During my younger days, I was immersed in the world of rowing. It consumed me, but eventually, I abandoned it and let go of any form of physical activity. In retrospect, this was probably not the wisest decision, especially during times when a bit of exercise could have really made a difference in my life. However, the desire to be part of a team once again slowly crept up on me.
One day, a neighbor invited me to step in for her in a netball game. I recalled being quite skilled at netball during my school days, so I thought, why not? In that game, I rediscovered a part of myself that I thought I had left behind – my competitive spirit. And it felt amazing. It was a different kind of competition than what I was used to in school, and it made me realize that physical activity could indeed alleviate the pressures in other aspects of my life.
It’s intriguing how things from the past can come full circle. A friend of mine took up lacrosse again based on a recommendation from her therapist, who suggested that competitive sport could help develop emotional resilience. It turns out, that’s exactly what I had unknowingly been doing when I first started rowing as a teenager. It acted as a counterbalance to the stresses I faced in school and helped me develop resilience that I would rely on later in life.
I discovered that sports not only allow me to unleash my competitive side, but they also help me unwind and release the stress that accumulates in my daily life. As a writer who predominantly works alone, most of my days are spent in solitude. It can feel isolating, and the absence of immediate feedback or interaction with others can take a toll. But now, by playing netball, I’ve found a weekly escape where the only thing that matters is the game. It’s a reprieve from the stress, a time to disconnect from work pressures, and an opportunity to connect with others in a way that I wouldn’t have imagined.
Even though we may not know each other’s life stories, the women in the netball league have become my friends. We support one another, celebrate victories, and empathize over defeats. It’s a unique kind of friendship, one that is rooted in a shared love for the game and a mutual desire to compete. These friendships have proven invaluable, and the weekly game has become a source of comfort and happiness for me.
It’s astonishing how something as simple as a game of netball has made such a profound impact on my life. It has given me a mental breather, a physical outlet, and a sense of perspective during challenging times. Playing in that team has allowed me to escape the realities of life, even if only for a brief period, and find the inner strength to confront my challenges.
So, the next time life throws a curveball or an obstacle comes my way, I know that I can always turn to the netball court for some much-needed comfort and resilience. And for that, I’m truly grateful.
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