"Like Murakami, I am not even a writer. I am just a person who writes."
Am I a mountain biker? I'm trying to minimize that as my identity, as it can quickly get in the way of my family relationships. For example, I almost ruined my marriage in its early days with my obsession with the sport of mototrials.
Am I someone who rides a mountain bike? Yes, but there's more to it than just an enjoyable activity.
Am I someone who's disciplined about practicing, who's trying to get better at learning how to learn? Yes, that's closer but still me-focused.
Am I someone who's trying to give back to the sport of mountain biking? Yes. But it's a constant struggle since my ego/desire to impress is much stronger.
Every week I renew my commitment that I am responsible for giving back to the sport I love. And to balance that with behavior that shows my commitment to being a better husband, dad, grandpa, brother, friend, neighbor, and citizen.
So I'm still seeking/working damn hard but with a different purpose than just trying to be somebody. Some weeks, I make progress. On other weeks, not so much.
I love reading these sm! This idea also highlights for me that as you get experienced in a sport/activity, its so important to stay humble and be confident in your own progress regardless of the people around you. Just because someone new manages to be better than us on a given day does not mean you or I need to question our identity or commitment to the sport. People come from different backgrounds and everyone progresses differently. Very cliche but still easy to forget for me personally.
Christopher, you wrote:
"Like Murakami, I am not even a writer. I am just a person who writes."
Am I a mountain biker? I'm trying to minimize that as my identity, as it can quickly get in the way of my family relationships. For example, I almost ruined my marriage in its early days with my obsession with the sport of mototrials.
Am I someone who rides a mountain bike? Yes, but there's more to it than just an enjoyable activity.
Am I someone who's disciplined about practicing, who's trying to get better at learning how to learn? Yes, that's closer but still me-focused.
Am I someone who's trying to give back to the sport of mountain biking? Yes. But it's a constant struggle since my ego/desire to impress is much stronger.
Every week I renew my commitment that I am responsible for giving back to the sport I love. And to balance that with behavior that shows my commitment to being a better husband, dad, grandpa, brother, friend, neighbor, and citizen.
So I'm still seeking/working damn hard but with a different purpose than just trying to be somebody. Some weeks, I make progress. On other weeks, not so much.
Loved it.
I love reading these sm! This idea also highlights for me that as you get experienced in a sport/activity, its so important to stay humble and be confident in your own progress regardless of the people around you. Just because someone new manages to be better than us on a given day does not mean you or I need to question our identity or commitment to the sport. People come from different backgrounds and everyone progresses differently. Very cliche but still easy to forget for me personally.