I respect your exercise to fully acknowledge and feel this loss Jeff. That seems useful and important. I had a mentor who used to say that we are all "crushed by love" no matter what direction we go or choose. Even pursuing opportunities all the way to the full, you're crushed eventually by no longer having the physical capacity or mental acuity or emotional stamina to sustain that level of performance. No matter what, the things we most enjoy and people we most love are impermanent, and eventually we suffer the dissolution of them. Living fully seems to be the only answer, along with the heartbreak that comes from the expiration of the beauty and joys that come with it.
Felt this one hit my soul. I can attest to the level of ball skill you have.
I remember we talked about you walking on senior year — I think it was after try outs already occurred. At the end of the day, I think you learned and experienced more with the lifestyle you chose than you would’ve if you were on the UMass team. The only year I think you really would’ve enjoyed it substantially more than the alternative would’ve been senior year.
You also have to remember that unfortunately some of us don’t reach our peak physically until 22-27 years old. As a freshman/sophomore (maybe even junior year) it would’ve been very difficult to compete with such physically mature athletes.
I don’t think you should let this missed opportunity bother you too much. College was awesome đŸ¤£
However, I think you can find a way to make unique content on this passion of yours. Get creative and start playing more. Competition can be found anywhere, and you don’t have to deal with a coach, NCAA rules, politics. Nothing, just ball. Time is not up!!
(I often find myself thinking these thoughts with my newly found passion of jiu jitsu. I started at the age of 20, adulthood, because I wasn’t allowed to play contact sports or similar actives as a kid. I think I’m pretty gifted at grappling, so I often find myself thinking about how I wish I was I was put into wrestling as a kid. What could’ve happened? Was the sky the limit? Would I have wrestled in college?
Well let’s say that is what would’ve happened. It wouldn’t have been UMass. I wouldn’t have met all the people and learned all the things that shaped me into the person I am today.
And guess what, I still roll around on the mats every day.)
As painful as it is, we don't get to see how option B would have gone when we choose option A.
So which regret can you bare, and which can you not?
Time is a cruel mistress.
Loved this post Jeff. If it's any solace, I think partying was a good shot. You get to feel at the centre of it all, if only for some hours. What a feeling...
BEAUTIFUL JEFF. FOR ME,I PLACE VALUE ON NOT FORGETTING SIMILAR HAPPENINGS. I SLOSH IT AROUND FROM TIME TO TIME.THE MEMORY CONNECTS ME WITH OTHERS.ORALE
I respect your exercise to fully acknowledge and feel this loss Jeff. That seems useful and important. I had a mentor who used to say that we are all "crushed by love" no matter what direction we go or choose. Even pursuing opportunities all the way to the full, you're crushed eventually by no longer having the physical capacity or mental acuity or emotional stamina to sustain that level of performance. No matter what, the things we most enjoy and people we most love are impermanent, and eventually we suffer the dissolution of them. Living fully seems to be the only answer, along with the heartbreak that comes from the expiration of the beauty and joys that come with it.
Thank you for sharing this perspective, Rick.
Felt this one hit my soul. I can attest to the level of ball skill you have.
I remember we talked about you walking on senior year — I think it was after try outs already occurred. At the end of the day, I think you learned and experienced more with the lifestyle you chose than you would’ve if you were on the UMass team. The only year I think you really would’ve enjoyed it substantially more than the alternative would’ve been senior year.
You also have to remember that unfortunately some of us don’t reach our peak physically until 22-27 years old. As a freshman/sophomore (maybe even junior year) it would’ve been very difficult to compete with such physically mature athletes.
I don’t think you should let this missed opportunity bother you too much. College was awesome đŸ¤£
However, I think you can find a way to make unique content on this passion of yours. Get creative and start playing more. Competition can be found anywhere, and you don’t have to deal with a coach, NCAA rules, politics. Nothing, just ball. Time is not up!!
(I often find myself thinking these thoughts with my newly found passion of jiu jitsu. I started at the age of 20, adulthood, because I wasn’t allowed to play contact sports or similar actives as a kid. I think I’m pretty gifted at grappling, so I often find myself thinking about how I wish I was I was put into wrestling as a kid. What could’ve happened? Was the sky the limit? Would I have wrestled in college?
Well let’s say that is what would’ve happened. It wouldn’t have been UMass. I wouldn’t have met all the people and learned all the things that shaped me into the person I am today.
And guess what, I still roll around on the mats every day.)
This was an amazing comment. I completely agree. Thank you brother.
"Life is about choosing your regrets."
As painful as it is, we don't get to see how option B would have gone when we choose option A.
So which regret can you bare, and which can you not?
Time is a cruel mistress.
Loved this post Jeff. If it's any solace, I think partying was a good shot. You get to feel at the centre of it all, if only for some hours. What a feeling...
Thank you for reading and for the thoughtful comment, Ned.
BEAUTIFUL JEFF. FOR ME,I PLACE VALUE ON NOT FORGETTING SIMILAR HAPPENINGS. I SLOSH IT AROUND FROM TIME TO TIME.THE MEMORY CONNECTS ME WITH OTHERS.ORALE
JAIMITO
Gracias, Jaimito.