Shake It Off or Wallow in the Doldrums

I love football and have been a fan for most of my life. And to me, football is a metaphor for life. Sometimes I’m the coach. Sometimes the quarterback. At times a lineman and sometimes up in the bleachers.

Being human, the quarterback isn’t always perfect. At times he makes a bad pass. Throws an interception or misses the receiver. What is interesting to me is he immediately shakes it off and goes on to the next play.

I do that in my life, too. I make a huge mistake. Commit a gaffe. I can either quickly shake it off and live to make the next play. . . Or wallow in my doldrums. In your life things may not always be perfect. You may make a wrong decision, misjudge a situation, or misinterpret another’s comments. But you can take one of the two choices and move on with your life. Which will it be? I’d love to hear your decision. Leave a comment below.

If you can’t shake it off, here’s an idea: check what you’re saying to yourself. You are the very best coach for YOU. Your subconscious mind believes every word you say, every thought you have. If these words are repeated and reinforced, they will shape your life and your future. Choose positive words and watch the change unfold.

The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy.

—Florence Scovel Shinn