“Every moment is a fresh beginning.”
T.S. Elliott
Time to keep it calm and positive this week, eh Spidey! Especially after last week’s Asda fiasco!
Today I am using one of my children’s experiences to reflect on for the day.
Now, as most of you know, Lil Man is an avid cricketer, and all he has wanted to do, over the last few years is excel at what he loves the most. He spends time every day outside, practicing bowling, and batting where he can, taking on the tips of the coaches he encounters, to perfect his Leftie Spin bowling.
He was with one particular club for the first part of his cricketing career, and though he had matches and training, he never felt as if he was being pushed in the right way. Overlooked for games he should have been playing, and this was noticed by a good few of the other club members.
When he was selected to play for district cricket last year, he was over the moon, and it was suggested that a club change might be better for him, to a place where he gets pushed and is able to showcase his talents to the right people.
The house move meant that this was a viable option, which we took on, and this year the boy has been training with a club which is generally playing in Premier and First division games and boasts a good number of county players already.
He’s been really focussing on his training, and we have been supporting him in every way we can, even when he does something crazy like split his bat in half when he played a cracking shot in training a few weeks ago! (New bat was delivered, all knocked in, yesterday, phew!)
And the last couple of weeks, he has been playing some friendly games ahead of the season start. Initially, we were told he would probably be in the Sunday Development team, for the lads who are working well, but not quite at the main team levels, but he was selected for the third team this week, and for a moment was even considered for the seconds, too. (Well done, son!)
And guess who he was playing this week? His old team! He was a little worried about facing them, and the possibility of a bit of a backlash because he left them, but it was actually a joy to see how happy they were to see him!
Okay, so they lost, but with a very close score, and he bowled well, getting two wickets as well!
He sits and beats himself up, convinced that he’s the reason they lose, but cricket is a team sport, and he didn’t even get a chance to bat. And, no, he didn’t give away loads of runs, which is what he is convinced of.
But, what he doesn’t realise is that the club are already recognising his raw talents, considering they were ready to play him in the second team, today!
Working on making him realise that every day is a new beginning, every match is a new start, and that this new club will be amazing for him.
So, what advice would give a youngster who can’t see his own successes because he clouds over at the smallest of what he thinks are failures?
Wishing you a wonderfully peaceful Sunday, Peeps!
But I Smile Anyway... 
May 09, 2022 @ 19:15:37
HI Ritu, I had a similar experience recently with my younger son when he lost time during a band challenge session. He was very upset about it and blamed himself for the fact the band didn’t do well meanwhile, the band leader had no power and the others couldn’t hear him so they all lost the beat. I think they have to figure it out for themselves but we try to lift them up and support them through it. Aren’t you glad you aren’t young like this?
LikeLiked by 2 people
May 09, 2022 @ 19:24:20
Oh there are data I truly thank God I’m not young now!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
May 09, 2022 @ 10:51:49
I was missing the old Spidey, he seems not to age. Great quote he had.
LikeLiked by 2 people
May 09, 2022 @ 18:49:44
Thanks, Charlie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
May 08, 2022 @ 22:24:42
I full agree with John’s advice, as i myself never was encouraged enough for soccer, the only ball game offered here. Beeing honest i also had not missed it anyway. Lol You are doing a great job, Sis! But your wording is so special in cricket, that i fear someday you will also turn to cricket. 😉 Best wishes, and keep the light on! xx Michael
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 09, 2022 @ 05:53:24
There was an email about a women’s cricket team starting, yesterday, actually.
Never fear. I won’t be joining, lol!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 22:20:04
Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 16:08:33
As a boy growing up very competitive, not sure you can offer a “here’s the answer” that he’ll absorb…it literally is a “baby steps” situation where small encouragements – as well as hearing him out and not trying to tell him to think differently – will be the messages he does indeed absorb over time…at least that worked for me
LikeLiked by 2 people
May 08, 2022 @ 16:31:35
That’s good advice, John. Thank you 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 16:33:17
I don’t know your son, but I acted that way as a teenager, especially about sports, and it’s a tough nut to crack, but I got cracked – it just took awhile for my Mom! Good luck, knowing how much he loves you, he hears more than he shows!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 16:34:11
I’ll keep cracking!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 14:17:47
Lil Man, just keep working on your technique and practice. The best players in any sport work hard on their game and not get too down when things don’t work out right. If his talent was recognized by other clubs then he’ll be right up there with the best of them, Sister 🙏🏽💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 14:27:59
Thank you, Brother. As I type, sitting on my egg chair, soaking up the beautiful sunshine, he’s knocking in his new bat abd practicing his swings! 💛
LikeLike
May 08, 2022 @ 14:36:52
You’re welcome, Sister. Sounds like an awesome afternoon! 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 14:44:58
It’s hot!
