Leaping into the Arena

Leaping into the arena is one giant leap of faith in yourself and your abilities. It is trusting you have the skills and guidance within you without knowing what lies in front of you or have the complete plan. 

It is like taking the first step on the basketball court, not knowing what the game’s outcome will be, and trust you will overcome whatever comes your way. Whether it is an injury, fouling out, plays working out as planned, fights being started, or whatever the sports gods had in mind. 

This is what it is like to step into life’s arena. Except it is more fluid than a basketball game with set periods of action. Life does not work the way sports games do. 

What is stopping you from taking a leap of faith on yourself? 

Why not just jump right into the arena a life? 

Yes, you will receive some bumps and buries along the way. So what?! It only means you are trying and are living. For example, when I was playing basketball competitively, if I did not have at least three fouls by the third quarter, I wasn’t doing my job or play the game I am capable of. There were times when I fouled out, of course, and there were times with I only received three fouls in a game. Both were learning experiences for me. Both taught me something, the bruises and sports injuries are always worth it because they show me I tried. 

As much as my parents wished I worn knee pads and knee brake while playing basketball, I never did after our one year deal when I had my first knee surgery. Why? Because all the “battle” gear I need to play the game “safely” was holding me back from playing all out. I was there to play basketball, not protect my body from getting injured along the way. Otherwise, there wasn’t a point to play the game for me. 

My love for the game was more important to me than what others tell me I should do to protect myself from future/possible injuries. I can’t protect myself from everything.  Yes, I can take precautions to prevent some obstacles or lessen the impact, but there will also be something no one thought of or saw coming. It not possible, but it should not stop you from stepping into your area to prove to yourself you have what it takes no matter the outcome. 

Now when I am facing a choice point in my life, I have learned to trust my gut the same way I did on the basketball court. Knowing sometimes I will fall flat on my face, but choose to get back up, learn from the experience, and let perfectionism go. My bruises are a sign I am living and finding my path, not what I think others want for me.