“Don’t catch it! Let the ball go,” my teammates shouted! Not every ball is meant to be caught, hit in return etc. The rules vary from sport to sport on when it is appropriate to catch, hit, or return the ball depending on the state of the ball itself. I learned these rules and lessons very young growing up in rural Georgia where football is not just a sport but a religion and baseball, volleyball and many other sports fill the days from early Spring to late Autumn.
It wasn’t until later in adulthood that I learned this rule could be applied in other life contexts. For example, where the “ball” represents some negative or uncomfortable topic, request, comment, action, etc., just because the “ball” is thrown at you doesn’t mean you have to catch it. Sometimes it is best to let the “ball” fall on the ground and not engage with it.
That is one of the simplest yet powerful tools when confronted with difficult emotional situations. For example, during the holiday season, if a relative or friend brings up an uncomfortable topic or says something offensive, especially if obviously meant to bait others into an argument or confrontational response, we all have the option of not catching the ball. Let the comment or behavior drop on the floor with no response from you. It is easier said than done sometimes I know. But it takes a lot less energy to just let the ball drop and not respond to it, and it minimizes your amount of stress and anxiety as well.
There were many times in my personal and professional life where I intentionally didn’t catch every ball. Some balls weren’t helpful or healthy for me physically or emotionally. Some balls were meant for others to catch and deal with. Some balls were out of bounds with who I am and what I believe in and want to do with my life and career. And choosing not to catch every ball resulted in less stress for me and more focus on catching the balls that really matter in the game I want to play in my life journey.
As always, I encourage you to reflect on your stories for when you didn’t catch the ball and it was ok. Think about the positive feelings you felt when not catching every ball thrown at you. And remember, during the holiday season when things can get emotionally and physically demanding and intense at work and personally, you don’t have to catch every ball.
And I am always interested in hearing and learning from all of you and your related stories because, Your Story Matters. Happy Holidays!
