I am willing.
The problem is knowing which scary choice is the one worthy of my valor.
I guess that is what makes the choice brave, not knowing it is the right choice.
When I played baseball as a kid I would just pray that I would hit the ball and then I would run like the wind if I did. I never knew if I should stay on first base or not. I would keep running, until I was out or until I landed safely on base. I figured that, the faster I ran the sooner I would be safe at home.
I thought you were either good at baseball or you weren't. I had no idea that a little coaching or practicing of technique could get you further in the game.
I got through most of my childhood and adolescence using this swing and run technique. I don't recommend this style, it leaves a pretty spotty record on subjects ranging from algebra to modern dance.
When I got to college I realized that many of the things that I was natural at could be taught to just about anybody who had the will to learn. Sure, natural ability give a person an unfair head start, but not much.
This set off another light bulb; I could learn to do things that I had the will to study and practice.
Der, I know.
This leads to much reading. This leads to trial and error. This leads to planning, organizing, more reading, thinking, preparing, practicing, taking a class, attending a seminar, trolling the Internet, second guessing, erasing, writing, asking opinions, getting second opinions.
Eventually, the time comes to take what you know (even if it is not everything) and pray that you make contact.
Then, run like the wind.
4 comments:
There are these startling moments when I see that time has passed and I am old. Unlike the constants (f'rinstance, my brother Richard's last change was puberty) there's, say, Michael's being middle-aged in a Key of Awesome and now you, though still looking like a teenage babe, being wise and all.
love what you're doing with what you know!
Yes, baseball. As I try to encourage my boy, I think how I gave up on sports as one whose gifts lie elsewhere. I was ok with that. And now, I think, what if? No time like the present. Always nice chatting.
Thanks.
It's a fine line between wise and wise-guy.
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