Life is full of choices, but there are usually only a few moments that you can look back on and say 'My life would have gone down a completely separate path had I made a different decision.' Today was one of those moments for me, because today I declined a position as an assistant Swimming and Diving coach for a Division I program. It was the next step in my coaching career progression, at a location I was already familiar with, and would have been comfortable with the responsibilities assigned to me. It was the perfect fit, at the perfect time.
But I came to the conclusion that while coaching was natural to me and something I do enjoy, I didn't have the burning desire for it to be all that I did. At the beginning of this year, I came to the realization that I really wasn't done being an athlete yet. The goals and dreams I set and am passionate about would not be attainable while putting in the time that coaching that a Division I program requires, nor would I want to accept a job of that caliber and not commit fully to it.
So the decision came down to this; do I take the route that seems easier, where I am comfortable, have stability, and follow the clear path laid out in front of me. Or do I take a chance to follow a passion, risk my financial situation and athletic aspirations, and see where it all takes me.
I believe that Adventure is as much about experiencing and interacting with each moment of a journey, as it is about the end result and destination. This next year will truly be an adventure, where even though I have goals I hope to achieve, the story will be about the challenges and steps along the way.
But I came to the conclusion that while coaching was natural to me and something I do enjoy, I didn't have the burning desire for it to be all that I did. At the beginning of this year, I came to the realization that I really wasn't done being an athlete yet. The goals and dreams I set and am passionate about would not be attainable while putting in the time that coaching that a Division I program requires, nor would I want to accept a job of that caliber and not commit fully to it.
So the decision came down to this; do I take the route that seems easier, where I am comfortable, have stability, and follow the clear path laid out in front of me. Or do I take a chance to follow a passion, risk my financial situation and athletic aspirations, and see where it all takes me.
I believe that Adventure is as much about experiencing and interacting with each moment of a journey, as it is about the end result and destination. This next year will truly be an adventure, where even though I have goals I hope to achieve, the story will be about the challenges and steps along the way.