Live a Wonderfully Active Life
Sports are for DOING!
In our society, sports might be one of the keys to living a good life. We aren’t talking spectator sports here, but real life, honest to goodness, get sweaty sports. Admittedly, spectator sports consume us, with multiple TV channels devoted to single sports.
But the folks who get it are out there participating. They play on teams, accept challenges, explore new adventures.
Actually taking part in almost any sport has many positive advantages.
- You gain a sense of individual accomplishment
- Great friendships can be forged
- Teamwork can be taught
- Your physical health is maintained
- Competitive nature can be released appropriately
You might be the stereotypical “soccer mom,” but that doesn’t prevent you from joining a bowling league or playing tennis. You can do more than take your son or daughter to the game. How about joining them on a conditioning run three times a week. Taking them on in ping pong can increase their hand-eye-body coordination… and be lots of fun, too.
Team Sports and Individual Friendships
Done the right way, participating in a team sport can produce a sense of respect for your opponent that has the potential to develop into genuine friendships. Racing a friend down a Black Diamond ski trail can be a great adreniline boost, while drinking hot cocoa with them in the snack bar afterwards can let the gentle bragging begin.
Most important of all, to get the best out of sports, you need to remember that, once more, the mind matters most. You are the one who decides how to react in both victory and defeat. Winning might be the most fun, but either can, and should, lead to increased benefit and enjoyment just because you participated.