Today was Thanksgiving in Canada. I’m grateful for having played soccer with my daughters. I was supposed to use my left foot exclusively, but given the craziness of parenting while enjoying a beautiful day in the park (soccer field), I figured a couple of righties wouldn’t hurt.
In reality, I didn’t focus on being a southpaw at all today. Today, I simply passed the ball around with my girls, letting them occasionally shoot on me/net while I pretended to be a good goalie. It’s tough working when the kids are around, but there are lessons learned, even for me, as I spend quality time with them.
I learn to let go. To give in. And I remember what it’s like to experience child-like imagination while playing. In Italy, the following word is often mentioned by commentators during soccer matches: fantasia. Certain players delve more deeply; they incorporate an artistic element to their playing beyond what’s normally demanded of them… and it often gets results. It defies strategy, or even dribbling. It’s vision when no one else sees the possible outcome. It’s split-second decision-making powered by intuitive actions/reactions (as opposed to logic that requires traditional thought). Children have this ability. So do adults, but most suppress it… discounting it as unrealistic.
So, for today, I didn’t do what made sense. I should be training my butt off, and I kind of am, but it was a holiday, and my kids wanted to join me on the field. And thank God they did, because it (along with the wonderful moments we shared with my beautiful wife & their mom earlier) made it the best day ever.
Tomorrow, though, is officially Southpaw Day. ;)