Supporting Can Have Reverse Consequences

A few of my friends entered their first EVER OB Cues Ladies Tour event over the weekend.

I was so proud of them - it's one of the hardest things to do is enter a big tournament for the first time.  Nerves are tested, heart rate increases, you think everyone is watching you, you feel like a fish out of water.  It's not easy!  Expectations are high and sometimes they get stepped on because we lose from nerves, not from our talent.

I watched a few of the games of these three players over the weekend.

And then I walked away.

I wanted to watch them so badly for their whole match and show my support, but I also didn't want to mess them up by me watching. 

I recalled how sometimes in the past, I have wanted to perform well for others and I faltered instead.  I thought too much about who was watching, instead of playing pool.  I have heard this also from many friends.

Now I can handle anyone watching, but I admit it took YEARS and YEARS. 

So, I wanted to give them their best chance, and so I walked away. 

I did give them some advice before each match (have fun! and high-fived them).  But when it came to watching, I didn't stay long even though I really wanted to see how they were doing!

I would find out later their scores and how they did, but I recognize to let them play pool and give them their space.

I'm so proud of my friends for playing! 

Giving and Receiving

I am really appreciating the kudos from my teammates and boyfriend when I play. 

Although I am a good player, I still love accolades. 

And it pumps me up!

They appreciate a good run or shot and they say something verbally about it.  They don't take me for granted and they are watching my games and being super supportive!  In tournaments and in leagues.

It really, really, really pumps me up. 

And I have noticed my teammates' kudos more and more recently for some reason. I don't know if it's because of the people I'm surrounded with or what, but I don't recall this before.  Oh wait, maybe I didn't play well enough before to get shout outs, lol!

As for me, I admit I'm apprehensive about saying "good shot" too loud because I think it's kinda rude to the other team or the opponent. 

But, I've decided I want to start being more vocal!

I have always said good shot when the shot was exceptional, or during big team events I'm obviously a good cheerleader.  But because I see how amazing the support feels on a little 'ole league night, I am going to start reciprocating and be more vocal with my friends.

It makes me feel amazing and my friends deserve recognition for great shots.  Time to stop being too cordial and instead more supportive.
 

Los Borrachos #2

I wrote the other day how I just recently googled my Sunday's team name and found out Los Borrachos means "the Drunks."  (lol, still laughing about this!)

So I mentioned to my captain and a teammate the following Sunday that I looked up our team name and just found out we were the drunks!

The all laughed at me and said, "You didn't know?"

"Nope, I had no idea.  And I even know some Spanish!"

"This didn't give it away?" as they pointed to something on their team shirt.

"Wait, what is that?  Three drunk mexicans?"

"Yep!" they tell me laughing.

I laughed also and then asked, "Have you worn this shirt before?"

"Um, we wear them every Sunday, and we even wore them all last year."

I've NEVER even noticed that before.

Oops, lol.