My senior year we managed to make it to the quarter finals which is two games before the championship. Throughout the whole game I gave my best effort. Or so I thought. Finally it came down to the last two minutes of the game and we were behind 24-21. We got the ball on our own twenty yard line and we had two minutes to march the ball down eighty yards and score. It was tough going out on to the field knowing our backs were against the wall. But during that time, I played the best football of my life. I knew that this was more than likely the last time I would ever be playing football and I changed my mindset of it. Instead of playing to win, I was playing for fun. Yes I wanted to win but the best football played is the football that is played in fun. That last drive was amazing. I enjoyed every minute of it. I played the best football I had ever played. The distance was to far and time was to short so eventually the game was over and we lost. It was very bitter sweet. I knew I was done with football for life, but I had enjoyed every second of that last drive.
During that last drive all i could feel was this kind of peace inside me. I didn't really feel the pressure to win because of all the fun I was having. I did feel determined though. I was doing my best. Doing anything for that extra yard. All in all it was a great experience and I know I gave it my all and did my best.
I feel that I could use this determination and fun to finish out this first semester by looking at my goal and working inch by inch for it while enjoying it.
That's really cool, I think that sports are a really good way to feel your best and to be at your best. That's really cool.
ReplyDeleteGreat story. I really understand how even though you didn't win, you still feel that you were at your best. Too often we judge ourselves on accomplishments alone. They do not define us, we define them.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great story. Sports really can let people build character and to have great experiences. Even though you didn't win I understand why you felt you were at your best.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean. We made the playoffs my senior year, and it was pretty empowering. I wasn't into football as much as most of the other guys, but it was still a great feeling.
ReplyDeleteJust out of curiosity, what position did you play? I have always had a passion for football, but was never able to play. It is neat how you were able to change your mindset and just play for fun. Also, your ability to let go knowing it was your last game takes something special. Even though it is over, it sounds like you made the most of it while you could.
ReplyDeleteGreat story! :] I loved that fact that you were playing for fun in the last minutes instead of just playing to win. My senior year I started doing that in everything I was involved in because I wanted to end on a good note in what I was involved in. :]
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing that the time that you feel you were at your best was when you lost. If you can let go of winning at something you love and just do it for the fun of it, you will remember it as a good time instead of playing to win and losing.
ReplyDeleteI hate that sport careers usually have to end in a loss :( I totally agree, and I tried to tell my girls this during out season, what you are having fun, you usually play better!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome I wish my team could have made it that far, congrats dude. I know that feeling too last game ever makes it that much sweeter win or lose.
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