Hating sports wasn't a defining aspect of my life until I stumbled upon a casual game with friends that would change everything. Invited to their birthday kickabout, a game of football that felt more like a social gathering than a rigorous workout, I found myself swept up in the excitement and genuinely enjoying myself.
I had always struggled with sports - in school, I was excused from physical education classes due to a "bad foot," and even as an adult, exercising regularly hadn't led me to join my friends' sports teams. But something about that kickabout felt different. Perhaps it was the relaxed atmosphere or the lack of pressure to perform; whatever it was, I found myself having fun and actually wanting to do it again.
Fast forward a year, and our little group had grown into a regular fixture at the local sports complex. We played every other Sunday, with me still firmly rooted as the worst player on the team - infamous for fending off the ball with my hands (though never in goal) - yet somehow improving incrementally. I'd no longer say I hated playing sports; if anything, it had become a welcome distraction and an opportunity to challenge myself without expectation.
So what's behind this newfound passion? Karen Walrond, author of "In Defense of Dabbling," suggests that embracing amateurism can be a powerful antidote to the pressure-cooker world of hustle culture. By giving ourselves permission to explore activities for their own sake, rather than solely for improvement or productivity, we open ourselves up to experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment.
For Walrond, dabbling has become an essential part of her life - whether it's trying new hobbies like pottery, swimming, or playing piano, or simply exploring the world through photography. For her, it's about finding activities that capture our soul and allow us to indulge our instincts, rather than striving for perfection.
In many ways, my football experiences have been similar. I've discovered a sense of connection with my teammates and a playful atmosphere that makes me feel alive. And while I may never become a pro player, the fact that I'm challenging myself without pressure has helped me develop a growth mindset - one that extends beyond the pitch to other areas of my life.
Walrond's book is a testament to the power of intentional amateurism - embracing activities we love, even if they don't come naturally. By doing so, we open ourselves up to experiences that enrich our lives and allow us to grow in ways we never thought possible.
I had always struggled with sports - in school, I was excused from physical education classes due to a "bad foot," and even as an adult, exercising regularly hadn't led me to join my friends' sports teams. But something about that kickabout felt different. Perhaps it was the relaxed atmosphere or the lack of pressure to perform; whatever it was, I found myself having fun and actually wanting to do it again.
Fast forward a year, and our little group had grown into a regular fixture at the local sports complex. We played every other Sunday, with me still firmly rooted as the worst player on the team - infamous for fending off the ball with my hands (though never in goal) - yet somehow improving incrementally. I'd no longer say I hated playing sports; if anything, it had become a welcome distraction and an opportunity to challenge myself without expectation.
So what's behind this newfound passion? Karen Walrond, author of "In Defense of Dabbling," suggests that embracing amateurism can be a powerful antidote to the pressure-cooker world of hustle culture. By giving ourselves permission to explore activities for their own sake, rather than solely for improvement or productivity, we open ourselves up to experiences that bring us joy and fulfillment.
For Walrond, dabbling has become an essential part of her life - whether it's trying new hobbies like pottery, swimming, or playing piano, or simply exploring the world through photography. For her, it's about finding activities that capture our soul and allow us to indulge our instincts, rather than striving for perfection.
In many ways, my football experiences have been similar. I've discovered a sense of connection with my teammates and a playful atmosphere that makes me feel alive. And while I may never become a pro player, the fact that I'm challenging myself without pressure has helped me develop a growth mindset - one that extends beyond the pitch to other areas of my life.
Walrond's book is a testament to the power of intentional amateurism - embracing activities we love, even if they don't come naturally. By doing so, we open ourselves up to experiences that enrich our lives and allow us to grow in ways we never thought possible.
. I've always been someone who tries new things but doesn't really stick with them, like a week-long cooking challenge or a month of reading 50 books (yeah, not gonna happen). But seeing all these people finding joy in their hobbies and stuff just makes me wanna try more! I mean, who needs to be perfect at it anyway? 
My friends and I have been trying out this new game on our phone where you can build your own city, and we're all super into it. It's crazy how something that sounds so simple can be so engaging 
.
, but I mean, who needs to be good at it anyway? It's all about the social scene and having fun with friends, right? But seriously though, I think embracing amateurism is a great way to find joy in activities without putting too much pressure on yourself. And hey, being the worst player on the team is basically just a bonus - your teammates love you for it 
! I think it's so true that embracing amateurism can be a game-changer (pun intended). I've always been the same way, trying new things just for fun and not worrying if I'm "good" at them. It's amazing how much of a difference that makes - I feel like I've tried everything from rock climbing 
to cooking classes 
and had a blast doing it all! The key is finding what makes you tick, whether it's the thrill of competition or just chillin' with friends. Either way, it's all about self-expression and not taking life too seriously 
.
I think its awesome how this person found a new passion for sports through just having fun with friends! It's like they say, when you take the pressure off yourself, you can actually enjoy things more 
. Its also interesting that they mention growing up and being excused from PE classes - I think we should all be trying to find activities that bring us joy without feeling too much stress or expectation 
I gotta say, it's kinda refreshing to read about someone who's finally found their sports groove without all the pressure to perform. I mean, let's be real, who hasn't felt like a total noob on the field or court at some point? 
The idea that embracing amateurism can be a game-changer (pun intended) is definitely one I can get behind.
Whether it's playing sports or trying a new hobby, the point is to have fun and learn from the experience. And if you happen to become decent at it? 
Well, that's just a bonus.
. Bring it on! 
. I've been there too, where exercise feels like a chore until you find a group of people who just want to have fun together 
. For me, it's all about finding activities that make you feel alive and not stressing about being the best player or achieving some sort of perfection 
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. It's all about attitude, right?
. And now I see what Karen Walrond is saying - sometimes you just gotta let go of the pressure to be perfect and just enjoy the experience 
. Who knew dabbling could be so empowering? 
! I mean, who needs to be perfect at sports when you can enjoy the social aspect and challenge yourself without pressure? It's like, what's wrong with being the worst player on the team 
!
. Like, no pressure, no expectations - just showing up and enjoying it 
.
. I'm down with that. It sounds like a great way to avoid the whole pressure-cooker thing and just enjoy life.
. And it's actually pretty liberating! No expectations, no stress. Just me and my screen or stove, having fun. Maybe this "dabbling" thing is the key to happiness?
. For me, it's all about finding activities that capture my soul (whatever that means 
. Can't say I've ever been into sports before either... but who knows, maybe one day I'll trade in my couch for a pair of running shoes 
... unlikely 
. Like, sometimes we just need to let go of our fears of not being good at something and just enjoy the process 
. Sports aren't really my thing, but I love the social aspect and the feeling of being part of a group - it's like we're all just messing around and having fun together