I did it.For the past ten years I have been involved with a soccer board in the small community where I live. Five years as recreational representative, five as competitive. On Thursday I hung up my boots and retired.
I'm not going to lie, it was hard. In fact, it demanded some retail therapy (I bought a nice pair of sandals and hoodie), but each day the load gets lighter and lighter – reaffirming that I made the right decision.
For so many years I've been known as the lady who was in charge of soccer. Now I'm going to have to find a new identity. Hopefully I can become the lady who wrote that book or I can follow the advice of a friend:
Your identity is you - not what you do. You can be a mom, a soccer lady, a writer - but you are still YOU, and everything that makes you great isn't changing. :)
So here's to being you and whoever you want to be.
15 comments:
When I stopped playing soccer my last year in college, it was extremely hard to start coaching the next because I still wanted to play! I still want to play. But leagues just aren't the same thing. But that's awesome you gave back for so many years! You'll get used to it, I promise.
Such a critical point that I'm still trying to get a grasp on.
I get it, the whole soccer role. I get it.
~ Wendy
I love that Patti. I am not what I do, but rather who I choose to be.
My Dad was the president or a member of the soccer association for most of my playing years. So much work and so little recognition.
Are you still playing or did you completely hang up the boots?
Your friend sounds very wise. :)
Whatever new hat you choose to put on, make sure you do it because you love it. :)
Exactly! I love this post. And you are wise beyond your years. I am lots of things, but the fact remains that I am me with all my quirks and faults. (don't tell hubby I admitted to having faults.) *wink*
Brava. You are good! :-)
That's very good advice. Congratulations on being strong enough to let something you love go. (I'm just glad it wasn't writing.)
Yay! I'm so glad you found found the strength to do what needed to be done, Patti. I believe you will feel lighter, freer. And yes, you are still YOU. :-)
oh, that's a tough one! ((hugs)) but if it's the right thing to do, you did the right thing. :o) And you will be the lady who wrote that book~ <3
It sounds like you made the right decision. Good for you! Enjoy your newfound time!
I love what your friend said! And I totally second it. Have fun discovering YOU and coming to be known as that woman who can do SO MUCH and always HAS FUN doing it!
Hi Patti! I applaud you for finding the courage to retire from this responsibility. I have changed my "identity" many times throughout my life; sometimes I even wear several different hats in the course of a day. But your friend is right; your identity is who you are, not what you do. And it is important that we fill our days with activities that fulfill us and get us closer to our dreams. It sounds like you are on the right track. :-)
Great advice! I'm proud of you that you made the decision to give something up. It's so hard to make decisions like that, even if it's for the better. Good luck with focusing more on your writing!:)
Wow, giving up soccer! Guess you'll have to change your About Me now, huh? LOL That's great that you're reaffirming that it's a good decision for you. Here's to your new identity!!!
Congratulations! It's a big responsibility to step down from, but I know you won't regret it. We all have different seasons, and you're ready for a new one. Yay!
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