Day 26:Catching Up

Hey Everyone! It's been so long since I've communicated with y'all! A big hi-5 for all of you!

Today, when I opened the laptop to write a post, it all felt so strange and new(something I never thought would happen)! I never imagined that such an unexpected feeling would come over me- that's why it's better to practice a particular hobby or activity without stopping(unless it's difficult or tiring)

You see, it all depends on our decision whether we want to start something or not(but I don't regret blog writing... the first paragraph was just a trick!). The decision may seem small, but trust me, it can have a huge impact on our happiness.

All we need to do is just think it over: the pros, the cons, the consequences of giving up, whether we will maintain our interest or not,etc(feel free to add more!).

Alysh wanted to take up football as a pastime activity. No matter how much her neighbor tried to dissuade her(based on experience), she was firm in her decision(good in some ways...and bad too).

"At least think over it, take a look at the consequences, whether you can cope with it. I'm not telling you to give up if you can achieve it, but please reconsider ", said Kan, her neighbor.

However, she ended the conversation by telling her that she is tough, that she can handle the "pressure" and that he is just exaggerating.

The next day, she had signed up to be in the football team and was chosen after the tryouts(which she found easy). When her neighbor had heard this, he just shrugged and warned her that she will regret it.

The day had come for Alysh's first stay back; she was so excited that she bought a brand, new duffel bag for all her supplies(though the other ones she had were just fine).

The first day was alright since there were mostly warm up exercises and the oath taking session, where she had to promise that she will not let the team down in any sort of way(though she was asked several times if she was confident in her decision since she was the player who didn't have much experience). She faithfully agreed.

Unfortunately, football practice wasn't as "fun" as she had expected: the warm up exercises had eventually turned into hard, strenuous ones, she had several injuries as the goal keeper(though she wanted to be captain), the coach was very strict and she would have mental breakdowns at home after practice. For the past few months, she was filled with angst, insecurity, terror,etc.

Then, she started pondering the whole situation(oops, too late!) on whether she must quit or not; she decided to quit after all... but her timing was wrong!

The soccer team had a match the following week against one of the most powerful teams in San Diego, where she was the goal keeper(they couldn't find anyone else)- and she had taken the pledge of loyalty which stated that she mustn't let the team down by all means. She didn't have the courage to tell the strict coach the horrible news! She was in a sticky situation!

She finally decided to tell the coach three days prior to the match... which wasn't exactly the best idea. The coach had scolded her so much that she started to cry.

"I had asked you several times on the first day whether you wanted to leave or not",exclaimed Coach Levine angrily."Once you've got in, there ain't no leaving!"

"Poor" Alysh had paid her price. She was still in the football team,since she had no other choice. Serves her right for not listening to Kan(they were still friends though)! See the impact of Alysh's decision on her life!

The story may end here and my message that we shouldn't take decisions impulsively is being conveyed - but keep reading...

This 13-year-old girl had gotten so used to playing football that it had turned into her passion! She would always feel gratitude towards Coach Levine for making her stay in the team. When she had a nice talk with the coach, she had found out that the he wanted to develop her passion for football, knowing that she has the skill and that

she'll love it.

...

After 13 years of football, Alysh Seliwen turned into a sensation. People were dying to listen to her story over and over(they never got tired!).

This story can have different lessons. Pick yours😀

Once again....

Warm Regards,

Medha