Are you some kind of athlete?
Bernard Hopkins in the new ESPN body issue, which I totally just got because I was curious and which I was vaguely disappointed with except for this. This quote is now my new motto.
The gods of the world with the pens say I play mental games. But, if I can convince you that I’m going to beat you and you believe me, that’s your fault.
Things I’ve Actually Said In The Last Week — That Are Ridiculous
“I’m always surprised at how big my quads are.”
“The downer is my massage guy’s in Europe.”
“I needed to do work, so I went to Target.”
“Why would I stay to hang out with people? I hate people.”
This saying occurred to me the other day, because I was thinking about everything I’ve put my body through — all the concussions, the multiple broken teeth, the stitches, the heart condition, the cuts and bruises and tears — and it’s safe to say I will not arrive at the end well-preserved. At least I’ll use up what I’ve got. At least.
Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’
Something I really wish people would stop saying — both to me and in general. Of course it could be worse. Things could almost always be worse. Lots of things for lots of people are incredibly worse. That doesn’t mean it does anyone any good to minimize someone’s pain or create an unrealistic standard of false gratitude.
You’re lucky. It could have been so much worse.
People/Athletes/Kids ask me this all the time. I don’t know. Only you can know that.
How fast should I run?
Probably what the quote should be.
What doesn’t kill you… can slowly wear you down.
Something one of the very good guys said to me at the pickup soccer game this morning. Even though I really didn’t know what I was doing after ten years of not playing. Um. OK.
You knew what you were doing. I don’t think I’ve ever played with girls who actually played.
This was from a Gatorade or Nike commercial or something. And, apparently, people thought I was serious once when I said it. I KNOW there’s lots of things worse than losing. Obviously. But, still, I tell myself this when all I want to do is lay on the floor and dream big.
What’s worse than training? Losing. What’s worse than losing? Nothing.
I’m trying to decide if this is technically true.
Everybody was nobody before they were somebody.
