Youth sport seasons continue in full force without slowing down. From practice to practice, game to game, and town to town, the hustle can feel like chaos. But amidst all the busyness, remember this: just enjoy the ride — both literally and figuratively!
No matter what sport you’re involved in, a lot of time is spent traveling to practices and competitions. It’s easy to get lost in your own world during these moments — whether it’s your Air-pods, your phone, work emails, or giving your young athlete constant coaching tips. My advice? Take a step back and just enjoy the ride. There will always be time for those “other” things, but these fleeting moments won’t last forever.
Cherish the Journey as a Parent
As a parent, when I look back on my boys’ involvement in sports, I don’t dwell on specific shots, points scored, touchdown passes, wins, losses, or trophies. What stands out are the car rides, shared meals, and random detours to play mini-golf or explore a new spot. It’s the little things: the conversations, the laughter, and even discovering just how pitch-black rural Wisconsin roads get when the car lights go out (you had to be there!).
Take advantage of this precious time together. When you spot something interesting — like a giant walleye or a quirky roadside attraction — take a moment to stop and enjoy it. These spontaneous memories are the ones that will stay with you long after the final whistle blows.
A Message for Young Athletes
Young athletes, take the headphones off and be present during the trips. You might think this advice sounds crazy now, but one day, you’ll miss these car rides the most. Sports performance is important, and the lessons you learn from it will shape your future. However, the most important part of playing sports is the relationships you build — with your family, your teammates, and your friends.
So, thank Mom and Dad for driving you all over the place. Show appreciation for their effort and cherish the time spent together, even if it’s just the ride to your next game.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Ride
Life can feel like it’s stuck in overdrive, especially during sports seasons. Juggling work, homework, practices, games, dinner, laundry, and everything else on the never-ending to-do list can feel overwhelming. But whenever you can, slow down and soak it all in.
Take time to notice the sounds, the smells, the excitement, and, most importantly, the togetherness. This season of life is short, and once it’s over, those moments don’t come back often.
So whether you win or lose, remember this: just enjoy the ride!
BtL
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