Food fuels the body, but what's even more fascinating is the cultural and social phenomenon of food. Think about it...when's the last time...You got together with friends, family, or coworkers and food or drink wasn't involved? Had a bad day at work or a hard time with your significant other and splurged on a guilty indulgence? Wanted to speak with someone and it happened over dinner? Food not only brings people together, it's a catalyst for comfort and conversation.
Last night I had a great conversation with mom. And yes....just as you were thinking...it occurred while we were cooking dinner. The catalytic power of food!
The last year I have spent the majority of my time doing one of two things: hanging out with my dog and coaching soccer. As much as I love my dog, she wasn't the topic of conversation last night, which means there is only one other option...soccer!
It's been nearly 3 years since I decided to hang up the cleats. Other than watching an occasional game, I swore I was done....no playing, no coaching. But never say never! A move back to California, bills to pay, and much needed money to save, and I found myself back on the field to coach.
Anyone who's been deeply involved in the game has heard of the "itch" or the "bug." I had the deep conviction that in 18 years of playing the game, my "itch" had run its course. I had won National Championships, received a college scholarship, played on every team at every level that I had dreamed of as an 8 year old little girl, traveled the world, and made friends for life. The game had given me experiences of a lifetime. But what I had failed to realize until last night was that the game gave me my life.
From the moment I stepped onto the field as a child, it became my solace. It was the only place in my life where the haunting hurt and judgement couldn't follow. When everything else in life was spinning out of control, soccer was my straight and narrow. The one thing I could always depend on that never let me down. My solace became my greatest success, my direction in life, my identity.
What I realized last night was that the last 2 and half years truly haven't been any more difficult than any other period of time in life. It's that this time around I have no solace to turn to. My solace, my success, my direction, my identity are gone; held forever captive between white lines and a goal post.
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