Monday, March 31, 2014

Opening Day



"Opening day. All you have to do is say the words and you feel the shutters thrown wide, the room air out, the light pour in. In baseball, no other day is so pure with possibility. No scores yet, no losses, no blame or disappointment."   -Mary Schmich

A friend shared the above sentiment in reference to tonight's season opener. While the game of baseball can, on its own merits, embrace underlying themes of hope, possibility and new beginnings, the words resonated with me on a more personal level. As I continually examine and redefine my perspective on life, the idea of a day, "so pure with possibility," brightened with hope and untarnished by history - is refreshing and appealing.

My immediate reaction to Schmich's words may have been a home run… 

          Wide eyed and hopeful. In baseball. In life.

Yesterday is gone. Yes, it is quite human and healthy to reflect on the events of the past. Newton's Law tells us that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. Understanding that each decision is paired with a consequence, be it good or bad, is helpful information.  Honest reflection can provide a framework for real growth.  

"No scores yet, no losses, no blame or disappointment."

Conversely, reflection that turns to obsession or self-deprecation may propel us in the opposite direction.  I have bought into these unhealthy thought patterns on too many occasions.  And when this happens, life stops.  The reality - reflection takes very little time. Often, observations along the way are enough to reveal truth.  Learning to trust oneself and act accordingly is key to productively reflecting on the past. 

So, I googled Mary Schmich's "Opening Day," eager to hear more of her philosophical take on America's favorite pastime.  The article begins,

          If only every day were opening day.
          The blank slate. The fresh buzz. Hope as sweet as a baby's burp. 

Is it possible that every day is opening day?  While the slate may never be blank, in the context of our own process of growth, it can evolve and improve with us. Brightened with hope and untarnished by history, facing each day with our eyes and arms wide open. 

"On opening day, the past is not proof of the future."

-Jennifer Fox


http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-04-06/news/ct-met-schmich-0406-20120406_1_opening-day-peanuts-blank-slate

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