Hockey Analogy

I think one of the worst feelings one can have is self-pity. Just that sense of inner despair and self-punishment, wishing that one wasn't where she is and was someone else instead. That the burden isn't so heavy, that things could be easier to handle. I reflect on scenes like that, and can't help but wonder why bad things happen to good people.

The other day, I was talking to a friend of mine. Asked a little bit about Committee, and eventually we reached a point where we started talking about trial by fire. Trial by fire...probably one of the most difficult ways to learn. But learn one must, else screwed. Yes, it is among the difficult, but probably among the most effective.

I've realized, the closest encompassing analogy I can pull is one of hockey. If you can play hockey (or learning to snowboard actually, since I've PK'ed far more snowboarding then hockey) without falling down, you're uber. For the rest common folks, running into the boards, the ice, people and whatnots are a normal event. The best you can hope for is that your pants and helmet are placed right, and that you're not too dazed to stand back up and go at the game again. And if you're afraid of hitting something? Hockey's not for you. Go play badminton or something. XD

And so what would you say to a Coach that focuses on not falling? It's great that no one gets hurt but...would the other team really not check people? Not shoot pucks at our goalie? Not play aggressively and recklessly? Not being afraid to hit and fall? No. It's all part of the game. So falling is part of the game. But so's climbing back up. And so's stepping back onto the ice.