A Game of Passion and Pain

This is an opinion piece. The opinions of the author do not represent what The Inquirer believes as an organization.

It’s a special feeling to find a sport you truly love. It becomes more than just a game or hobby; it becomes an integral part of who you are. Whether it’s the thrill of competition, the relationships you form along the way, or the satisfaction that  comes from challenging yourself, the sport becomes a constant in your life

My sport is everything to me. It gives me a feeling of purpose, challenges me, and thrills me. There is nothing like the sense of accomplishment I get when I finally master a talent I've been honing for weeks. No matter how worn out I am after a game or competition, the surge of adrenaline keeps me going back. And it's all worth it when you laugh with your teammates, celebrate wins, and encourage one another when you lose.

If I'm being completely honest, though, there are times when I just want to give up.

On certain days, when my body hurts and my mind is exhausted, the pressure feels unbearable. There are days when everything appears to go wrong and every error feels like evidence of my inadequacy. I occasionally question whether the sacrifices—the early mornings, the missed social gatherings, and the ongoing physical and emotional stress—are worthwhile.

I believe that all athletes, regardless of their level of passion, go through this at some point. In actuality, liking something isn't always simple. In actuality, we frequently face the greatest challenges from the things we love the most.

Why don't I give up then? Because I know in my heart that my journey is not defined by the difficult times. The joy, development, and memories I make from my sport endure a lifetime, but the challenges are fleeting. Every obstacle presents a chance to improve. Every hesitation serves as a reminder of my initial motivation.

Even though I know I won't, there may be days when I want to give up. Because my sport is ultimately a part of who I am, not just something I do.