In elementary school it was gymnastics, then track in middle school. In high school it was volleyball, and freestyle snowboarding in college. At each phase I was sure they were my calling in life, my ticket to Success.
Then came real life. That year after I graduated when there was no easy direction to come by. I was almost freer than I wanted. I lost the comfort of having guidance and structure from school. This was when I first came to understand that success in life my not be determined by highly refined skill in one activity, but more at the ability to adapt and learn new skills. I may not become a master of any of them, but each will bring its own new and fun challenges and gang of friends.
It was tough at first not having something to train for, a competition to look forward to, or a coach to rely on. But realizing my weekends were free to explore where ever I wanted, I started to really feel alive. Mountain biking in Utah one weekend, climbing in Tahoe the next, hiking in the high Sierra on sunny afternoons... and still weaving my old life in when I wanted to. It actually made snowboarding, volleyball, gymnastics and running way more fun when they weren't chores anymore.
I have come to terms with knowing I'll never go pro, I'll never be the most skilled player on the field, or climber on the wall. But, being able to hop on to any field, make some new friends, and play a game you're really mediocre can be so much fun! Learning new skills, practicing old, finding joy in every new moment.
Then came real life. That year after I graduated when there was no easy direction to come by. I was almost freer than I wanted. I lost the comfort of having guidance and structure from school. This was when I first came to understand that success in life my not be determined by highly refined skill in one activity, but more at the ability to adapt and learn new skills. I may not become a master of any of them, but each will bring its own new and fun challenges and gang of friends.
It was tough at first not having something to train for, a competition to look forward to, or a coach to rely on. But realizing my weekends were free to explore where ever I wanted, I started to really feel alive. Mountain biking in Utah one weekend, climbing in Tahoe the next, hiking in the high Sierra on sunny afternoons... and still weaving my old life in when I wanted to. It actually made snowboarding, volleyball, gymnastics and running way more fun when they weren't chores anymore.
I have come to terms with knowing I'll never go pro, I'll never be the most skilled player on the field, or climber on the wall. But, being able to hop on to any field, make some new friends, and play a game you're really mediocre can be so much fun! Learning new skills, practicing old, finding joy in every new moment.
