Don't feel like? Go for it!
We all have our preferences, set ways and comfort zones.
We all have our preferences for sports we enjoy watching and the ones we like doing.
Why then give a go to a sport that doesn't seem appealing to you?
Why even return to the one that left us with a mark?
Would you please allow me to take you to my first encounter with a towering rock face with no risk of falling? You are allowed to laugh!
Years ago, I found myself at the base of a towering rock face, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I prepared to ascend. Climbing was something I had always admired from afar, imagining the rush and the sense of accomplishment. After a brief induction, where we learned the basics of climbing and safety, we were ready to tackle the rock. The descent left an indelible mark on my memory.
Climbing down is an art of its own. The first step was the worst. Balancing my body equally felt like an impossible task. I watched my friends, who seemed to defy gravity, climbing down with the grace and agility of spiders on a wall. They made it look effortless, their movements fluid and confident. In contrast, I felt like a lumbering giant. Determined not to compare myself to them, I tried to focus on my own progress. But in my haste, I went straight down—head first—and soon found myself hanging precariously, my hands gripping the rope for dear life.
The poor guys at the bottom had their work cut out for them, ensuring my safety as I dangled in midair. The rope, tightly secured to my harness, bit into my hands, leaving bloody marks as a reminder of my struggle. Eventually, I was safely lowered to the ground, my heart pounding and my pride somewhat bruised. While my friends continued their climbs, I chose to sit back and watch.
Reflecting on that experience, before I restarted that sport recently, I realised that what I had failed to learn was not just how to climb, but how to fall. The ability to fall safely is fundamental. It instils a sense of confidence and security, allowing us to push our limits without the paralysing fear of failure.
Balancing well has remained a challenge for me, both physically and metaphorically. It's a struggle I continue to face, yet it is also a source of hope and determination. Every scrape and bruise, every fall, teaches us how to “take that wall again”, how to “lose reserve”.
I look back on that climbing experience with a mix of amusement and gratitude. It was a humbling lesson in the importance of preparation, patience, and perspective.
In the end, sports as much as life is not about racing to the top or descending without a hitch. It is about accepting each step, each fall, and each moment of stillness. It is about finding balance, not just in our bodies, but in our minds and hearts.
Trying a sport that doesn't initially seem appealing can be a rewarding experience for several reasons. Some of them might seem appealing to you too:
Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new can broaden your horizons. It allows you to experience different activities and cultures associated with various sports.
Different sports offer different types of physical benefits. Trying a new sport can provide a more well-rounded fitness regimen, improving various aspects of health such as strength, flexibility, and endurance.
Engaging in a variety of sports can boost mental health by reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing overall happiness. New challenges can enhance mental resilience and confidence.
Trying a sport you think you won’t like can challenge and overcome preconceived notions. You might discover that your initial perceptions were unfounded, leading to a more open-minded outlook.
Facing new challenges helps build resilience. Trying and learning new sports can teach you how to handle failure, adapt to new situations, and persist through difficulties.
Ps: So the next time you want to follow your nice and comfortable routine of a workout, match or any sports session, why not try something unfamiliar that could potentially bring growth, enrichment, and unexpected joy?
