I write this letter in hopes you as my teammates have an opportunity to read it before we cross the lines onto the playing field to do battle.
All of us must deal with our fears, anxieties, apprehensions and stress.
In my case and most likely in yours, I’m not speaking of serious injury or losing the game.
My biggest fear is failing to do that for which I have so passionately trained. In the heat of battle or competition, letting my teammates down.
I have made my spiritual peace and in the secret place of my mind called the Will, counted the cost of what I am willing to pay.
We have already paid the price in preparation. In order to obtain the prize we do not have, we must go to where we have nothing. Travel light and carry only the thoughts necessary for the competition or battle.
Compete one moment at a time. The last moment is gone, future moments uncertain.
Live and focus in the present moment. Play as though there is no game clock. Effort is your weapon. Give your best effort every moment until there is none to give. It is at that point you will realize that buried beneath our fears and anxieties is love for one another.
Not love in the emotional sense, but love meaning giving our best, moment after moment, doing what is right day after day, laying it on the line play after play.
Realizing we are not playing to win only the scoreboard, but fighting for something bigger than ourselves. It is here you realize the times you are most alive and truly enjoy walking between the lines with these teammates and offering yourself to the team out of the spirit of love.
We fight not for the scoreboard but for one another and that gives us a sense of peace, pride and FIGHT!
