I have been a self-proclaimed Athlete since 6th
grade. In that time I have had ups and
downs, not only in performance, but in self confidence. Confidence in HUGE when it comes to
athletics. It can make or break
you! Believing that you can and will do
something is the first step to success.
The first week of volleyball was great, my confidence was
high, especially since I hadn’t played in a long time and was playing pretty
good. Last night was different. I felt like my legs weren’t under; I could
not get my timing right. We played a
very talented team, leaving me a little befuddled. After the first game, which we lost, I went
to get my water and heard one of the best gals on the opposing team say, “I
thought you had a secret weapon. Where
is she?” She was talking about me. Apparently my team has a rivalry with the
other team, I am new to the team and know nothing about the history of the
rivalry. The comment hit me hard…. My Mom
was there, so I went to stand by her and tell her what the gal had said. Bless her heart she said “She is trying to
get in your head. Play your game. They are a good team, but you can play with
them.”
It was true, I am convinced she was trying to knock down my
confidence in hopes that I never hit my stride in the game. This seemed childish to me, we aren’t in High
School. As I walked by I had to say
something, for myself, I said “I didn’t ask to be called a Secret Weapon.” The gal and her husband just looked at me,
didn’t really reply. I understand where
my team was coming from, the week prior I was very effective on the court and
we had won both matches. But that is a
little too much pressure to put on someone.
I went on to play OK, but my legs felt weak making my performance at the
net less than par.
Confidence.
Did I let her get in
my head and mess with my game?
Or was I just having an OFF night?
I battle these demons often on the Run. I get in my own head, letting pain and
tiredness take over. It slows my pace,
pulls me down, and hinders my performance.
Days when I can quiet the demons, and believe in myself, amazing things
happen.
Confidence is
something I have been blessed with (most days).
Funny lately I feel more like a “Fat-hlete” than an Athlete,
but that does not mean I can’t have confidence in myself. Quiet the demons and just have fun. When I am relaxed and enjoying myself amazing
things happen.
 |
| Back Sweat in the shape of Mickey Mouse.. FUNNY!! |
7 comments:
You're fantastic, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Think as if, and soon you will become!
Mel--One of the reasons I always read you is because you find a way to put a positive spin on things. You might feel down or negative, but you try your darndest to put keep your brain in control. I envy that strength. Don't be so hard on yourself. I think to all that you have done over the last 3 years and it is INCREDIBLE!
Isn't it crazy how some peole never grow up- in reference to the "junior high" comment from the other team- they were/she was just intimidated. you didn't let her get under your skin by spinning it a different way- love the mickey mouse ears sweat.
Just go out there and be yourself Mel.
You are a weapon Mel!!! I agree...confidence can make or break a run/game. If only we can get out of our heads and have fun we would be able to see what our bodies are really capable of! Mickey Mouse...or someone flexing!!!
Wow, that woman's comment was really childish. Just do your own thing. I definitely understand what you mean about confidence though. I need to work on that right now and have been thinking about it. It's really such an important part of having a great run.
Back sweat, LOL. I think it was just trash talk that happens. They had beaten you, so that's where it came from. I love being the 'secret weapon', makes me work harder. Now get your legs under you. Now remember, wax on, wax off.... oh, wrong movie!
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