It’s been a slow progression over the past few weeks, but yesterday I finally hit the wall. It was as though my entire Sunday was broken up by the 4 quarters of a football game… and my rival was the addiction to fantasy football. Can anyone relate?
1st quarter: I woke up early on a beautiful Sunday morning in Atlanta, went for a long run, stopped to have coffee at my new favorite local joint, and went to play with the 2-year-olds at my church. It was my perfect start to a Sunday.
2nd quarter: Upon leaving church, I realize ‘HOLY CRAP!’ I forgot to switch kickers on my fantasy team, and the one I had starting was on a bye week. My attitude immediately went from relaxation and having great energy, to anger and annoyance with myself for not being a more responsible ‘coach’. The only thing I could hope for, was the remainder of my team to step up and carry me through. Either way, I felt like crawling back under my covers and never getting up. I could only imagine what the other ‘coaches’ were thinking of me.
Instead, I went to visit my grandmother.
3rd quarter: The entire time I spent with my ‘Grams’ at the hospital, I could not stop thinking about how bad my attitude had become. Here I was, spending precious time with a woman I admire and adore, and my thoughts were consumed by my crucial mistake in fantasy football. After all, I needed this win in order to stay in the running for the playoffs. WHAT?!?!? I can not explain how angry and disappointed I became in myself for letting this imaginary team, with players I don’t really even know, bring me down. I wanted to find the nearest punching bag.
4th quarter: I did some thinking. On my way to visit a friend who just found out she’s pregnant, and talking with another friend who is trying with everything inside her to survive her divorce, I broke that wall down.
Fantasy football is just not that important; it will never consume my day, or directly affect my energy ever again. It is something I will put on the bottom (or maybe lower middle) of my priority list and enjoy. Assuming I make the playoffs or win the league, it will be only by the mercy of the fantasy football gods. It’s just not worth putting before the real things in life.
Alas, I won the game. (at least… the one in my own head)
Anyone else ever had a similar experience? how did you pull yourself out of it?
-Ape