Picking Teams

Ah yes, we remember it well. Those playground moments of picking teams, praying that we wouldn’t be picked last.

So, in the “game of life” how are we picking our personal team? Do we always pick work first, and pick relationships last? Maybe we take care of our body at the gym but we’ve blown out our emotional ACL (Ability to Cope or Laugh)? Maybe we do a great job of being busy, challenging ourselves mentally and being creative, but we recognize that spiritually, we’re losing touch with the meaning of life.

Think about all of the different parts of our lives: social, physical, emotional, intellectual/creative, spiritual and occupational. These are all dimensions of life that help us to feel balanced. This is the “team” that keeps us feeling satisfied. We often get lost in doing a stellar job in one aspect of our lives and it throws us completely off balance in another. When we are feeling drained – perhaps failing to recognize the players we are picking last – we are often out of balance. Wellness is about much more than abs of steel.

Jim Abbott, major league pitcher, known for succeeding and even pitching a no hitter despite being born with one hand, says he learned early, that even when being picked last, you still have a chance to play. Look at your line up and start to notice the team members you haven’t been giving enough attention. No person will be fulfilled long-term by allowing only their well practiced players to bat.

Sometimes we need to make a change in our lives to grow. Other times, it’s more about looking at the batting lineup of the key aspects of our lives. Start examining your team list, make some trades and practice for a winning season. Certainly, we’ll have some upsets or times that parts of our lives are on a big streak, though bringing ourselves back to the dugout and regrouping now and then is essential. I’m cheering for you! Play ball!