"So do you miss coaching?" I have been asked this question numerous times.
Short answer: No
Long Answer: I know that coaching involves more than just showing up to a gym with basketballs and having fun with a bunch of teenagers. It makes me feel exhausted just thinking about all that goes into coaching. Than you add to that my personality as a detail-oriented perfectionist, and my competitive drive (I don't settle for mediocrity... so I work my butt off so I don't lose), and well it just sounds like a heckuva lot of work.
Does that mean I will never get back into it? I am always thinking and planning. I have ideas rolling around in my head of how to stay involved, but I also have to be realistic with myself. I do enjoy being around the team atmosphere (I miss playing signs & mafia =), mentoring young ladies and the rush of "Game Day". But I also know that means sacrificing other areas of my life.
I figure that God knows what it will take to get me back into coaching.
If that is where he wants me, he'll provide the opportunity. For the time being, I am enjoying this new life and feel like I made a good trade!
But hey, if you hear of a part-time coaching gig... let me know =)
Here are some of the trades I am enjoying.
I traded in being a part of the daily growth of young women... for... being a part of the daily growth of my own daughter.
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| McK & her Haley Doll BEFORE |
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| McK taking down Haley Doll |
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| AFTER: 1... 2... 3... McK WINS! |
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I love hanging out with this kid. She is seriously such a joy. If you are ever in a bad mood, just come on over and hold McKinley. She'll cheer ya up in a matter of seconds.
At the moment she enjoys making a fake cough sound, wrinkling her nose, and just giggling. I swear she never cries, and only smiles. I am one blessed mama. (I tell her everyday she needs to stay like this all the way until she is 18)
I traded in getting others in shape... for... getting myself in shape.
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| This was a WOD (Workout of the Day) that my dad and I competed in together. |
I have been cross-fitting and swimming. I even join a few of my besties for workouts (Bethany & Cheryl) and yes, my dad too. It feels good to be in shape and crossfit is my cup of tea. I love the competition, the drive to improve, the team atmosphere and the intensity. I actually look forward to going to crossfit each day.
I have also been getting outside once a week. (See pics below) My passion for the outdoors has been renewed and I actually have the time to do it. Not to mention that I was able to get back into rock climbing.
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| McK and I snowshoeing around Clear Lake |
I traded in planning practice... for.. planning healthy meals.
I have adopted a Paleo Lifestyle. It is not a diet but a lifestyle. Basically I am the opposite of a vegetarian. Give me meat and lots of it =) Well, not exactly. Paleo also incorporates lots of veggies, fruit and whole-fresh foods. It gives me a focus when planning meals and allows me to experiment with cooking as well.
I traded in building a team full of love and unselfishness... for... building those qualities back up with my friends.
Many
of my friends and family had grown accustomed to me being M.I.A. from
November to April. NOT ANYMORE! I am alive, active and ready to meet
up for coffee, lunch, a play-date, or whatever. It's nice to finally be
around so people can count on me in case they need something.
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| Mommy and baby snowshoe adventure to Salt Creek Falls |
I traded in having to attend "problem-solving" meetings, others gripes, and dealing with people who just want to complain... for... a much slower, and less demanding lifestyle.
Don't get me wrong. I was blessed with 5 years of wonderful parents at the high school. The vast majority of the parents whose daughters I served "Got It". They understood the big picture of sports, the character development and the needed growth that was occurring. There were a small handful who were clueless. This happens in all avenues of life when working with people. I just have more patience in helping kids "get it" than I do for helping adults to "get it".
This fall I changed the ringtone on my cell phone. "Why is this significant?" you ask. Because my old ring tone reminded me of my prior coaching life. Whenever I would hear the cell phone ring I would get this dreaded feeling in my gut of "Who is it now and what do they want from me?" I realized that, while coaching, the majority of people calling me where demanding something of me, complaining, or telling me about a "issue". All in all, chances are that person behind the ring was going to be a Debbie-Downer to my relaxing evening at home. I realized that I had attached a feeling of dread to my phone ringing. So I started fresh... with a new ring tone.
All-in-all I now decide what I am going to do each day. I don't have to meet other people's demands. The result is a slower paced, less stressed life and a much more relaxing one. I am enjoying this season and my new ring tone!
I traded in organizing fundraisers.... for... organizing my husband & being his helper.
Nick does 99% of running his own business. He has a system down and he is good at it! I don't want to ruin his flow. But every now and again I figure out a way to chip in and help him. Whether it be just chatting with him while he wraps muffins, or making him a healthy lunch. He puts in an insane amount of hours of work in during the winter. I like to think that I am a huge help by simply being available and not being stressed out myself. I get to be the calming beacon during the winter.
Bottom line...
BALANCE IS ESSENTIAL IN LIFE! It feels good to be in equilibrium again.
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| I am trying to check out local hiking trails I've never been on... this one was the ridgeline trail to Bald Mountain |
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| McK's first trip to the top of Pisgah. |
