Hi guys,
Back for another check in. This time, I wanted to share something that I feel like is very important to me and can get forgotten sometimes.
Taking time for others.
It seems simple enough, but so many times does this idea get overlooked. As human beings, I feel like it is easy to rush through our days. Our lives. It can be easy to get lost in our own personal happenings, which in turn means we can lose awareness for others.
I’m going to take this down the athlete route, although the idea can apply quite literally anywhere and to anyone.
As athletes, we are given a platform to perform in front of others. Now, this can range from 14,000 fans watching you play in Oklahoma City, or 10 “fans” comprised of players’ parents. But in my opinion, that doesn’t matter. We still are surrounded by strangers who watch us play daily.
In my opinion, many people don’t need to stay strangers. And this is something that I will forever pride myself on as an athlete. I take the time for those who come to watch our games. Regardless of if they came for me, my teammates, or the opposing team. If I have the opportunity to interact with young kids, opposing players parents, or anyone in between, I do. And I encourage all other athletes to sit back and take advantage of those opportunities too.
So many reasons why I play collegiate softball are based on the hundreds (if not more) of kids I have been able to meet because being an Arizona Wildcat. The bonds I’ve been able to make through the years are irreplaceable. All of you keep my head above water when it feels so easy to drown.
One thing all of these people bring is perspective, especially the kids. I could have just had the worst performance of my entire career, yet these kids still look up and say “you did great today”. It’s nice to be reminded that no matter how I perform on the field, those who care about me will love me regardless of results.
Now I’m not speaking of only the kids that athletes should take time for. It’s everyone. The event staff, bus drivers on away trips, hotel employees, security guards, your director of operations (thank you Danny). Everyone. Your experience as an athlete is what you make it, and the relationships you take away from it are what you make it.
And keep in mind. Those young ones that are so excited to see you after the game were you once. And how would you feel if your idols stopped and gave you the time of day? Something to think about.
Talk to you all soon.
LINK: MORE IN THE ARENA WITH ALLIE SKAGGS
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