LikeLike
May 08, 2022 @ 14:50:12
Whew!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 14:14:06
How wonderful that his old team was excited to see him. And that his new team is recognizing his talent. Keep cheering, Ritu. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 14:30:47
It was heartwarming to see the welcome, Diana. Every day shows a little more progress. 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 14:38:31
Team sports provide great lessons for life. Enjoy watching him grow.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 14:45:24
Exactly! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 13:54:20
Well done! You must be so proud of him. That’s all it takes, for the parents to be proud. He will soon realize his self-doubt is nonproductive.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 14:29:52
We are Uber proud of him. He’s not an academic child, yet he’s studying for A-Levels. We all have different strengths and talents and this is 100% one of his big ones, so we will support him with all our might 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 13:33:20
He just needs to hear that he truly is getting better and better, and his hard work is paying off. You are one great confidence builder Mom, Ritu!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 13:42:25
Thanks, Jennie. It’s not just me. His dad is fantastic, too 🥰
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 09, 2022 @ 01:19:21
That makes it a win-win! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 13:10:32
Reblogged this on The Reluctant Poet.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 11:29:21
I had a chat with my son last night. My suggestion and this is what I told my son last night:
Run with the positive. Build on the positives, and don’t let negativity drag you down. If you build on the positive, you will find a way to address the problems.
Be kind to yourself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 11:40:36
Great advice, Rajiv-ji. This is what we try to instill in him, but I think his teenage years mean he can’t always see the positives, despite them being thrown at him!
We keep going, regardless!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 11:16:37
remind him that he has gone further than he has before, and this doesn’t necessarily mean a win. I had a yoga teacher once who told me, (when I was whining about how I was a beginner and not very good,, especially when looking at the others, ) that each time I came I was going one inch further than I had the time before and my practice was getting better and better over time. I didn’t have to compare myself to others, I was making progress in the direction I wanted to go.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 11:18:30
Thanks, Beth. This is something we try and instill in him. Realising you can’t just have one session a d be perfect, rather you grow and develop a little more each time you try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 11:40:41
yes, exactly. you’re making progress with him too, baby steps
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 11:44:34
🤗🤗🤗
LikeLike
May 08, 2022 @ 11:01:25
Take you time, do your best, believe in yourself and smile.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 11:14:50
💛💛💛💛
LikeLike
May 08, 2022 @ 09:36:32
Well done to him. If he’s going over what he did and didn’t do and learns from it, that could be quite positive. Presumably there will be some positive feedback from the club at the next practice session.
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 10:32:29
Thanks, April. From what I’ve seen, the club is very encouraging. It is something he has to learn, I guess, that each game, each win or loss, teaches us something. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 08:33:40
Of course as a parent you have nothing useful to say! The edison quote about not failing is apt I guess. And helping him find the trusted voice who he believes. And not to hide from his worries. They’re entirely understandable and need to be openly acknowledged. His coaches will appreciate his fears and help him maintain perspective if they’re given the opportunity to appreciate his context. Bon chance lil man
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 10:31:05
Thank you, His Geoffleship!
The worst habit he has, is not being vocal, or asking for help in a larger crowd. For example, in one to one training, he’ll say what he thinks he needs to improve.
In team training, he will just be led. He’s not a bad batsman, either, but won’t put himself forward to give himself a chance to improve!
But, I’m sure he’ll develop that relationship, soon.
Enjoy the Irish wedding!
LikeLike
May 08, 2022 @ 08:01:47
Such a proud Mama!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 10:26:46
I am, you know, and seeing him grow, and progress is a wonder, even if he doesn’t always see it himself!
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 19:40:24
Bless him…
LikeLiked by 1 person
May 08, 2022 @ 06:24:53
Good point to ponder, Sis… I would think that reminding him that when they talk about how many home runs a major league baseball player hits, they never mention how many times he swung the bat!
LikeLiked by 2 people
May 08, 2022 @ 06:39:49
Well this is true, Sis. We always try, but for a good hour or two, he sits there, beating himself up for no reason! 💛
LikeLiked by 1 person