Changing priorities and interests

 


I wasn't much of a traditional "jock" in high school. I played sophomore football, but after that the teams and clubs I participated in were things like swimming, golf, skiing, and chess. I spent a lot of time playing games and studying chess theory and got to be pretty good. I was competent at backstroke and breast stroke and won races in competition on city and high school teams. I really loved to ski as a hobby but never got competitive with that one. And golf, through I had fun, I was never really very good at it. But I really loved all these activities.

Looking back today: I haven't played a round of golf for almost 10 years, and probably fewer than 20 rounds since high school. I haven't been skiing in a decade. I swim for fun, but only with grandkids. And the last chess game I played was probably 20 years ago. I should note that I did try to introduce these activities to my children, with limited success.

I am grateful to recognize that priorities and interests can change. It's valuable to know that something that is all-important to a high schooler can quickly fade to the background as other priorities take over.

On the other hand, I #GiveThanks for the opportunity I had in each of these areas to participate. The experience I had and what I was able to learn at the time (the value of practice, being coached, developing fitness and endurance, refining technique, memorizing information) helped to make me who I am today.

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