Breaking Out

Posted by David, studying Engineering Foundation at Bellerbys Brighton

“Basketball tomorrow?" my friend asked me perkily.  Whilst trying to maintain a calm demeanour, I frantically searched for a polite excuse to get myself out of the invitation.

I was never keen on sports.  I mean, I do enjoy watching sports, especially tennis.

In fact, I am an ardent Federer fan and supportive towards the return of the two Belgium former No.1’s, Clijsters and Henin. Despite so, I usually hesitate in playing sports myself. I would much rather hit the gym than indulge in ball or racquet games. You see, I was the typical chubby kid during my childhood.  I resented moving to such an extent that I would cry when I was told to run for Sports Days (No kidding!  But that was when I was really young).

Growing up, certain sports did spark my interest, but as much as I wanted to try them, my low self esteem kept me questioned: “I absolutely have neither the talent or any experience compared to the others. I would just make a fool out of myself.” It certainly did not help that I have once smacked my badminton doubles partner right in the face while charging my racquet towards the shuttlecock (Yes, I am that bad).

This perception of mine went on and I eventually concluded that I was too old, to pick up a sport.

Yet somehow, I blurted out an affirmative reply (I was actually going to say that I sprained my toes.  Joking!). Surprisingly, I was not praying desperately for the next day to never arrive.  I dismissed all my pessimistic thoughts and told myself that it was just going to be quality time with my friends.

The day arrived.  My friends and I casually divided ourselves in teams, while being filled in with basic rules simultaneously.  Soon, the game officially commenced.  Initially, it was tough for me to get out of my shell. 

I constantly reminded myself to refrain from unnecessary clumsiness and awkward movements, most importantly not to injure any of my friends.  Obviously, my dire attempt failed miserably and my friends started teasing me playfully for my ‘dancing’ movements.  A clarification : I could not help it!  Dancing is the only experience I have in terms of movement and body coordination.  I subconsciously applied it.  (I partly blame my influence from the Glee cast who played rugby while dancing to Beyonce’s Single Ladies tune.)  Albeit my extremely sensitive self consciousness, I just laughed at myself, with my friends.

“This ain’t so bad!” I thought.  Why not just embrace my flaws and eccentricity?  Realising so, I let loose completely, hence immersing myself into the game.  I dribbled and passed the ball to the best of my ability, trying to minimise the occasional blunders and panic attacks when I have the ball. 

And guess what?  Halfway through the game, I actually scored a point for my team!  Although it was just a petty accomplishment, it meant so much to me.  I know clearly that I am an easily excited person, but I could tell that this is not a mere exhilaration.  It made me realise how wrong I was to think that I do not deserve to play sports.  

It is never too late to learn something and definitely does not require talent. Passion is the key as well as the simple desire to have fun!

From then on, we have made basketball a weekly routine and I could see myself learning new aspects of playing sports (we sometimes venture into football), thus improving slowly but steadily.  Besides, it can be a much better exercise compared to working out all by myself in the gym.  I must thank my dear friends for the words of encouragement and simply for being a part of this little enlightenment.  I feel so grateful to have made such great friends here in Bellerbys.  They are such genial and supportive people, despite their difference in cultural backgrounds.

I hope that this confession may inspire some of you readers to get out of your comfort zones and challenge yourselves to do things you never thought you could do.  Not just sports, but anything at all.  And if you think you’re too dorky, clumsy or a plain oddball, I totally feel the same.  So, just build up the self esteem and do not bail on yourself before even trying.  To those who have absolutely no problem with these kinds of matter, thank you for your time reading my doodling.

Till we meet again! :)