In The Powder Room

Jan 27

Moving on

Comments (9) by Jessica Bold January 27, 2012 - 7:02 AM

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My past life - the one I had during high school and college - is nothing like the one I live now.

Back then, my life was basketball and I now have boxes upon boxes of trophies, medals, newspaper clippings and awards highlighting all of the wonderful things I did...back then.

The first fall after I graduated college, I felt a little funny not dragging myself to basketball practice after having a glorious summer off from the grueling schedule. 

There was no practice to go to.  I wasn't on a team.

Fortunately, I had opened a new chapter in my life, one with my now-husband that I was exploring and discovering and getting to know.

I also decided to train for, and run, a full marathon, which in hindsight, was like my attempt at going to "practice" every day.

Life was different.  A chapter had closed and it was time for me to move on to the next one.  I think I handled it fairly well.  I was never one to brag about my accomplishments and felt silly even talking about them.  I knew a time would come where basketball would no longer be the focal point in my life.

Once I had reached it, I knew it was time to lovingly pack it away and move on.

Granted, I could have enjoyed this life for another year, as I graduated college early, but I decided that once I was done, I was done.  I wasn't going to drag out the goodbye.  That would only make it more painful.

I still hear from my mom about how I "only played three years" and how I should go back and play my fourth year.  Somehow, graduating in three years and not playing my fourth year of basketball was a disaster of epic proportions for her...

I just smile and nod and explain that that chapter has been signed, ​sealed and delivered.  Jessica, also known as "UPS," has hung up her jersey for the last time.  There will be no more games, no more weekend trips to tournaments.  No more practice.

Basketball is over.

My life has moved on and I'm happy with the direction it has gone.  No, I'm not in the newspaper every weekend and I'm not winning awards but I'm living and I'm loving the new experiences I've had since basketball ended.

Isn't that what's important?

Enjoying life?  Trying new things?  Expanding your realm of "expertise" so to speak?

I didn't want to be known as Jessica, the girl who plays basketball, for the rest of my life.  That isn't who defines me.  That isn't who I am.  There is so much more to me than a pair of sneakers and an orange ball.

I'm more than that.

What about you?

Like a high school quarterback who won the state championship and then never got past it...have you moved on from a particularly good chapter in your life...or are you still holding on?

by Jessica Bold January 27, 2012 - 7:02 AM

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  Report Mon Jan 30, 2012 - 2:23 pm

  by  JessNSB

  I played soccer from the time I was 8 till my senior year of high school. I declined joining the team in college because I was just DONE with it. I moved on and slacked off quickly after high school.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Jessica Bold on Mon Jan 30, 2012 at 6:18 pm
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  Report Mon Jan 30, 2012 - 6:18 pm

  by  Jessica Bold

  @JessNSB: I felt that way, too, with basketball. I remember a conversation with my mom after my freshman year of college telling her I wanted to quit. Obviously, she wouldn't have any of it...and I stuck it out. I mean, I'm glad I did but I completely understand that burned out feeling.

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  Report Sat Jan 28, 2012 - 12:29 pm

  by  term paper

  well i think that this post very interesting! Thank you for sharing your life:)

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  Report Sat Jan 28, 2012 - 1:48 am

  by  Janie Emaus

  I've always loved to write, but I've moved on from my drug induced hippy days!

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Jessica Bold on Sat Jan 28, 2012 at 3:04 am
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  Report Sat Jan 28, 2012 - 3:04 am

  by  Jessica Bold

  @Janie Emaus: Thats a step in the right direction....right?... ;)

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  Report Fri Jan 27, 2012 - 5:21 pm

  by  Clare Macnaughton

  I played basketball at High School too - I loved it but then moved onto sailing and then moved onto writing and I am now thinking of taking up cricket. Yep - always moving on...

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Jessica Bold on Fri Jan 27, 2012 at 11:43 pm
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  Report Fri Jan 27, 2012 - 11:43 pm

  by  Jessica Bold

  @Clare Macnaughton: I feel the same way! I wish I could just stick with one thing and become really good at it.....*sigh*

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  Report Fri Jan 27, 2012 - 4:31 pm

  by  JohnoMori

  I played basketball when I was in high school too but gave it up after my senior year. Of course my high point was getting a technical foul for dunking in warmups and then getting benched for the entire tournament (oh yeah, it was worth it) so not the heights of your career but I still think about some of those moments. Time and experiences ultimately divert your attention but it takes a long time and a lot of experiences.

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• 1 reply, Last reply by Jessica Bold on Fri Jan 27, 2012 at 5:21 pm
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  Report Fri Jan 27, 2012 - 5:21 pm

  by  Jessica Bold

  @JohnoMori: That is classic. I don't think I've ever seen anyone get ejected before the game even starts. That takes skill, for sure. Also, I agree. Once you have a benchmark experience, so to speak, it takes many others to "get past" the one big event.

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