Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you; they're supposed to help you discover who you are.
- Bernice Johnson Reagon
Once I was a member of the local YMCA gym, having a general membership. I didn't play sports as a child, so my membership was in my 20's, probably around 23, and working night shift. I couldn't play competitively, but would go for fitness classes, and eventually played volleyball with a group one afternoon per week. Also, I would practise playing basketball, and play 1 on 1 with a couple of guys I met.
Once a couple of professional football players were staying at the Y hostel. I eagerly asked to play 1 on 1, and one of them was amused. After playing him, I was tired, and felt okay, although i don't think I scored a point, or came anywhere near to his quickness.
The difference between being in that situation, and situations where I'm overwhelmed is my response. I responded with gratitude, since that player allowed me his time, and association. I felt honoured that a potential football professional would associate with me in any way! He even may have made the city's professional team, without my knowing. Maybe he went on with another team, or to coach professionally or in the amateurs.
This challenge is something I'll always cherish, along with the mystery of the anonymous opponent. I just wish I would savour each moment that I'm challenged, rather than miss the opportunity of being engaged by being distracted, or out of sorts