Kids in Sport

One thing that has ramped up in the last year(s) is my coaching of hockey.  I took up hockey again at 40 and it's given me a new lease on life, has helped my adjust to moving interstate, and has opened the way to coaching kids.

I'm currently coaching four kids' hockey teams, one at club and the rest at various schools.  My philosophy when it comes to coaching is rather simple - instill in the kids a love of hockey that will stay with them for the rest of their life!  Simple yes, achievable - I'm trying.

The whole 'winning at all costs' mentality is one I'm not focussed on.  I'm not saying winning is not a good thing, but for me when I coach I try and give each of the kids equal time, no matter what their ability, because at the end of the day they are all there to play hockey.  That's not to say I'm not competitive - quite the opposite in fact!  But when coaching kids sport one has to remember they are just kids.  There is no World Cup on the line, no sheep stations to be played for, and at the end of the day I think kids play for more than just winning.

My theory is backed up by this infographic I found, on Kids Sport in the US.  The main reason kids play sport - TO HAVE FUN!  Also quite interesting is that over 70% of kids wouldn't care if any score was kept in the game.  I'm not sure how well that would sit with some parents / supporters on the sideline.

So to all you would be coaches out there, remember at the end of the day our job is to help teach a child how to play a sport, and hopefully instill in them a love for that sport that will stay with them long into their adulthood.

Courtesy of: Broodz

I'm back

I know it has been a rather long time since I  last wrote - three years in fact!  So much has happened in that time I'm not sure where to begin.

For now all I'll say is in that time we've seen some monumental changes in our family life.  The kids are now 16 and 13, and are gorgeous teenagers who don't give us any trouble what so ever.  I constantly remind myself every day how lucky we are to have such wonderful kids.  We've moved interstate, started new jobs, travelled, and I've even ended up representing Australia for hockey.  

I'll try and be more vigilant updating this blog post, and will try and update where we are at as a family very soon.  

For Stacy

When darkness surrounds you
Engulfs you
Strangling.

When the light seems so far away
And the path to it too long,
Know that you are not alone.

Whether we're by your side holding your hand
Or far away,
Our love and support are always with you
Helping you one step at a time
Until the light shines bright
And the darkness is no more.

A new year

So 2010, what's in store for us this year?

Whatever the year holds for us it's going to have to be pretty huge to top last year.

2009 for me and the family was a year of change, of growth, surprises, strength, of learning and acceptance. Quitting my job, travelling overseas with the family for 6 weeks, taking up coaching, starting a new uni degree, being more involved with the kids, the building of friendships both new and old (and the diminishing of others) have all combined to make 2009 one of the more memorable for me in a while.

It was also a year where acceptance, love and support were paramount to understanding and embracing people for who they truly are.

A year I thought would be hard to top...

But already 2010 is shaping up to be an even bigger year.

In a week my son heads off to high school for the first time. I know it's not the most earth shattering news and happens every year, but it doesn't seem like it has been 12 years since he was born. For him it's a chance to find his way again, to make new friends and become that little bit more independent (though not too independent just yet thank you very much). For me it's a chance to step back just a little, to allow him to grow, yet be there when guidance is needed.

I'm back at 'uni' soon. That in itself will be a challenge - chemistry/biochemistry, human biology...subjects I haven't even had an inkling to think about in way too many years (ok so about 24!) Interesting times ahead in the next four months.

Am also back helping to run the hockey club, back coaching, back at the gym, maybe back playing.

But as well as the usual suspects it's also shaping up to be an even bigger year for the family, which is why I think 2010 will top 2009.

Some monumental changes are hovering in the background for us just waiting to 'escape'. Our comfort zone may soon be well and truly be shaken up, thrown in the spin cycle and spat out. It may be challenging, but it's one I'm relishing. I mean, life isn't meant to be boring and mundane - is it?

Bring on 2010!

Life's Journey

Reflections in the mirror
Fragments of the mind
Contemplation and philosophical thinking
Independent thought.

Resonation of the soul
A shifting in time
Of balance and harmony
A grounding of the being.

Awakening of the spirit
A freedom unhindered
A new path to tread
Endless possibilities to be explored.