A few days ago I wrote a post noting “We are ALL fixer uppers.” I shared a story with my oldest son yesterday about when life knocks you down. This one now seems small, but when it happened to me as a high school senior, it hurt.
I was a varsity basketball player who started for a very good team. I was a co-Captain, but not our best player. I was the one who focused more on defense, rebounding and passing. About 1/3 of the way into the season, I was moved to the second team as we had several pretty good players.
I had two paths in front of me. I could sulk and go throw the motions. Or, I could work hard in practice to make our first team better and try to win back my position or playing time. I chose the latter – life knocked me down and I got up and tried harder.
Everyday in practice scrimmages I would set out to keep our best tall player from scoring. Playing good defense requires effort. It should be noted that our best tall player would only wash his practice jersey periodically, so extra effort was required as I had to stick my nose into a sweaty, smelly jersey as I guarded him.
In short, he got a good practice work out and the coach saw my effort rewarding me ample time as the sixth man, the first substitute. Eventually, I would start again.
I shared this with my son to let him know we all fail. I have failed at other things as well. The key is what we do about it. We can mope or we can get back up, dust ourselves off and keep going. If you do otherwise, you let yourself down. And, you might even let your teammates down.
So, my 2019 wish for everyone is if (and when) life knocks you down, ask yourself the question, “what am I going to do about it?” Then, get up, dust yourself off and keep going.
musingsofanoldfart 
Well done, Keith. The smelly jersey adds impact to your point. 😉
Thanks Linda. The smelly jersey certainly made an impact. Have a great New Year’s.
As I have noted before, sports are one of the few places where we are allowed to fail and learn from those failures. Well said, Keith. Happy 2019, my friend.
Thanks Hugh. With your past playing and coaching, you know of what you speak. Have a great New Year’s.
You too!
Merci.
Hi Keith! Keep on keepin’ on! I like the part about the stinky jersey. 😊 Thank you for sharing your encouraging stories and words. Many blessings to and your family in 2019.
Many thanks. Your words of encouragement are much appreciated. That stinky jersey left quite the impression on me. Have s terrific New Year’s.
Dear Keith,
You shared a valuable lesson with your son. Resiliency is an important lesson.
I remember talking to my son about this when as a youngster he felt that life was not being fair. I used the story of a bird who goes around pooping on everyone. No one will escape. Most folks learn to clean themselves off and go on with their lives. But some can’t get over the fact that life pooped on them and they get stuck. I explained that sometimes the bird takes an extra dump on someone but if the recipient gives up at this point, they may as well stop living.
I told him that the folks I felt the sorriest for, are those who are so protected from being pooped on to where they are handicapped. They won’t be able to handle the pile of poop when it comes.
He asked me how I knew so much. I told him that I’ve had to deal with my fair share of poop.
Hugs, Gronda
Gronda, sometimes we need a big umbrella. Good advice for your son. Keith