A note of context: I played ultimate competitively for a long time, and this newsletter began as an effort to examine life through the lens of the sport. For those not in the ultimate world, this past weekend was Regionals in most places around the country. That means that for all but the handful of teams that advanced to Nationals, the competitive year is over.
Thanks for your words, Jonathan. As someone who just chose to retire from playing competitively, I've been experiencing a lot of emotions since this past weekend. I've been playing since 2006, but most recently spent the last 5 years playing with Tanasi, and our season just ended. Afterwards, I shared these words with the team, and thought them appropriate to share as an extension of yours:
I sit here thinking…why am I here?
Am I sitting with regret or satisfaction?
Where is the line?
Does it matter?
The joy, the fun, the gratitude. It builds. It forms. It spires.
I think less of the plays, and more of the in between.
The space outside of the plastic.
Where human connection thrives,
outside of judgment, form, or consequence.
A matrimony of freedom and discipline,
where we collectively decide that this,
THIS
matters.
And that this is enough to make every part not only worth it,
but glorious.
I’m reminiscing.
On the plays that made this worth it.
On the teams that made this worth it.
On the people that made this worth it.
You made it worth it.
I ultimately sit with joy and gratitude.
Peace of mind that not only does talent thrive in the FYT,
but those who serve the culture.
We hear the echoes of dogs,
and those echoes lull me to rest,
knowing that while it’s smart to let sleeping dogs lie,
“The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment.”
Live for the moment.
Each moment. That moment. This moment.
A quote I’ve loved for a long time (from the movie “Rushmore”):
"I guess you've just gotta find something you love to do and then…
Thanks for your words, Jonathan. As someone who just chose to retire from playing competitively, I've been experiencing a lot of emotions since this past weekend. I've been playing since 2006, but most recently spent the last 5 years playing with Tanasi, and our season just ended. Afterwards, I shared these words with the team, and thought them appropriate to share as an extension of yours:
I sit here thinking…why am I here?
Am I sitting with regret or satisfaction?
Where is the line?
Does it matter?
The joy, the fun, the gratitude. It builds. It forms. It spires.
I think less of the plays, and more of the in between.
The space outside of the plastic.
Where human connection thrives,
outside of judgment, form, or consequence.
A matrimony of freedom and discipline,
where we collectively decide that this,
THIS
matters.
And that this is enough to make every part not only worth it,
but glorious.
I’m reminiscing.
On the plays that made this worth it.
On the teams that made this worth it.
On the people that made this worth it.
You made it worth it.
I ultimately sit with joy and gratitude.
Peace of mind that not only does talent thrive in the FYT,
but those who serve the culture.
We hear the echoes of dogs,
and those echoes lull me to rest,
knowing that while it’s smart to let sleeping dogs lie,
“The dog lives for the day, the hour, even the moment.”
Live for the moment.
Each moment. That moment. This moment.
A quote I’ve loved for a long time (from the movie “Rushmore”):
"I guess you've just gotta find something you love to do and then…
do it for the rest of your life."
This community, I’ve chosen,
and it’s served me well.
Thank you all.
I love you all.