the P-word

A proud man is always looking down on things and people; and, of course, as long as you're looking down, you can't see something that's above you.
- C S Lewis

you guessed it -- the "P-word" is pride, mankind's number one problem. well, you know, other than OU.

being a guy, i can only offer a guy's perspective, and i must say that in my opinion, all guys struggle with pride. it's pretty much inevitable. i think it's just the way we are. well, just the way society has wired us, anyway.

i believe pride really starts to come into effect in the innocent days of elementary school. well, at least that's when i think mine did. i remember the very first time that i was PICKED FIRST to play a game of basketball. funny how it almost always comes down to sports for guys.

but i guess what it all comes down to CONFIDENCE VS. PRIDE. you know, you always hear it: "i'm not proud/cocky/arrogant, i'm just really confident!"

so when does the issue of pride most often show up? on the basketball court. the other day, justin said something that has really stuck in my mind: "if you want to see a guy's true colors, watch him play basketball."

i think, to some extent at least, this is very true. when i'm playing ball, i go into any game with the mindset that my defender can't stop me. honestly, i think that's the only way to go into a game. however, basketball is not basketball without plenty of emotion.

i used to always look mad while playing ball. call it my game face, if you will. and if i do become somewhat agitated, it's because i'm disappointed in myself. you know, with every missed layup, turnover, or bad defensive play, i beat myself up and try to step my game up a notch. i guess i'm just a perfectionist when it comes to basketball.

so where can you draw that line? i guess the best advice that i can give is the one that i always tell myself: just keep things in perspective. sure, it's okay to have some emotions out there on the court, but just don't forget that it is, in fact, just a game.

and as an extra reminder, i will leave you with this:

The North American public service campaign "Relax, it's just a game" was designed to raise awareness and promote discussion about the continuing problem posed by adults (parents, coaches and fans), who put too much pressure on young players involved in amateur hockey and other sports.


listen carefully because this may be the only time you will ever hear me say this: LISTEN TO THE CANADIANS THIS TIME.