NSV!!
rpyle111
Posts: 1,060 Member
One of the most satisfying things that I do is coaching basketball. I started about 7 years ago when my son was in 5th grade. I have always loved basketball, didn't play in High School because I was the fat kid who wouldn't put myself out there, but I managed the girl's basketball team (my sister played) and learned a lot from the coach.
When I started coaching, I realized that in addition to my semi-competent skills at the game itself, I also have a skill that many don't: I really enjoy dealing with the kids. I can't count how many parents have come up to me in awe of the way I actually seem to enjoy dealing with the kids, when they can't imagine herding a team of 10 or so pre-teens or early teens.
When my son was finished with 8th grade, I switched over to coaching my daughter's team, catching her in her sixth grade year. This her last year in middle school and my last year coaching either kid. Partly because of my longevity, I have become the coordinator of the basketball program, working with the Athletic Director/gym teacher who really runs the program. I help out with continuity, help evaluate players as a parent-recognized objective set of eyes, and generally help him out where I can.
Tuesday night was the pre-season parent meeting and the first chance for a lot of the parents to see me since I started this weight loss journey in April. I had the opportunity to come down from the bleachers to answer a question about half way through the meeting, and I was told by some of the moms there that there was an audible gasp from the crowd as I came to the podium. Lots of parents came up to me after the meeting to congratulate me and tell me how good I looked and it really felt great!
Part of sharing this is a plea those who can't see themselves as smaller or good looking. Apparently I never really developed a body image issue. I knew I was big, but as long as I could play golf and basketball, i really never got down on myself for how I looked. As a result, I am basking in the positive attention, while I see my friends here having a hard time enjoying the positives that come from all of their hard work. Let the compliments flow! Believe them! Don't let your thoughts about unfinished business detract from the joy of right now!
I know a lot of these issues won't be resolved in a day or just by trying to think positively, but I wanted to give a shout out to celebrating your success at every chance possible!
Rob
When I started coaching, I realized that in addition to my semi-competent skills at the game itself, I also have a skill that many don't: I really enjoy dealing with the kids. I can't count how many parents have come up to me in awe of the way I actually seem to enjoy dealing with the kids, when they can't imagine herding a team of 10 or so pre-teens or early teens.
When my son was finished with 8th grade, I switched over to coaching my daughter's team, catching her in her sixth grade year. This her last year in middle school and my last year coaching either kid. Partly because of my longevity, I have become the coordinator of the basketball program, working with the Athletic Director/gym teacher who really runs the program. I help out with continuity, help evaluate players as a parent-recognized objective set of eyes, and generally help him out where I can.
Tuesday night was the pre-season parent meeting and the first chance for a lot of the parents to see me since I started this weight loss journey in April. I had the opportunity to come down from the bleachers to answer a question about half way through the meeting, and I was told by some of the moms there that there was an audible gasp from the crowd as I came to the podium. Lots of parents came up to me after the meeting to congratulate me and tell me how good I looked and it really felt great!
Part of sharing this is a plea those who can't see themselves as smaller or good looking. Apparently I never really developed a body image issue. I knew I was big, but as long as I could play golf and basketball, i really never got down on myself for how I looked. As a result, I am basking in the positive attention, while I see my friends here having a hard time enjoying the positives that come from all of their hard work. Let the compliments flow! Believe them! Don't let your thoughts about unfinished business detract from the joy of right now!
I know a lot of these issues won't be resolved in a day or just by trying to think positively, but I wanted to give a shout out to celebrating your success at every chance possible!
Rob
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Replies
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Yay! Congrats. A genuine compliment is a wonderful thing.
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Thanks so much for your perspective on this Rob, I definitely have my struggles with seeing myself differently and accepting compliments. You are awesome and you are an inspiration!0
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Rob - I know exactly how you feel. I have coached my children in multiple sports up through Varsity and my physical changes have been noticed by the players. Athletes understand what it takes to stay in shape and can really motivate. About 6 months pre-op a picture of the team, taken during a timeout, became part of the community display at Applebee's. Seeing myself in that picture, and various others, helped push me to succeed post op. Needless to say that picture serves as a reminder never to go back!0
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What a wonderful experience for you!! YAY!!! You have worked really hard and deserve all of the accolades you are getting!!0
