yet another reason why i love my husband

Being a perfectionist and hyper-aware of what others think of me, and growing up that way led me to fear trying new things, especially sports. I was afraid I’d embarrass myself, I’d embarrass my teammates, causing them to regret having me on the team, etc.  Sure, I played volleyball, but I never pushed myself to try new things or to train for new skills for fear of getting it wrong.  There were lots of things I never even tried because I could never be perfect on the first go-around, so what point was there?

In breaking away from that stifling mindset, I was encouraged by my counselor, Sharon, to just TRY things. It didn’t mean I had to stick with something if I found I hated it.  But feeling intimidated without even trying isn’t a good way to live.  So I started to contemplate a sport I’d never tried, tennis.  

I had a conversation with my dear friend Jane who has been playing tennis for twenty years.  She and her husband used to meet so many friends through tennis clubs and she’s in wonderful shape, as she plays everyday.  I would like to play tennis with her someday after she has a necessary surgery.

Having heard me mention my desire to play tennis, my husband decided to surprise me.  Yesterday he bought some rackets and a couple cans of tennis balls, and wrapped them, leaving them on our bed.  I was so surprised by that thoughtful gesture.  He had even reserved a time at one of the McGill courts.  I had wanted our Saturday to have something fun and active together–and apparently he’d thought the same.

So today was my first day trying out tennis.  My husband is a strong athlete and is somewhat of a sports prodigy (in my opinion anyway), so he patiently taught me.  It was challenging but really dang fun.  I had to get over my fear of others seeing how badly I played.  I have a long way to go, but that’s part of the beauty of this–it’s a process.  I have to work and try and a lot of the skills only get refined by playing more.  I can’t be Venus Williams and never will be.  But I can at least try to have fun and try a new sport.  It felt very good.