get to work early/at all. I double booked myself to help Lauren with the twins for an appointment- and TBone helped his lady out and went in her place.
So I got to attend- and I was so glad. I'm a collegiate coach. I pride myself in being different/ I try to inspire them to be better than me. Because, it's not about me- I've already played. I often remember my experience- I was a decent player, but struggled with distractions- grades, diet, training, the fear of not being the best. I waited until my senior year to email my lacrosse coach a LOOOOOOOOOONG rambling email about how I think too much on the field. His reply- stop thinking. Just play.
Play.
Among the topic of Alienation and Ostracism in Sports, Dr. Gottlieb talked about children. He said something in the lunch that the Institute organized for us that was well worth the price of admission. He was talking about parents on the side lines of games and how they fly off the handle at pee-wee games, "you have to raise the kid you get, not the kid you want."
I put so much pressure on myself as a player/kid/student that I never felt like I was doing enough. It's gotten better over the years but I still feel it- not doing enough. Living up to an imaginary standard that I sometimes get caught up and forget to enjoy the life/work/play that I have.
What a metaphor for life, eh?
And perhaps we can apply it to life too. Live the life you get, not the life you want. And sure- there are some problems with that alone- we all want to work toward something. But...chasing the dragon won't get us to happiness. Gratitude just might.
Cheers, y'all. I have yoga school all weekend.
If you have a minute, browse around on my new Thirty-One website. I'm starting to sell these jawns and if you'd like to host a virtual party on your blog, please EMAIL ME for details!
You would get some SWEET gifts based on the sales of your party (that we could do a giveaway for and have the "party" last a week(s).)
You can like me on the facebooks too!
Comments