Full disclosure: I am a Soccer Mom. I have been one for many years now, complete with the goals all over my yard, the minivan filled with gear, and the garage that could serve as a shoe store with cleats in every size, color and brand. So it will probably come as no surprise that soccer videos capture my attention. The one I saw this week really stopped me in my tracks and I realized after watching it that there is a huge life lesson embedded in this game-ending play. Watch the 47 second video before you read on.
Can you relate to both sides of this story? Do you feel the pain of the triumphant goal keeper who thought that his team had just won the game because the penalty kick hit the crossbar and thus, he could not control his (albeit premature) excitement? Or do you find the player from the other team more relatable? - the one whose strong foot and accuracy made him the team's choice to take the penalty kick, who was visibly heartbroken because he thought he had cost his team the game. What a life lesson I learned from watching this video!
Have you heard the sports expression, "never give up on the play"? What I believe this means is that until you hear the referee blow the whistle, you should continue playing to your fullest. Despite what you think has occurred, good or bad, until that whistle blows, you should never stop playing the game.
This same message may be applied to so many aspects of our lives. This week, I launched a 30-Day Detox program and I have 10 people on this journey with me. I have provided them with recipes for green cleansing smoothies, detox water, healthy meals filled with clean whole food and inspiring daily tips to help detox every aspect of their lives. What do you think about the timing of this Detox? Our homes are filled with leftover Halloween candy right now so starting a Detox this week can be seen as either a blessing or a curse. The potential exists for "cheating" and overindulging which could make us feel like we have had a major setback. We might choose to be like the shooter in the soccer game, immediately conceding defeat even though the game is not yet over. Or, if we are able to resist the temptation of those mini peanut butter cups and peppermint patties that are calling our names, will we jump the gun and celebrate our victory even though there are three more quarters in the game? I am hopeful neither of these things happen. We all need to remember that one setback does not define the entire game.
This week, whatever your personal "penalty shoot-out" is, I encourage you to not define your success or failure by a single play. Instead, choose to play to the whistle and never give up on the game!
Hey sports lovers and fellow soccer moms, I would love to hear your comments in the section below.
If you need someone to encourage you to never give up on the play, I am here to help.
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