“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: A time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance”(Ecclesiastes 3:1). Unfortunately, we have been blessed with the “I did my best”-ers and the “as long as we tried” type of people who shake off a one point loss to a rival with ease. These people are like a disease to any competitive athlete, actor, teacher, student, team. A disease that eats away at any team atmosphere that could have been. A disease that slowly kills relationships held between two very different people. A disease that can severely damage one’s reputation or ability to fit in. This I believe: an understanding of the correct tone for a situation is a must have in order to be a functional member of society.
Irreverent laughter came from the dark locker room corner. What was so funny about a three point loss in a must win game? Clearly, I must have missed something because I found nothing funny about the inability to reach potential. In an attempt to understand, Coach asked where our heads were and a reply poured out,”I worked my butt off, so it’s on the ice.” Yes, an “I did my best”-er and to top it all off, after the aggravating words left her mouth she turned to the girl next to her and began to giggle. Right there, that was a prime example for the need of a serious tone and the only indicator missing was a flashing neon sign. I believe that without the ability to identify a serious situation and act in an appropriate manner, a person cannot and will not function in a personality diverse group.
I believe the contrast is quite true as well; one must be able to have a good time when the moment arises. You have to be able to scream. Scream with excitement, scream with happiness, and scream with joy after an exciting win. In this particular area I struggle. I love to laugh, go crazy, and dance like a lunatic, but I am the number one critic of myself. After a three goal win the only thought flashing through my mind is, “Why did I let that girl get a break away?” My attitude in the locker room brings down the adrenaline high that the rest of the girls experience, but as my career goes on, the coach in me is beginning to slowly fade. Finally, I am beginning to realize the raw energy that enjoying a win can supply. Through my transformation I have become the girl in the center of all the friendships instead of the intense, hard to talk to captain.
So this I believe: dynamic, well-timed emotions can make all the difference in one’s life and relationships.